Farmers’ Knowledge, Perception and Management practices on the Distribution of Barley Shoot Fly Delia arambourgi in Central Highlands of North Shewa, Ethiopia

Fekadu Tewolde
Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute

Muluken Goftishu
Haramaya University

Abstract

Survey was conducted in three barley producing districts of North Shewa in July and August 2021 with the objective of determining the distribution of barley shoots fly (BSF) and to assess farmers Knowledge, perceptions and shoot fly management practices related to shoot fly (BSF). Samples were collected at every 3 to 5 km intervals in 180 sample fields at each sampling field; five sample spots were randomly selected in a zigzag manner. To assess farmers’ perceptions a total of 171 barley growers randomly selected from each district who are interviewed using structured questions. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS (version 20). Survey result revealed that barley shoot fly infestation found in ranges from 10 to 50%, Highest infestation was recorded (31.7%) in Tarmaber followed by (30%) in Basonawerena and (25%) Ankober. BSF Infestation with district and altitude have slight correlation. But mean percentage of dead heart among districts ranged from 6.3% to 11.4%.  Among the major pest of barley (74.9%) of farmers identified insect, diseases, vertebrate pests and weed as economical important. Shoot fly (Delia arambourgi Segyu) was the most sever insect pest; its distribution accounts 82.8 % in Basonawerna, 79.3% in Tarmaber and 67% in Ankober. Over 55% of respondents stated that barley shoot fly damage occurred 2 weeks after emergence. Infestation rates were 53% in Basonawerena 51% in Tarmaber and 60 % in Ankober. A small proportion of the farmers in Tarmaber and Ankober (15.5%) followed by those in Basonawerna (13.4%) apply chemical insecticides for BSF control. High proportion of the farmers practiced cultural control methods to manage barley shoot fly, early sowing resulted in reduction of infestation and increase grain yield. Farmers’ perceptions and survey results suggest that to future research on sowing date and seed dressing insecticides as management practice may leads to increments in barley yields.

Keywords: Barley, Barley shoot fly Delia arambourgi, Distribution, Farmers Knowledge

Author Biographies

Fekadu Tewolde, Amhara Region Agricultural Research Institute

Muluken Goftishu, Haramaya University