| dc.description.abstract | Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) (Meloidogyne spp.) is a major constraint to tomato (Solanum
lycopersicum L.) production in sub-Saharan Africa; yet there is low adoption of recommended
nematode control measures in regions like east Africa due to inadequate farmer knowledge about the
pest and associated diseases. The objective of this study was to assess farmers’ knowledge status,
and intensity of damage of root-knot nematodes and their management practices in Kenya. A survey
was conducted in Kenya, during February to August 2021; using a semi-structured questionnaire
administered to 282 randomly selected household heads of actively growing tomato farmers, at two
elevations in three counties. Most farmers (98.9%) could not identify the disease precisely. They
mostly attributed its symptoms to moisture stress and nutrient deûciencies. Most farmers (63%)
practiced mono-cropping; while only 4.3% of farmers amended soils with manure. Respondents
preferred growing RKN susceptible tomato varieties, mainly Rio-Grande, Cal J, Onyx and Kilele FI. A
total of 92% expressed willingness to shift to RKNs resistant varieties, if recommended varieties match
their desirable characteristics. Majority of the respondents lacked knowledge on nematode
characteristics and its associated disease control. A total of 37.9% of the respondents did not use
control measures against the RKNs. There was high disease incidence, severity and galling index in
the surveyed areas. | en_US |
