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

Exercise No. 4.10 148
SPRAYING CHILI (HOT PEPPER) SOLUTION TO
CONTROL WEBWORMS AT LOW TO MODERATE
INFESTATION LEVELS IN ORGANICALLY-GROWN
CRUCIFERS
BaCKGroUND aND raTIoNalE
Some indigenous plants that are safe to humans are now
being exploited for their insecticidal properties. For example,
extract from marigold has been found effective against DBM
of organically-grown crucifers. In the Cordilleras, farmers
are using chili or hot pepper solution to control webworms
at low to moderate infestation levels in organically-grown
cabbage. The use of chili may be supplemented by handpicking
to be more effective. Some farmers claim that
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Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for Organic Vegetable Production
adding detergent as a sticker improves effectiveness of chili solution in controlling moderate to
severe webworm infestation.
Considering that webworm infestation can start as early as seedling stage and may continue almost
up to maturity of organically-grown cabbage, using safe and effective indigenous materials like chili
to control the pest will surely avoid indiscriminate use of insecticide, reduce production cost, and
improve profitability. Many farmers had unique experiences in using chili as a control strategy in
combination with other techniques that gave more outstanding results. These experiences must be
shared among farmers in FFSs to further improve current control strategies against webworms in
organic cabbage production.
How long will this exercise take?
when is this exercise most
appropriate?
ɶ In FFS, TOT, and VST
sessions, when there is a
relatively low to moderate
webworm infestation
on organically-grown
crucifers in learning field;
and
ɶ When farmers want to
learn when is it more
practical to spray chili
solution to control
webworm of organicallygrown
crucifers.
• Thirty minutes field walks, observations, hands-on, and interaction with farmers; and
• Thirty minutes brainstorming session in processing area.
148 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. pp186-188.