STUDIES ON THE TRAINING NEEDS OF EXTENSION WORKERS ON THRESHOLDS IN COTTON IPM IN ZAMBIA

A questionnaire survey was conducted to find out the information and k nowledge of extension workers on thresholds of cotton bollworms, (Heli coverpa armigera and Diparopsis castanea). A sample of 30 extension of ficers was interviewed in Southern and Central provinces of Zambia. Th e results showed crucial deficiencies in extension worker's knowledge on thresholds of key pests and their implementation in cotton IPM. Mor e than 60% extension officers were not aware of the basic information and knowledge such as thresholds of cotton bollworms, the recommended time to start scouting (weeks after germination of cotton) and the num ber of cotton plants to be examined for pest observance in each field. All extension officers indicated a desperate need for more field orie nted practical training on thresholds. The recent increase in the inci dence of aphids, Aphis gossypii as reported by 50% extension workers i s obviously due to calendar sprays of synthetic pyrethroids and the la ck of a suitable aphicide in current spray programme. Demonstrations o n the practical aspects of thresholds deserve much more attention at c ollege level and also during the in-service training. More co-operatio n in cotton IPM training for extension officers within Central and Sou thern Africa is suggested.