Farmers′ perceptions, believes, knowledge and management practices of potato pests in South-Kivu Province, eastern of Democratic Republic of Congo

Based on previous complaints and reports from farmers to researchers about potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) problems in South-Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (RDCongo), there was a need to understand farmers′ knowledge of existing insect pest problems and current management practice challenges. Such information is important for designing a suitable intervention and successful integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for the Province. Hence, using a semi-structured questionnaire, a farm household survey was conducted among 300 potato farmers in six sites belonging to 2 territories (Kabare, Kalehe) of South- Kivu Province from June to August 2015. Insect pests, diseases and price fluctuations were among the highest ranked constraints in potato production by farmers. Cutworms (Agrotis spp.), aphids (Myzus persicae Sulzer), and potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella Zeller) were the most severe insect pests in medium altitude zones (1600-1950m). Ants (Dorylis orantalis Westwood), whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius), and leafminer flies (Liriomyza huidobrensis Blanchard) were the pests of high importance reported from sites of very high altitude (2000-2600m). Major yield losses were mostly attributed to late blight (Phytophthora infestans Mont. de Bary) and or insect pests and reached 65-90% without chemical control in most study sites. On average, farmers had little knowledge about pest characteristics (bio-ecology, behavior,…). Most (71.5%) farmers were not able to correctly identify insect pest species names. Sometimes, two or more species had the same local name. There was a great confusion between damages (attacks) due to pests, diseases and environmental stresses (rains, soil nutrient deficiency) among farmers. Very few (18.5%) farmers interviewed knew with precision some insect pests. Most (80%) farmers did not know what natural enemies of insect pests and IPM were. Seasonal pest outbreak and emerging new pests were phenomenon related to previous long lasting and repetitive civil wars (1995-2016). Farmers (62.8%) perceived that invasion and emergence of new potato pests could be linked to the smoke of bullets, to climate variability and to uncontrolled introduction of new planting materials. There was a confusion between emergency and resurgence of classical pests. In some cases, there was resurgence of classical pests due to resistance to some pesticides. Resistance to pesticide was mainly because farmers were heavily applying pesticides prior to receiving advice from extension workers about wise and safer application of pesticides. The level of severity of potato pest incidence was perceived by farmers as extremely high (68.2%) as compared to the situation 20 years (1995-2016) ago. Current farmers′ main response to controlling pests in potato is to apply hazardous, high toxic insecticides that pollute the environment. The predominant control methods were use of fungicides combined (35.7%) or not (64.4%) to insecticides. Potato production in eastern DRCongo is a pesticide dependent crop, according to farmers. This lack of knowledge about environmentally friendly control methods of pests, called for training of both farmers and extension workers in insect pest identification, collection, biology, behavior, ecology, monitoring and control approaches. Empowering farmers with knowledge about insect pests is essential for the reduction of pesticide misuse and uptake of more environmentally friendly approaches like IPM and related strategies (climate smart and Bt-varieties). Field surveys would need follow-up in order to assess the actual field infestation rates and intensities of each insect pest (determine economic injury threshold per species) and develop warning/alerting methods when there are outbreaks in the potato growing zones of eastern DRCongo. There was a call for breeders to develop new varieties that are biotic- abiotic tolerant and which respond to socioeconomic desire of producers and consumers.