Adoption of management practices and impacts on major diseases among mandarin growers in Syangja, Nepal

Abstract

A study was conducted from February 2021 to May 2021 to assess the incidence and severity of major diseases of Mandarin and the management practices adopted by mandarin growers in Syangja, Nepal. Data were collected from a total of 90 mandarin-growing farmers and 25 orchards, comprising 10 from Putalibazar, 8 from Bhirkot, and 7 from Waling municipalities. Descriptive statistics such as percentage, mean, standard deviation, and range, as well as inferential statistics like the chi-square test and independent sample t-test, were employed alongside analytical tools like binary logistic regression to analyze the data. The findings revealed the highest incidences of citrus greening (27%) and foot rot (36%) in Putalibazar Municipality and sooty mold (63.75%) in Bhirkot Municipality, whereas the most pronounced severity of citrus greening and sooty mold was observed in Waling Municipality. Training, pruning, and the use of Bordeaux mixture were the major practices adopted by farmers for the management of citrus greening and sooty mold, respectively, whereas for the management of foot rot, both Bordeaux mixture and cow’s urine were used. A significant mean difference was found in average production per plant, nursery height, and marketed yield between trained and non-trained farmers. Factors such as mandarin cultivated area, farming experience, and access to technical assistance were found to influence management practices, including the application of Bordeaux mixture, the use of Jhol-mol, neem-based pesticides, and insect traps. Besides, the findings also indicate the need for targeted training programs and technical support for growers, emphasizing disease-specific management strategies.