—Cashew production and productivity has been
constrained by biotic and abiotic factors which resulted in a
large loss of revenue for both growers and the government.
Currently a parasitic weed known as Cassytha filiformis also
seems to be of economic importance in reducing cashew
yields. Due to this importance from 2006/7 season,
Naliendele Agricultural Research Institute (NARI)
conducted a field survey to assess the existence, spread and
control strategies used by farmers and this was followed by
research trials in order to address the problem. A total of
350 cashew farmers from major cashew growing areas were
interviewed. The survey findings revealed that the parasitic
weed was prevalent in most cashew farms particularly to
those villages along the coast. Existence of dodder weed was
high to those villages located close to the sea compared to
those which are far away from the sea. Also the preliminary
research findings to date revealed that there is no biological
or chemical control for the parasitic weed rather than
physical or farm management practices. Correspondingly,
several efforts have been done by NARI on awareness
creation and also control strategies.