Production Practices and Pest and Disease Problems of Tomato Farmers in Ashanti Region of Ghana

Aims: The main objective of the study was to identify the tomato production system, associated pest and disease problems and their management by tomato farmers in Ashanti Region.

Design of the Study: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted.

Study Place and Duration: The study was carried out at Akumadan, Agogo, Sabronum, Afari, Kofiase and Kumawu between March and May, 2015.

Methodology: Multistage sampling technique was used to select the respondents. A total of 120 respondents from six different sites were randomly selected from tomato farmers in the surveyed areas in Ashanti Region. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS).

Results: The tomato var. Power was found to be the most cultivated by the farmers. Majority of farmers cropped on farm sizes from 1.6 to 2.0ha. Tomato cultivation was done in March and September on ridges. All the respondents applied fertilizer to improve soil fertility. The major pests and diseases outlined by the respondents were: root-knot nematodes, fruit borers (caterpillars), whiteflies, damping-off, wilting and leaf curl. Majority of the respondents mentioned nematodes infestation (30%) as their major constraint followed by caterpillars (25%) and then whiteflies damage (20%). Also, the respondents observed fungal diseases such as damping-off and wilt (10%) and leaf curl (10%). All the respondents used either insecticides alone (5%) or combination of insecticides and fungicides (95%). None of the respondents used nematicides as control method, however, all of them used crop rotation and weeding as pest and disease management options in addition to pesticides. One hundred percent (100%) of the respondents said that insecticides and fungicides used were effective against insect pests and fungi, respectively. However, majority of the respondents (85%) stated that the used control strategies against root- knot nematodes were not effective.

Conclusion: Majority of respondents, in the surveyed sites, mentioned root-knot nematodes as their main pest problem to tomato production, followed by insect pests and fungi. The respondents used mainly insecticides and fungicides or a mixture of them to control insect pests and diseases. In addition, other management practices such as crop rotation and weeding were used. No nematicides were used by the respondents. Majority of the respondents considered management practices (crop rotation and weeding) against nematodes as ineffective methods. However, all the respondents considered use of insecticides and fungicides as an effective method against insect pests and fungal diseases, respectively. The study recommended training of tomato farmers on crop rotation systems that may be effective in reducing pests and diseases on tomato. Also, tomato farmers should be trained on pesticide usage, its safety and disposal.