Some Okra Production Decisions and Farmers’ Awareness of Meloidogyne species Infection in Two Agro-ecologies, Ghana

Abstract

A survey was conducted among okra farmers in two agro-ecologies (forest guinea savanna transition and moist semi-deciduous forest) of Ghana between August and December 2014, to assess their production decisions and awareness of the Meloidogyne species infection menace in okra. There were 240 respondents and more males (58%) than females (42%). Thirty nine percent (39%) of the farmers had no formal education and 48% had basic education. Approximately 56% had been cultivating okra for up to 10 years. Sixty four percent (64%) did not treat their okra seeds before sowing. Eighty five percent (85%) cultivated okra on commercial scale level (>3 acres). About 65% practiced sole cropping. Whilst 45, 79, 15 and 47% of the farmers responded positively to the Meloidogyne species infection awareness in okra in the Atwima Nwabiagya, Wenchi, Atebubu Amantin and Kintampo North Districts respectively, none was aware of the infection in the Ejura Sekyedumasi and Offinso North Districts. All, 61, 88, 86, 95 and 72% of the farmers in the Ejura Sekyedumasi, Kintampo North, Atebubu Amantin, Wenchi, Offinso North and Atwima Nwabiagya Districts respectively did not manage the infection. This was first survey study in exploring farmers’ awareness on Meloidogyne species infection in okra. Future studies need to be improved to include the nature of management strategies adopted if any to increase yields and reduce synthetic nematicides usage.