Pests and diseases of selected fruit crops in southern part of Ethiopia

Lukáš Machek

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

Ethiopian fruit harvests are plagued by various insect pests and diseases, which have posed a significant problem in the development sector. In most cases, people do not know how to protect their crops against pathogens. Therefore this thesis presents an overview of the most common diseases and pests on selected fruit crops in southern Ethiopia: Mangifera indica, Persea americana, Carica papaya, Annona muricata, Citrus sinensis, Citrus limon, Passiflora edulis, Musa × paradisiaca, Citrullus lanatus, Cucumis melo. And also elucidation of appropriate prevention and control methods against the most common diseases and pests. Apart from the literature review, 51 farmers were interviewed in Arba Minch Zuria woreda. The survey showed that most respondents face serious problems with prests and diseases infestation. Only 4 % applied chemicals to combat pests and diseases; most rely on preventive measures, acceptable if done correctly, or traditional plant protection methods. Most farmers used traditional preventive methods such as weed control or disposal of post-harvest residues to fight pests and diseases. However, they are keen to learn new plant protection and prevention methods, preferably in an environmentally friendly way. Despite the fact that the majority of farmers claimed to be able to identify dangerous species, they lack the necessary tools, expertise, or both to protect their crops. Interestingly, 92 % of the farmers did not think agriculture could be harmful to the environment. However, 82 % of the respondents thought that agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides or insecticides, are harmful to the environment and human health. To improve the yields of fruit species in Arba Minch, farmers should be thoroughly informed about the most common pests and diseases in their area and trained in protecting their crops. Biological plant protection strategies should be emphasised to preserve the environment and protect human health.

Abstract:

Ethiopian fruit harvests are plagued by various insect pests and diseases, which have posed a significant problem in the development sector. In most cases, people do not know how to protect their crops against pathogens. Therefore this thesis presents an overview of the most common diseases and pests on selected fruit crops in southern Ethiopia: Mangifera indica, Persea americana, Carica papaya, Annona muricata, Citrus sinensis, Citrus limon, Passiflora edulis, Musa × paradisiaca, Citrullus lanatus, Cucumis melo. And also elucidation of appropriate prevention and control methods against the most common diseases and pests. Apart from the literature review, 51 farmers were interviewed in Arba Minch Zuria woreda. The survey showed that most respondents face serious problems with prests and diseases infestation. Only 4 % applied chemicals to combat pests and diseases; most rely on preventive measures, acceptable if done correctly, or traditional plant protection methods. Most farmers used traditional preventive methods such as weed control or disposal of post-harvest residues to fight pests and diseases. However, they are keen to learn new plant protection and prevention methods, preferably in an environmentally friendly way. Despite the fact that the majority of farmers claimed to be able to identify dangerous species, they lack the necessary tools, expertise, or both to protect their crops. Interestingly, 92 % of the farmers did not think agriculture could be harmful to the environment. However, 82 % of the respondents thought that agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides or insecticides, are harmful to the environment and human health. To improve the yields of fruit species in Arba Minch, farmers should be thoroughly informed about the most common pests and diseases in their area and trained in protecting their crops. Biological plant protection strategies should be emphasised to preserve the environment and protect human health.

Keywords

Eastern Africa, fruit trees, plant health, plant protection, prevention

Keywords

fruit trees, plant health, plant protection, prevention, Eastern Africa

Language used: Czech

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 15. 4. 2022

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Ing. Olga Leuner, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Bachelor programme:
Tropical Agriculture