Investigation on the millipede damage of cassava and yam in rivers state, Nigeria: Farmers’ information

摘要

A thematic survey was conducted in Rivers State agricultural zones in order to establish the incidence of millipede and damages on cassava and yam. Information was gathered through interview using structured questionnaires. Majority of the farmers fall within the ages of 20-40 years (52.8%), male (75.3%), married (98.3%) and educated (92.7%). All the farmers cultivate cassava and yam, 100% and 76.4% respectively. Majority of the cassava farmers (75.4%) grow improved varieties (TMS 30555 and TMS 30572). The major pest reported on these crops is millipedes which eat up the early sprouting/germination succulent part of the planted cassava cuttings and yam seeds. They feed and bore holes of various shapes in the cassava roots, matured and immature yam tubers thereby predisposing them to rot and 78.1% of the respondents have no control method.