FARMER’S PERCEPTION, KNOWLEDGE, AND FARM-LEVEL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON MANDARIN (Citrus reticulata Blanco) DISEASE IN GORKHA, NEPAL

A survey was conducted in Gorkha district, Nepal, to assess the perceptions, knowledge, and farm- level management practices of mandarin-growing farmers regarding mandarin diseases. A total of 60 respondents were purposefully selected through random sampling methods and interviewed using pre-structured questionnaires. On average, each farming family had 2.6 members engaged in mandarin cultivation on approximately 7.12 hectares of land. The average experience in mandarin cultivation was 11.83 years. Findings revealed that 70.3% of farmers used Bordeaux paste or mixture, but only 61.66% were aware of the differences between the two. Furthermore, 92% of farmers possessed basic knowledge of mandarin diseases, with 65% gaining information primarily from training and seminars. Approximately 58.3% of farmers employed mechanical and chemical methods to manage mandarin diseases, which were considered a major constraint in cultivation by respondents. Among the reported diseases, Mandarin greening, powdery mildew, canker, and sooty mold were prominent. Farmers expected government support, particularly in orchard monitoring by specialists and disease management recommendations. Notably, 88.3% of farmers practiced training and pruning in their orchards, while 70% applied a Bordeaux mixture or paste. Organic manure, mainly cow manure, was the primary fertilizer source for 25% of farmers. Additionally, 92% implemented weed control measures, mainly through mulching (96.7%) and intercropping (80%).