Use and management of pesticides in greenhouses in the northern region of the state of Puebla, Mexico

Abstract

A census on the use and management of pesticides in greenhouses in Chignahuapan, Puebla, Mexico was conducted through the application of a questionnaire to 31 day-laborers working on a surface of 57 732 m 2 in greenhouses, representing 100% of the total area of the 2011 agricultural season . Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data obtained. The results show that 100% of the day-laborers use pesticides. Carbamates and mancozeb were the most used chemical group and pesticide, respectively; it was found that 82.7% of users applied a mixture of these compounds. One hundred percent does not use full personal protective equipment, 10.3% have presented poisoning symptoms, and 75.8% incinerate pesticide containers inside the greenhouse. The results demonstrate the need to propose, develop, and implement strategies that lead to a better use and management of pesticides in greenhouses.