Knowledge and Practices of Agricultural Extension Officers in Management of the Invasive Tuta Absoluta Meyerick (Gelechiidae) in Tanzania

Tomato leaf miner is native pest of South America and one of the most serious pest of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and solanaceous plants. In Tanzania tomato is one of the most important nutritious vegetable crop and source of income (FAO 2012). Training of agricultural extension officers on sustainable management of invasive species like Tuta absoluta, especially training of trainers (ToTs) is crucial to equip them with adequate and appropriate knowledge about the pest. The report was developed during T. absoluta workshop held at TPRI in July 21, 2015 where by a total of 100 extension officers from three regions namely (Arusha, Kilimanyaro and Manyara) of northern Tanzania were randomly interviewed to assess their knowledge and practices on management of T. absoluta. The results revealed that (85 %) of the respondents were aware of the T. absoluta as a major problem in most tomato growing areas. Additionally, of the total respondents (90 %) indicated poor knowledge on identification, detection and management. Therefore, the need for TOT training to extension officers was a sustainable mitigation measures to manage T. absoluta in tomato growing areas.