Ilambo - Prince of Peace - CVP Visit Report - June 10-2013

TUMAINI UNIVERSITY – IRINGA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE Companion Village Project Visit Report 5th Visit 2nd year June 10, 2013. Village Ilambo Parish Pastor Erasto Chaula Companion Prince of Peace Lutheran Attendees 15 Weather Dry and cold Reporters Gabriel, Mang’ulisa and Venance Introduction It was one of the interesting visits of the season because we met a big audience of fifteen people who asked many questions and were anxious to know some diseases which affect their crops. Purpose of the visit • To explain and demonstrate how to take yield measurement Topics 1. Went through the handouts o 5th Visit handout o Yield recording sheet 2. Demonstrations We demonstrated how to measure the 10 m row (in three different locations within the demonstration plot) for the yield determination; this was demonstrated by using a tape, counting & recording the corn plants and ears and marking the lines by breaking the tassels of corn. 3. Crop storage We instructed the villagers on how to store the crops. The advantages of storing crops for long give a farmer a chance to sell that crop when the price is high enough and also ensure food security in the household 4. Marketing We reminded them that this is the time that they should start to explore various marketing options. It's important they seek market information so as to keep up to date with the crop prices Plots information The beans were harvested and the yield was 75kg equivalent to one bag. Farmers complained of facing a problem of bean wilting/drying in the field before maturity. The corn was mature and in the drying process. It looked well except at one part where many corn stalks had seriously lodged. Close examination of the bending points of the lodged corn plants appeared grayish in color with soft tissue of the stem an indicator of fungal attack. Questions/Comments Parishioners asked many questions pertaining to plant diseases; important questions/ comments presented include: Question: One farmer brought to us a garlic plant infected with garlic rust (Puccinia) on the leaves and asked what the disease was and what can be done to stop it. Answer:The disease was garlic rust caused by fungus – Puccinia. Spray of fungicides such as Farmerzeb, Mancozeb or Maneb whichever available may reduce disease incidence, however, prevention by maintaining cultural practices were highly recommended. Question: The leaves of bean plants wilted and died before the maturity of bean seeds, what disease was that Answer: Could be disease or bean fly. To control bean fly the farmers were advised to apply thionex supplied to them by the Institute 3-5 days after bean germination and for the fungal attack they were advised to apply the fungicides mentioned for the control of garlic rust. Question: We noticed the rotting of some cobs caused by gibberella fungal attack. We advised the farmers to harvest and dry the corn thoroughly separating the infected cobs which must be destroyed. We cautioned them not to give the infected corn to the livestock because the fungus produces mycotoxins which are poisonous to animals as well. Conclusion The attendees showed a great interest of learning the farming methods which are taught.