Field Survey of Cassava Susceptibility to Termite Infestation as Influenced by Time, Scale and Management Strategy in Selected Owerri Agricultural Zones, Southeast Nigeria

Aim: In Africa, cassava provides a basic daily source of dietary energy and has gained popularity as one of the most important root crops in Nigeria especially in the Southern States. However, a thorough survey on cassava susceptibility to termite infestation in relation to time and management strategy has not received attention by farmers in Owerri (Southeastern Nigeria).

Study Design: Therefore, the need to carry out a field survey of cassava susceptibility to termite infestation as an influence by time, scale and management strategy in selected Owerri Agricultural zones.

Place and Duration of Study: The field survey was conducted in 2016 in four selected Agricultural zones of Owerri, Namely; Ezinnihite Mbaise (Zone 1), Owerri North (Zone 2), Mbaitoli (Zone 3) and Owerri West (Zone 4).

Methodology: A random selection of 30 cassava farmers from each of the study areas was made, totalling 120 respondents. Data were collected through structural questionnaire administration to the respondents on the four selected zones and were analyzed using Descriptive Statistics.

Results: Result shows that cassava stems were more susceptible to termite attack than tubers, especially during dry periods. Equally cassava devastation by termite occurred mostly at planting where newly planted cuttings suffered most. Termite infestation on cassava was more between January and May as well as between October and December. On the other hand, the use of chemical control either singly or in synergy with other non-chemical means to control termites appears to be very popular amongst respondents. Youths and mature adults were actively engaged in cassava farming, but the majority of them were unskilled by virtue of their low literacy levels.

Conclusion: Farmer education is recommended to enable the integration of pest/termite avoidance principle into termite control strategy.