Eggplant after rice in Balete, Batangas: farmer survey, pest resistance screening, consumer preference and farmers' discoveries to reduce pests

Issue Date

10-2008

Abstract

This project aimed to survey the profile of the eggplant production, pest management practices and significant discoveries of farmers in Balete, Batangas. Screening of five eggplant varieties for pest resistance in farmer's fields was also conducted and the varietal preference of consumers / farmers determined. Farmers meetings and field visits were held in collaboration with the Office of the Mayor and the Municipal Agriculture Office of the Local Government Unit. Data on farmers' profile showed that 12% of the farmers own the land and majority are tenants with 0.5 ha average farm size. eggplant monoculture is practiced by most farmers and pesticide spraying is done twice weekly to control pests. Male members buy the pesticides, decide what to do with pest problems, get their knowledge on pesticides from DA technicians and dealers. Only 25% attended an IPM seminar. The off-type eggplants were resistant to insect pests and diseases while Casino was susceptible. Grafted Casino had the highest yield followed by ungrateful Casino while Abar had the lowest. The farmers were hesitant to plant and sell the off-type cultivars (A300, Abar and EG203) and only wanted to plant the Casino hybrid. Off-types were only for home consumption but not for commercial planting. Grafted eggplant (Casino-scion, EG203-rootstock) was acceptable because of the higher yield and the fruits resemble those of Casino, and moderately resistant to bacterial wilt and phomopsis. The most significant change in farmers' practices which they discovered themselves is the reduction in their pesticide spraying (only at vegetative stage) and retention of weeds in the alley which they observed to lower pest population, thus saving on pesticide cost and weeding. Some farmers also observed decreased pest incidence when they plant diverse crops inside or within the eggplant field and this had also significantly increased their income. The farmers started to copy one another's experience and at present, they not only practice reduced spraying but intercropping eggplant farmers of Balete, Batangas, having discovered what is best for them regarding farming practices, the province will continue to be known as the eggplant capital that produces consumer-friendly and environmentally-safe eggplant and other vegetables.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

22

Issue

2

Page

210

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

EGGPLANTS; PEST CONTROL; PLANT PESTS; PEST MANAGEMENT; PHILIPPINES

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