Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for - Aseanipm ...

Exercise No. 4.03 131
HAND PICkING AS A CONTROL STRATEGY FOR BLACk
AND COMMON CUTWORMS AT LOW TO MODERATE
INFESTATION LEVELS
BaCKGroUND aND raTIoNalE
Hand picking of pests is probably one of the earliest methods
of control and still a profitable method of pest removal in
some organically-grown vegetables. Hand picking could be
employed to regulate pest infestation when detected at low
population density. The black and common cutworms, for
example, can be effectively controlled by hand picking at
relatively low to moderate infestation levels 132 .
186
Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for Organic Vegetable Production
In cabbage, when Diadegma parasitoid had effectively
reduced population of DBM (e.g., high degree of larval parasitism), hand picking at low to moderate
cutworm infestation will avoid indiscriminate insecticide application, thereby conserving Diadegma
population. Similarly, land preparation and hilling up operations in parsley and legumes expose
cutworm pupae; hence, hand picking could be a practical control strategy for cutworms. Hand
picking and using trap materials can complement each other for better control of black and common
cutworms in organically-grown vegetables, especially at moderate infestation.
Some unique practices, employed by farmers, had evolved in the Cordilleras to supplement hand
picking as a control strategy against cutworms. These experiences must be shared with others
in FFSs to further improve their current control strategies against cutworms. This exercise was
designed to address this particular concern.
How long will this exercise take?
when is this exercise most
appropriate?
ɶ In FFS, TOT, and VST
sessions, when there is
relatively low to moderate
cutworm infestation
on organically-grown
vegetables in learning
field; and
ɶ When farmers want to
learn when it is more
practical to use hand
picking in controlling
cutworms in organicallygrown
vegetables.
• Thirty minutes field walks, observations, hands-on, and interaction with farmers; and
• Thirty minutes brainstorming session in the processing area.
131 Adapted from Callo, Jr., D.P., L.B. Teofilo, and H.A. Tauli (eds). 2002. Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for Vegetable IPM, Volume II. SEAMEO
Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. pp183-185.
132 Medina, J.R. 1998. As cited in: Callo, Jr., D.P., L.B. Teofilo, and H.A. Tauli (eds). 2002. Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for Vegetable IPM,
Volume II. SEAMEO Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. 366p.