Training and demonstrations as a means of post harvest technology transfer at farm level were conducted in 5 divisions of Kitui district. The aim was to reinforce farmers＇ knowledge about storage and help them select...Training and demonstrations as a means of post harvest technology transfer at farm level were conducted in 5 divisions of Kitui district. The aim was to reinforce farmers＇ knowledge about storage and help them select proper application methods of pest control suitable for their storage. A total of 163 participants were trained in various storage pest management topics. Before each demonstration, farmers listed their common methods of mixing grain with chemical dusts. Shovel mixing on tarpaulin or wheelbarrows and in-bag stick mixing were evaluated alongside the research way of using the shovel for grain mixing and the ＂fuffle＂, a more efficient device for mixing grain with chemical dusts. Only the 1.6% pirimiphos methyl/0.3% permethrin （Actellic super dust） was used and the treated and untreated controls were stored on site in 90 kg bags. After two months, damage and live infestation were assessed in 1 kg samples drawn from each mixing method. Despite lack of uniformity of grain due to different sources, farmers were able to identify the mixing methods which gave better results. KARl methods appeared better and the fhffle was rated as an effective and labour saving tool and farmers were keen to have it fabricated by local artisans.展开更多
文摘Training and demonstrations as a means of post harvest technology transfer at farm level were conducted in 5 divisions of Kitui district. The aim was to reinforce farmers＇ knowledge about storage and help them select proper application methods of pest control suitable for their storage. A total of 163 participants were trained in various storage pest management topics. Before each demonstration, farmers listed their common methods of mixing grain with chemical dusts. Shovel mixing on tarpaulin or wheelbarrows and in-bag stick mixing were evaluated alongside the research way of using the shovel for grain mixing and the ＂fuffle＂, a more efficient device for mixing grain with chemical dusts. Only the 1.6% pirimiphos methyl/0.3% permethrin （Actellic super dust） was used and the treated and untreated controls were stored on site in 90 kg bags. After two months, damage and live infestation were assessed in 1 kg samples drawn from each mixing method. Despite lack of uniformity of grain due to different sources, farmers were able to identify the mixing methods which gave better results. KARl methods appeared better and the fhffle was rated as an effective and labour saving tool and farmers were keen to have it fabricated by local artisans.
