Valoración del conocimiento de los productores de hortalizas sobre el manejo sustentable de plagas agrícolas en la parroquia Izamba

Abstract

Agricultural production constantly faces phytosanitary problems, such as pest attacks, which put crop productivity at risk. Therefore, one of the most commonly used practices for pest management is the use of chemical pesticides despite the well-known negative effects on human health and the ecosystem. In the present study, an attempt to assess the knowledge of vegetable producers about the management of agricultural pests was made in the Izamba parish. For the study, a structured survey with open and closed questions was applied to the producers. A high percentage of farmers considered that, although there are benefits derived from the use of chemical pesticides, they also pointed out negative aspects such as the need for training for their management and that they are also potentially dangerous when handling them and harmful to the environment. Also, it was evidenced that farmers know about other control alternatives, since 71% of the respondents said they applied some other pest management alternative, among which they indicated the use of cultural practices, biological control practices and/or traps with pheromones, as well as the use of homemade botanical extracts. Given the importance of evaluating the level of knowledge of farmers about the risks of the use of chemical products in the management of agricultural pests, it is suggested to develop similar investigations in different agricultural items in the province of Tungurahua in order to develop strategies of education on the best use of this strategy.