Baseline assessment of farmer perception on the prevalence of red spider mites in smallholder vegetable production systems in The Gambia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26832/24566632.2026.110207Keywords:
Farmer perception, Integrated pest management, Pest prevalence, Red spider mites, Tetranychus urticaeAbstract
Red spider mites (genus Tetranychus) are among the most destructive arthropod pests affecting vegetable crops globally, particularly in tropical and subtropical production systems. Their rapid reproductive rate, extensive host range, and increasing resistance to acaricides make them a persistent constraint to vegetable productivity. This study aimed to assess farmer perceptions of the prevalence, severity, and crop growth stages associated with red spider mite infestations in smallholder vegetable production systems in The Gambia. A baseline survey was conducted in 2015 among 60 farmers randomly selected from six villages across three major vegetable-producing regions. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results indicated that multiple vegetable crops were affected, with the highest infestation reported in okra (23.56%), bitter tomato (Solanum aethiopicum) (23.08%), and eggplant (22.12%), while tomato accounted for 9.13% of reported infestations. Infestations were most frequently observed during the flowering stage (42.31%), followed by maturity (32.69%). A majority of farmers (66.35%) perceived infestations as very severe, while 28.85% reported severe infestations. These findings confirm that red spider mites represent a significant production constraint in The Gambia. The study concludes that reliance on chemical control alone is unsustainable due to resistance development and recurring infestations. Strengthening integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, including biological control with predatory mites and the use of botanical pesticides, offers a novel and environmentally friendly pathway for sustainable management. This baseline evidence provides a foundation for future pest surveillance, farmer training, and the development of context-specific IPM packages to safeguard vegetable productivity and farmer livelihoods in The Gambia.
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