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Float Trays as an Alternative to Methyl Bromide in Tobacco Production in Hurungwe District, Zimbabwe

2014; Volume: 3; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

2307-9584

Rumbidzai Debra Katsaruware, Justin Gwembire,

Composting and Vermicomposting Techniques

The study was carried out in Hurungwe district in Zimbabwe to evaluate the feasibility as well as the challenges of using float trays as an alternative to the use of methyl bromide in tobacco production. The study made use of the qualitative and quantitative research design. Questionnaires, interviews, economic analysis and field observations were used as data collection instruments. Descriptive analysis was used in the research. The results of the study indicated that floating trays can effectively substitute the use of methyl bromide in tobacco seedling production. This is because of their accessibility, ability to produce excellent quality seedlings because of reduced insect pest, weeds and disease attack and also a reduction in labor requirement. The float trays maintain or improve productivity because the transplanting shock is reduced; when the seedlings are ready for transplanting, there is a reduction land required for seedling production as well as the cost effectiveness of the float trays. There are, however, challenges that affect the float tray system, although the challenges are outweighed by the advantages. The challenges include the technical knowhow that is associated with the float tray system. The unavailability of additional substrates, the distance to the float tray distributors where the trays are procured, high initial establishment costs and the need for farmer to stay on the farm until the seedlings are transplanted onto the field are also factors affecting the adoption of the float trays. From the results of the research, it can be concluded that float trays can substitute methyl bromide in insect pest, weeds and disease control while being environmentally friendly. It is recommended that there is need for farmer training on the use of float trays, government subsidies in initial establishment of the technique, ready supply of the float trays and decentralization of the manufacturers of float trays into tobacco growing areas.