Agroecological pest and disease control: the result of action research in agrarian reform settlement

Abstract

ABSTRACT Following the principles of action research, a participatory experimentation was carried out in an agrarian reform settlement to control pest and disease with local available resources. After a collective discussion on the problems and recommending solutions by the participants, three experiments were conducted in two gardens in the settlement. The problems identified were aphid and caterpillar in cabbages, black spot in papaya fruit and purple spot in chives. The use of EM (Efficient Microorganisms) applied to the soil controlled cabbage aphid and caterpillar and pepper extract controlled black spot. Forest litter, EM and bokashi were tested to control purple spot. Forest litter and bokashi together with EM controlled purple spot, but chive production was greater with the application of bokashi and EM. Participatory experimentation, as part of action research, was appropriate for the collective construction of knowledge about the phytosanitary problems. The research carried out can be considered an example of contextualized research, as desirable in agroecology.