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

Exercise No. 6.05 226
SANITATION AS AN INSECT PEST AND DISEASE
MANAGEMENT STRATEGY IN ORGANIC VEGETABLE
PRODUCTION
BaCKGroUND aND raTIoNalE
Sanitation is the most common and practical cultural
management approach against most insect pests and diseases
in both conventional and organic vegetable production.
Sanitation starts with the use of clean seeds, seedlings, and
other planting materials to prevent insect infestations and
disease infections. On the other hand, pruning, roguing, and
proper disposal of affected plants or plant parts are employed
to reduce insect pest and disease incidence in vegetable
fields 227 .
336
Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for Organic Vegetable Production
Sanitation practices vary with locations and among farmers depending upon their understanding
of pest or disease problem, crops grown, and cropping season. In FFSs, these innovations and
best sanitation practices can be shared and learned among organic vegetable farmers through field
walks, observations and brainstorming. This exercise is designed to enhance learning experiences
of farmers on proper sanitation practices.
How long will this exercise take?
• Thirty minutes to one hour for field walks and observations of different sanitation practices in
adjoining conventional and organic vegetable farms of learning field; and
• Thirty minutes to one hour brainstorming session in processing area.
learning objectives
when is this exercise most
appropriate?
ɶ In FFS, TOT, and VST
sessions, when first signs
or symptoms of pest
infestation or disease
infection are observed in
learning field; and/or
ɶ When farmers want to
learn best sanitation
practices from other
farmers to minimize pest
and disease occurrence
in their organic vegetable
fields.
• To make participants aware of and understand the role of proper sanitation practices in
management of pests and diseases in organic vegetable production; and
• To learn the best sanitation practices from other farmers in minimizing pest and disease
occurrence in organic vegetable production.
226 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 75-276.
227 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. pp369-371.