Farmers’ perspectives on occurrence and management of rust and groundnut leaf spot diseases in different agro-ecological zones in Mtwara Region

Abstract

Rust and leaf spot diseases are important constraints of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production in Mtwara. This study aimed at establishing farmers’ viewpoint on occurrence and management measures against foliar fungal diseases in coastal zone (CZ) and eastern plateaux and mountain block zone (EPMBZ) of the Mtwara region. Random and purposive sampling methods were employed and a 200 farmers sample size was used. Semi-structured questionnaire was administered. About 100 farms were selected and, a square quadrat was used whereby in each square, 5 plants were assessed for disease severity and incidence. Early leaf spots (ELS) had the highest incidence (93%) and severity (49%) followed by rust (79% incidence and 35% severity). The lowest incidences and severity were observed for late leaf spot (LLS) as 71% and 30%, respectively. There was a significant difference between the farmers awareness on the fungal diseases in the two zones were significantly varied (df = 198, p = 0.033) Farmers in the CZ were more aware of rust and late leaf spot diseases than those in EPMBZ. The majority of farmers in the CZ adopted appropriate disease management measures especially the removal of volunteer plants (94%) and use of conventional tillage (29%), respectively, to reduce disease inoculum from the soil surface. The study concludes that farmers in Mtwara region differentially understand the fungal foliar diseases. The occurrence and severity of rust, ELS and LLS varied between locations suggesting there is environmental influence. Meanwhile, farmers in CZ and EPMBZ employed different disease management agricultural practices that they did not employ/adopt the use of chemical fungicides. The study recommend intercropping groundnuts with tubers and legumes, usage of certified seeds, management of crop residues, removal of volunteer plants before sowing and conventional tillage as means of rust and leaf spot diseases management options to increase groundnut yield in the Mtwara region.