Proceedings of the Asia regional workshop on the

Problems
Lack <strong>of</strong> awareness
The farmers have inadequate knowledge about pesticides as to <strong>the</strong>ir suitability, application
techniques and safety measures. This is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> reasons <strong>of</strong> poor pest control, environmental
pollution and health problems in some areas. Programs for guidance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> farmers in this respect are
far and few. The pesticide industry does not put sufficient resources on dissemination <strong>of</strong> knowledge
on pests, pesticides, environment and management techniques. In this area <strong>the</strong>re is great scope <strong>of</strong>
extension work in <strong>the</strong> public sector.
Identification <strong>of</strong> pest problem
The stage <strong>of</strong> a particular insect pest is extremely important while determining <strong>the</strong> need for
chemical treatment. Few insects can only be controlled at a particular stage where <strong>the</strong>y have weak
links in <strong>the</strong>ir life cycle. Care should be taken that <strong>the</strong> chemical sprays are directed where <strong>the</strong> pests
are available. Clean cultivation helps to achieve better pest control. Those farmers who pay
attention to <strong>the</strong>se points, get more yield.
Selection <strong>of</strong> pesticides
Normally selective chemicals appear to <strong>of</strong>fer an almost ideal means <strong>of</strong> pest control.
However, only a few such chemicals have been discovered and developed for commercial use. The
pesticides that are harmless to predators and parasites are ideal for IPM program. Although <strong>the</strong>ir
numbers are limited but <strong>the</strong>y are being widely recommended. Pesticides like Emamectin Benzoate,
Abamectin, indoxacarb and spinosad are known to be selective in <strong>the</strong>ir mode <strong>of</strong> action. Until more
selective pesticides are commercially available at reasonable expenses more judicious use <strong>of</strong>
pesticides should be made.
Underdosing
Underdosing <strong>of</strong> pesticides brings more harm than benefit in <strong>the</strong> shape <strong>of</strong> triggering
development <strong>of</strong> resistance in <strong>the</strong> pests. To get good control <strong>of</strong> pests, <strong>the</strong> recommended doses should
be used. Sometimes <strong>the</strong> farmers reduce <strong>the</strong> dose thinking that <strong>the</strong> pest pressure is not much.
Underdosing is helping in <strong>the</strong> resurgence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pests. The problem <strong>of</strong> pest control is exaggerated.
Insects develop resistance to insecticides more rapidly if underdosing is used. Small farmers tend to
use less dose <strong>of</strong> pesticide.
Indiscriminate use <strong>of</strong> pesticides
Plant protection has become very specific and objective oriented. It is important to identify
<strong>the</strong> problem first and <strong>the</strong>n buy <strong>the</strong> chemical o<strong>the</strong>rwise <strong>the</strong> money will go waste. Indiscriminate use
will eliminate natural enemies and cause secondary pests to develop. Field biologists have studied
<strong>the</strong> effects <strong>of</strong> improper pesticide use. The indiscriminate use <strong>of</strong> pesticides results in unsatisfactory
pest control, environmental pollution and health problems.
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