Pest management
The sixth ILEIA focuses on pest management. We would like to discuss the idea of emphasize plant protection methods as one of the replacement of pesticides usage and how to develop the alternative of Integrated Pest management (IPM) methods at the small farmers level to have a better chance in farming system.
Pesticides still is considered to be the only solution for the control of pests and diseases especially in the third world countries. However, the use of pesticides caused several problems. Many pests had developed resistance to certain incecticides and its requiring either hight dosages or requently use of applications. The ecosystem is change and its destroyed natural enemies.
Table of contents:
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2 - 3written by ILEIA editorial teamThe sixth ILEIA newsletter focusses on pest management. After the previous issues on soil fertility, trees, participatory methodologies and dry land management, it is necessary to emphasize plant protection methods as another crucial part of a farming system. In this editorial we will discuss current trends in plant protection problem.
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4 - 6written by W. ZehrerIs it possible to use traditional farming methods for integrated pest management? Dr. Wolfram Zehrer of the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) discusses the importance and limitations of traditional experiences with plant protection by West African farmers. ILEIA translated his article published recently in the German book "Integrated Pest Management in the Tropics".
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7 - 9written by Gaby StollThe search for alternatives to chemical pesticides has led to the discovery and acceptance of methods that are practised in traditional agricultural systems. This knowledge, as well as that from scientific research, are valuable resources for the development of contemporary methods for natural crop protection.
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9 - 11written by Wim HiemstraCassava mealybugs threaten precarious food supplies in Africa. Jumping plant lice suck on Leucaena leaves throughout Southeast Asia. Are there natural enemies available of these pests? How long will it take before the pests will be under (biological) control? ILEIA searched for more information and consulted among various people Dr. Jacques van Alphen, ecologist of the Biological Department of the University of Leiden, the Netherlands, about the current status of research on the control of the cassava mealybugs by parasitic wasps in Africa.
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12 - 13written by Wim HiemstraThe small coffee farmers in Southern Mexico get a 10% higher price for their coffee. The reason is twofold: their coffee is grown organically and they use the profit for community development. How is coffee grown organically? ILEIA asked Hans Levelt for information and pictures. He buys the coffee in Mexico and roasts it in Amsterdam. The selling is done in Europe with the help of S.O.S., Dutch for Foundation for Development Co-operation and A.T.O., Alternative Trade Organisations, based in several European countries.
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14 - 16written by Carsten HellpapThis article comes from Carsten Hellpap, a German volunteer working in Nicaragua on IPM. He concentrates on research on such natural enemies as Bacillus thuringiensis and Neoaplectana spp., and with neem tree products. Interesting details which need to be mentioned is that the research on Neoaplectana spp. comes from traditional farmers' strategies. It was noticed (Van Huis et al. 1982) that peasants sprinkle dirt into the whorls of maize to suppress damage caused by the armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Initial research done at a field station showed no effect for this practice, so it was ignored. However, recent work with the parasitic nematode Neoaplectana spp. has shown that mixing nematodes with earth and applying this mixture to the whorls of infected corn plants resulted in up to 100% mortality of the armyworm (Hansen, 1986).
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