Smallholder Farmers Understanding, Disease Incidences and Management Strategies for Late Blight of Tomato in Northern Tanzania

Survey was conducted to 50 farmers and their field close to mount Meru using the Snowball approach, to assess farmers understanding of late blight disease caused by the pathogen Phytophthora infestans (Mont. ) de Bary, disease incidences and management strategies.97 % of farmers are familiar with Late blight disease, but some confuse stem symptoms with damping off diseases. Late blight symptoms in the field were observed at Mbuguni Ngarenanyuki and Himo areas, which is about 30 to 40 % of the fields visited. Incidences were reported to be higher at high altitude areas (Akeri) close to mountain than low altitude areas (Moivaro). High altitude areas of Tanzanian highlands are more affected by Late blight than low altitudes. It was also observed that, wilting diseases are more serious than Late blight in the low altitude areas (Moivaro).44 % of farmers from surveyed areas reported to experience high disease pressure between April to June.55 % of farmers prefer to grow late blight susceptible tomato variety Tanya, which we attributed to its shelf life, oval shape and being determinate. Farmers apply different types of chemical sprays to tackle late blight, with Ebony M72 (Mancozeb 640g/Kg + Metalaxyl 80g/Kg) being the most common and the cheapest in the market. Late blight is still a challenge with farmers complain about costs of control measures. Farmers agree that late blight management strategies which will reduce or remove pesticides use will be valuable. This survey gives an insight of farmers perception and current late blight situation hence vital for planning management strategies to both agrochemical dealers and tomato breeders,