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

Exercise No. 6.08 233
CROP ROTATION AS AN INSECT PEST AND DISEASE
MANAGEMENT STRATEGY IN ORGANIC VEGETABLE
PRODUCTION
BaCKGroUND aND raTIoNalE
Growing two or more crops one after another is called
succession cropping. A regular succession of such crops
being followed for two or more years is more specifically
termed crop rotation. As a cultural management strategy,
crop rotation is used with an idea that a crop susceptible to a
pest or disease is followed by a resistant crop or is combined
in simultaneous cropping with other crops. There is no
buildup of organisms to a high level since growth cycle of
organism is broken 234 .
344
Field Guide of Discovery-based Exercises for Organic Vegetable Production
In organic vegetable production, particularly in the
Cordilleras, crop rotation is the most practical management approach to diamondback moth (DBM)
of crucifers and to many soil-borne diseases of vegetables. Through time, some innovative farmers
had designed crop rotation schemes that best suit their location specific requirements. These
learning experiences must be constantly shared among farmers in FFSs to improve their current
crop rotation practices which will eventually lead to better pest and disease management strategies
in organic vegetable growing. 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, during
discussion on cultural
management practices as
a component of Integrated
Pest Management
in organic vegetable
production; and/or
ɶ When farmers want to
learn from other farmers
their best crop rotation
schemes as a pest
management strategy
in organic vegetable
production.
• Thirty minutes for field walks and observations of different crop rotation schemes in adjoining
conventional and organic vegetable fields of learning field; and
• Thirty minutes to one hour role-playing and brainstorming session in processing area.
233 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 283-285.
234 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. pp280-284.