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

Exercise No. 6.03 222
SURFACE IRRIGATION OR FLOODING AS AN INSECT
PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY IN
ORGANIC VEGETABLE PRODUCTION
BaCKGroUND aND raTIoNalE
In surface irrigation, water flows on soil surface, then later
seeps downward, or moves vertically (surface flooding),
moves along a canal or horizontally (furrow flooding) in soil
until it reaches roots of plants 223 . A modification of surface
flooding is basin irrigation. Ridges are constructed around
a plant or along contour lines and water is introduced into
basin. A water hose could be brought to field and water is
delivered plant by plant, when basin is on a plant-basis. In
330
Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for Organic Vegetable Production
both conventional and organic vegetable production, flooding is a very important cultural practice
for pest and disease management.
Flooding kills eggs, larvae, and some adults of soil-inhabiting insect pests, helps control weeds, and
reduces population of some soil-borne fungal pathogens, and nematodes but may hasten dispersal
of some bacterial diseases. In farmer field schools (FFSs), innovative farmers can share their best
experiences in using flooding as a pest and disease management strategy in organic vegetable
production. Through participatory, discovery-based, and experiential learning approaches, farmers
can further adapt their best irrigation practices to improve crop productivity, hence this exercise.
How long will this exercise take?
when is this exercise most
appropriate?
ɶ In FFS, TOT, and VST
sessions, as component of
topic on ‘Integrated Water
Management’ in organic
vegetable farming; and
ɶ When farmers want to
learn from other farmers
their innovative practices
in flooding as a pest and
disease management
strategy in organic
vegetable production.
• Thirty minutes to one hour for field walks and observations of different practices in flooding by
organic farmers in adjoining fields of the learning field; and
• Thirty minutes to one hour brainstorming session in processing area.
222 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. pp 269-271.
223 Bautista, O.K. (ed). 1994. Introduction to Tropical Horticulture. 2 nd Edition. SEAMEO Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture
and University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines. pp326-330.