Abstract
Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) serves as a source of income to smallholder spice farmers in Morogoro district of Tanzania. Recently, spike shedding and stem wilting of pepper plants were reported to cause about 30% yield loss of the crop. This study was undertaken to identify the causal agent(s) of the problems. Three pepper gardens in each of the four hamlets (Nyange, Doga, Tandai, and Lukenge) in Tandai village (Kinole ward) were surveyed, and plant tissue and soil samples were collected for laboratory analysis. An experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Pepper cultivars, Babu kubwa, Babu ndogo, Babu kati, and Ismailia grown in the study area, were used as treatments for evaluation of the prevalence of spike shedding and stem wilting. Treatments mean separation was conducted based on Duncan’s multiple range test atp=0.05. Regression (R2) and simple correlation (r) analyses between stem wilting (incidence and severity) and termite pest infestation were performed. The identified pathogen in most of the soil and plant tissue samples was Fusarium oxysporum. The nutrients, N, P, Mg, and Cu, concentration in soil and leaf samples was below the optimal ranges. Termite attacks were significantly high in some farmer’s gardens where up to 50.5% of the pepper plants was damaged. Hence, a significant positive correlation was observed between termite pest infestation in gardens and both incidence (r = 0.881, R2 = 0.74,p<0.001) and severity of stem wilting (r = 0.918, R2 = 0.84,p<0.001) of pepper plants. Most of the termite attacks and damages (70%) were observed on pepper plants supported on silver oak, unlike those trained on Jatropha. A higher percentage of undeveloped berries (36%) and intermediate-size berries (34%) was recorded on cultivars “Babu kati” and “Babu kubwa,” respectively. Multiple factors have been associated to be the causes of spike shedding and stem wilting of pepper, which could be used to develop appropriate control solutions useful to farmers. Confirmation of F. oxysporum pathogenicity is recommended. A comprehensive study is suggested on the repellent or lethal activities of Jatropha against F. oxysporum and termites. Furthermore, studies through field experiments are needed to generate site-specific soil nutrient improvement recommendations and design an integrated approach to control F. oxysporum and termites and to determine existing alternative host plants for these pests.
Highlights
Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is one of the most important agricultural commodities and traded spices in the world [1]
Study Site. e study was conducted in Tandai village (Kinole ward) in Mkuyuni division, Morogoro district, between April and September 2019. e village is located at 6°54′S, 37°45′E. e area experiences a bimodal rainfall pattern with short rains between late October and the end of January and long rains between February and May, while a dry season is experienced from June to mid-October. e area receives monthly precipitation ranging from 6 to 66 mm and mean monthly minimum and maximum air temperature range of 17–20°C and 27–31°C, respectively [20]
Based on the number of plants and varieties grown, three pepper gardens were sampled in each of the selected hamlets for the establishment of the causes of spike shedding and stem wilting of pepper plants. e study utilized the participatory action approach where farmers were involved at every possible stage during the farm survey and sample collection [21]
Summary
Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is one of the most important agricultural commodities and traded spices in the world [1]. It serves as a cash crop with a diverse industrial and domestic uses. Pepper is used in food and drinks for imparting agreeable flavor and aroma and as a preservative. It is used in the production of essential oil for the pharmaceutical and perfumery industries [2]. It is an important cash crop to smallscale farmers along the slopes of Mountain Uluguru in Morogoro district. In most part of the world, pepper cultivation is limited by a number of factors
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