Farmers’ Perspective on Insect Pests that Affect Vegetables in Protected Structures with Emphasis to Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in Lesotho

Abstract

Protected farming is one of the innovations used by farmers to control pests and climatic conditions and therefore improve yield of vegetables. However, these structures also provide an ideal environment for biotic factors such as insect pests and diseases. In this study, a survey of 60 farmers was conducted to determine the types of vegetables cultivated under protected structures, insect pests and management practices employed by farmers using structured questionnaires. Data was analysed through descriptive statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results showed that most farmers grew tomato, cabbage, swiss chard, rape and peppers. Farmers considered insect pests as the major constraint to vegetable production. The most important insect pests found infesting farmers’ vegetables were aphids (Aphis gossypii), tomato leafminer (Tuta absoluta), bagrada bug (Bagrada hilaris) and cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon). To manage these pests, farmers relied heavily on chemical pesticides which are dangerous to them and to the environment. It is therefore important to develop an integrated pest management plan that farmers can use to reduce use of pesticides.