Assessment of root knot nematodes (meloidogyne spp.) preferences to commonly grown tomato varieties in Mvomero district
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Date
2022
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Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Root-knot nematodes (RKN) are among serious biotic constraints to tomato growers in
Tanzania but relatively overlooked. This necessitated to conduct a survey to capture pre-
existing knowledge of growers on RKN in Mvomero Disrict, Morogoro, Tanzania.
Multistage sampling procedure was used to obtain respondents for interiew. Semi-
structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 100 randomly selected
respondents in Mlali (33), Doma (33) and Dakawa (34). Data were collected on socio-
economic status, awareness of respondents on RKN, tomato varieties grown, seed sources
and yield. Results indicate that there was a significant variation (p = 0.01) in awareness on
RKN across categories of respondents. However, 59% of respondents were not aware of
RKN. There was a significant correlation between farming experience and yield of tomato
(p < 0.001), Farming experience and awareness of RKN (p < 0.001) and between yield
and knowledge on RKN resistant tomato varieties (p < 0.008). Popular tomato varieties grown by farmers were Rio Grande (14%), Cal J (18%), Roma (10%) and Tanya (16%)
while hybrids were Imara F1 (19%), Assila F1 (15%), Jarrah F1 (2%), Zara F1 (3%),
Kipato F1 (2%) and Anna F1 (2%). Seventy five root and 75 soil samples of tomato plants
at flowering/fruiting stage showing stunting, chlorosis and wilting signs were collected
from fields located at least 1km apart in Mlali, Doma and Dakawa. Samples were
collected about 25 cm deep using a shovel, packed in sterile plastic bags, labelled and
transported to TARI Kibaha Nematology laboratory for RKN analysis. Results revealed
the significant prevalence (p = 0.002) and incidence (p < 0.001) of RKN. Despite the
occurrence and damage caused by RKN in tomato in the study areas, only one percent of
respondents recognised RKN as a serious problem. Awareness campaign on RKN will
facilitate farmers’ consciousness of their existence and management.
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Meloidogyne spp, Mvomero, Tomato genotypes, Root Knot Nematodes