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

materials
264
Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for Organic Vegetable Production
• Organic vegetable field suspected to be infested with golden cyst nematodes;
• Field supplies (e.g., fine mess nets or sieves # 10, 20, and 30, magnifying lens [10x], plastic bags
for specimens, farming tools, bowl and water); and
• Office supplies (e.g., Manila paper, marking pens, and masking tapes).
methodology
• Field walks, hands-on, and brainstorming
steps
1. Divide big group into five small groups. Go to the field and observe plants showing symptoms
of golden cyst nematode infestation. In suspected nematode infested field, gather soil samples
with plant. With aid of fine mess nets or sieves # 10, 20 and 30, wash soil samples until semiclear
water solution is obtained. With the finest sieve, collect water solution and place in clean
and transparent glass vial.
2. Have water in vial settle down for 20 minutes or wait until particles are already settled. With
the aid of 10 x-magnifying lenses, observe squirming pechay seed-like golden cyst nematodes.
List down observations in small groups.
3. After observations, conduct participatory discussions in a big group to allow sharing of
experiences among participants and facilitators. Synthesize and summarize output of small
groups into one big group output. Draw up conclusions and recommendations from this
exercise.
some suggested questions for processing discussion
❏ Have you seen any squirming pechay seed-like structures?
❏ Can you explain or describe (e.g., color, structure, appearance, size, etc.) what you saw to the
group?
❏ What symptoms were expressed in plant by golden cyst nematode infestation?
❏ What were the possible sources of pest infestations? How are they transmitted?
❏ How can we avoid infestation of golden cyst nematodes in our organic vegetable fields?
❏ What cultural management practices can be undertaken to prevent golden cyst nematode
infestation in organic potato fields?