International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 223-236 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 235 test was performed to determine the association. The chi square value was 21.315 and p value = <0.001, significant at 1% level of significance. This result signifies that the association between IPM training and knowledge about TLM Pheromones is statistically significant. Table 21 Association of IPM Training on use of insect net used by farmers in Godawari, Lalitpur Use of insect net IPM training Total Yes No Yes 12 18 30 No 6 34 40 Total 18 52 70 Source: Field survey (2023) Table 22 Association of IPM Training on knowledge about TLM Pheromones on farmer’s level in Godawari, Lalitpur Knowledge about TLM Pheromones IPM training Total Yes No Yes 14 10 24 No 1 31 32 Total 15 41 53 Source: Field survey (2023) 4 Conclusion The study conducted in Godawari municipality, Lalitpur, highlights significant insights into tomato cultivation and pest management strategies among local farmers. Despite the high tomato productivity in Lalitpur compared to national averages, the infestation by Tuta absoluta, a major pest, poses severe challenges. The study reveals that 80% of farmers experience Tuta absoluta infestations, causing substantial yield losses ranging from 10% to 90%, with an average loss of 56.52%. Notably, only 19% of farmers are aware of the pest's life cycle, indicating a critical gap in knowledge. Among the control measures, botanical methods emerged as the most effective, with 71.4% of farmers employing them, followed by mechanical methods such as traps and insect nets. Chemical pesticides are used by 35.7% of farmers, while biological methods are absent due to a lack of knowledge. This study underscores the urgent need for enhanced farmer education on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Tuta absoluta's life cycle. Future research should focus on developing and disseminating effective IPM strategies and increasing awareness and training for farmers to better manage and mitigate the impact of Tuta absoluta on tomato crops. Authors’ contributions SA designed and implemented the survey, collected data, interpreted and analyzed the results, and wrote the manuscript. SGS, RK, and DS analyzed data, interpreted the results, and contributed to writing the manuscript. SA and RG collected data and prepared the manuscript. SM evaluated and edited the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Acknowledgement We would like to acknowledgement Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal and Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project, Project Implementation Unit, Vegetable zone, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur for this constant support and guidance during the research period. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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