Frequency Of Pesticide Application Research Articles

Agricultural intensification increases farmers' income but reduces food self‐sufficiency and bee diversity: Evidence from southeast Mexico

AbstractThe tropical region of Hopelchén, southeastern Mexico, is a place of high contrasts in terms of the agricultural intensity of production systems and landscape configuration: It presents enormous areas of conserved forest and at the same time the highest rate of deforestation in Mexico. The consequences of agricultural intensification in this region are the subject of our research. We surveyed 80 farmers, whom we grouped into seven types, and developed an index of agricultural intensity based on sowing intensity, frequency of pesticide application and frequency of tractor use. We evaluated the economic potential and added value for farmers, such as food security and self‐sufficiency, as well as bee diversity in the agricultural intensification gradient. Our results show that agricultural intensification generates higher added value, but not economic potential, and does not necessarily lead to higher food security. However, it does negatively affect bee diversity and pollination potential, which compromises the sustainable development of the region.

Identifying factors determining the quality of mango: a design of experiments assessment

PurposeDue to the recent disruptions caused by COVID-19, global supply chains are stress tested. The affected supply chains have interfered with market tonnage prices for the yield of perishable products like mangoes that are highly dependent on their quality. This research, through empirical findings, thus determines and comprehends the factors influencing mango quality (size).Design/methodology/approachA framework is developed for finding the potential factors of quality building on the previous literature and studies on the available topic. The data collection included face-to-face interviews comprising 240 farmers, hired managers and preharvest contractors in India's Jangaon, Rangareddy and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri districts of Telangana state. The data analysis is done using multiple regression, and the outcomes form the basis of the design of the experiments model.FindingsThe empirical insights support that the quality of mango is affected by factors such as the number of picking cycles, the cost of fertilizer, the variety of fertilizers used, the variety of pesticides used and pesticide application frequency. The direct implications are the benefit to farmers in improving mango quality and maximizing profit per yield cycle.Research limitations/implicationsTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, the first research that has specifically focused on holistically improving the quality(size) of mangoes.Originality/valueThe findings contribute to the perishable supply chain literature, specifically to the mango study, to comprehensively showcase the factors impacting the quality of mangoes and provide guidance to farmers regarding orchard practices.

Mixed Use of Chemical Pesticides and Biopesticides among Rice–Crayfish Integrated System Farmers in China: A Multivariate Probit Approach

Biopesticides are perceived as a feasible alternative to chemical pesticides, providing an effective approach to pest management while mitigating the undesirable effects of chemical pesticide overuse. Yet, due to the distinctive attributes of the two types of pesticides, farmers often adopt a combination of both. This study aimed to probe the interdependent relationship underlying the mixed use of chemical pesticides and biopesticides by farmers in the rice–crayfish integrated system (RCIS) in Hubei province, China. We also sought to identify influencing factors and associated consequences of this practice. Given that the adoption of chemical pesticides and biopesticides by farmers is not mutually exclusive, a multivariable probit model was utilized to estimate simultaneous pesticide applications. Survey data from 736 RCIS farmers revealed that 10.50% of the sample farmers employ a combination of chemical pesticides and biopesticides. A substitution relationship was observed between the adoption of chemical pesticides and biopesticides by farmers, whereas no significant complementary relationship was found in the application of the two types of pesticides. The primary motivation for the mixed use of pesticides by farmers is to achieve superior pest control efficacy. Notably, when integrating the use of pesticides, farmers pay less attention to factors such as resource endowments and multiple production objectives. Further analysis indicated that farmers display significant concern for pesticide attributes including insecticidal efficacy, toxicity, insecticidal spectrum, and validity period. The mixed use of pesticides has resulted in a decreased frequency of pesticide application but has escalated the cost. While the mixed use of pesticides elevated the selling price of rice, no significant improvement was observed in yield and output value. The insights garnered from this study offer strategic implications for policymakers on how to enhance the judicious adoption of pesticides by farmers.

The economic effects of unmanned aerial vehicles in pesticide application: evidence from Chinese grain farmers

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are a recent innovation in precision agriculture technology. They are being used in a wide range of agricultural practices, whereby pesticide application is one of the most common uses of UAVs in China’s agriculture. However, the economic effects of UAVs in pesticide application have not been sufficiently investigated. To address the gap, this paper used propensity score matching to evaluate the economic effects of UAV adoption on outcome variables including revenue, pesticide costs, time spent on pesticide application, and pesticide application frequency based on a dataset covering over 2000 grain farmers across 11 provinces of China. Furthermore, generalized propensity score matching was used to evaluate the heterogeneity of outcome variables arising from differing UAV adoption intensities. The empirical results show that adoption of UAV increased revenue by approximately 434–488 dollars per hectare and reduced the time spent on pesticide application in the range of 14.4–15.8 h per hectare. Depending on the area with use of UAVs for pesticide spraying, UAV adoption has heterogeneous impacts on grain farmers’ revenue and the time spent on pesticide application. In terms of marginal revenue and marginal time spent on pesticide application, the optimal area with use of UAVs for pesticide spraying is estimated to be 20 hectares of arable land.

Dynamics of a Double-Impulsive Control Model of Integrated Pest Management Using Perturbation Methods and Floquet Theory

We formulate an integrated pest management model to control natural pests of the crop through the periodic application of biopesticide and chemical pesticides. In a theoretical analysis of the system pest eradication, a periodic solution is found and established. All the system variables are proved to be bounded. Our main goal is then to ensure that pesticides are optimized, in terms of pesticide concentration and pesticide application frequency, and that the optimum combination of pesticides is found to provide the most benefit to the crop. By using Floquet theory and the small amplitude perturbation method, we prove that the pest eradication periodic solution is locally and globally stable. The acquired results establish a threshold time limit for the impulsive release of various controls as well as some valid theoretical conclusions for effective pest management. Furthermore, after a numerical comparison, we conclude that integrated pest management is more effective than single biological or chemical controls. Finally, we illustrate the analytical results through numerical simulations.

Control efficiency and mechanism of spinetoram seed-pelleting against the striped flea beetle Phyllotreta striolata

The striped flea beetle (SFB, Phyllotreta striolata) can cause serious harm to cruciferous crops in both the larval and adult stages. Presently, there are no other sustainable alternatives to the use of chemical pesticides for controlling SFB infestation. In this study, the use of a seed-pelletized coating of spinetoram effectively reduced the numbers of SFB and its feedings on the flowering cabbage seedlings, whereas, in combination with the insect-proof net, it controlled the SFB infestation throughout the cabbage growth period. The analysis of the pesticide residues in soil and different cabbage parts indicated the degradation dynamics of spinetoram. The concentration of spinetoram in cabbage parts decreased over time, while increased first and subsequently decreased in soil. Furthermore, estimation of the half-life of spinetoram revealed that via seed-palletized application spinetoram half-life was found to be 2.82 days in soil, 4.21 days in the root, 5.77 days in the stem, and 3.57 days in the leaf, respectively. Both the lower pesticide residues and the half-life of spinetoram in soil and cabbage parts suggested it to be a promising environment and food-safe pesticide in controlling SFB. Moreover, the seed-pelletized coating ensured a sustainable release of spinetoram that can reduce the pesticide application frequency and be cost-effective and pocket-friendly for the farmers.

Development of a screening method for selected pesticides in apples by direct injection ESI/MS

Apple production is highly dependent on pesticides since the usage of these chemicals ensure satisfactory crop yields. The extent and frequency of pesticide application, along with their health risk maintain the need to monitor pesticides residue amount in food. Nowadays pesticides analysis methods are mainly quantitative and implement the usage of both GC/MS and LC/MS. The aim of this investigation was to establish a screening ESI/MS method with direct injection as the major feature. The method is simpler than usually applied methods so it can be employed as the first stage in pesticides analysis. Screening can be performed within 13 min with no more than ∼300 μL of sample extract. Established detection limits are below pesticides MRLs.

Comparative Analysis of Productivity and Pesticide Application in Net House and Open Field Vegetable Cultivation

The present study examined productivity, expenditure on pesticides and concentration of pesticide residue in vegetables cultivated under the net house and open field systems. It was based on primary data collected from 120 vegetable growers consisting of 60 net house vegetable cultivators and 60 open field cultivators in Punjab state. The vegetable cultivation was more remunerative in a net house than the open field situation, mainly due to higher yield, the higher price received, and the lesser frequency of pesticide application. The net house technology successfully achieved its objective of improving the income of vegetable growers and making the vegetables fit for consumption.

Practice and effect of pesticide use on farmers' health in Sindh, Pakistan.

To identify the frequency and mode of pesticide application, its adverse health effects, and to assess farmers' knowledge and practice of precautionary measures. The cross-sectional study was conducted in Matli, Badin in the Sindh province of Pakistan from February to April 2020, and comprised farmers. Data was collected through face-to-face interview using a validated questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Of the 332 farmers, 329(99.1%) were males. The overall mean age was 31.18±12.79 years (range: 21-30 years). Also, 269(81%) of them had not attended formal schooling, and the mean duration of farming practice was 1.64±0.859 years.` Further, 136(41%) participants did not follow the recommended frequency of pesticide application, accidental ingestion was reported by 208(62.7%) participants, and inhalation by 203(61.1%). Dumping of pesticide containers in open fields was a common practice for 247(74.4%) subjects, and 223(67.2%) showed interest in safety training sessions. Farmers of Sindh were found to be seriously exposed to pesticide risk because of inadequate knowledge.

Identification of Factors Affecting Decisions to Adopt Pesticides at Lowland Rice Farms in Indonesia

Pesticides have been widely adopted in the farming industry to control weeds, pests, and diseases in order to minimize yield losses and maintain the quality of lowland rice products; however, farmers often over-apply pesticides. This study analyzed key factors that affected the decision of lowland rice farmers in adopting pesticides and the frequency of pesticide application. A double-hurdle model was used to estimate the factors that affected the decisions of farmers to adopt pesticides and determine the frequency of pesticide application. These results demonstrate that the adoption of pesticides was high (86%) at lowland rice farms in the study area. Lowland rice farmers were found to apply pesticides an average of eight times. Gender, age, education level, access to extension, farming experience, and access to credit significantly affected the decisions of farmers to adopt pesticides in controlling weeds, pests, and diseases at lowland rice farms. The independent variable also significantly affected the frequency of pesticide application. Towards the goal, government and non-government organizations had to increase human resources through education, agricultural extension services to young farmers had to be improved. Specifically, extension material was provided on environmentally-friendly methods of controlling weeds, pests, and diseases and other alternatives to reduce the use of pesticides at lowland rice farms.

A potential pesticides exposure index (PPEI) for developing countries: Applied in a transboundary basin.

The potential risk of pesticide exposure in developing countries needs further study as data are limited and simple tools to assess the risks on human health and the environment caused by pesticides are lacking. This article introduces a potential pesticides exposure index (PPEI) as a modeling tool to assess the risk of human and environmental pesticide exposure in agricultural basins. The PPEI is based on a number of factors including: human population centers and their proximity to agricultural crops, the toxicological properties of pesticides, and their application frequency. The index was applied to a region in southern Ecuador (approximately 7200 km2 ) where corn, rice, and sugarcane are the predominant crops, and where hot spots with the highest vulnerability to pesticide residues were identified. Of the total of 5326 neighborhoods for the entire study area, 1030 had high, 1124 had medium, and 1009 had low PPEI scores. Among the practical uses of PPEI are to help to assist regulatory agencies and academics evaluate the effects of land use policies on pesticide vulnerability. Also, it can be easily expanded to include other parameters, such as data from other agricultural crops, or frequency of pesticide application. The PPEI can be a valuable indicator of risk of pesticide exposure, as it is reliable and applicable to developing countries, where data and resources are limited. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:187-197. © 2021 SETAC.

Impact of pesticide application in high frequency on stomatal number at local shallot in Palu Valley

Small farmers typically produce shallot with a high frequency of pesticide application and its habit poses several ecological and environmental consequences. In this research, we evaluated the effect of pesticide application in different frequency (high, moderate and low) on shallot stomatal number and opening in Palu Valley, Central Sulawesi. By comparing in the low application, the moderate frequency with less than ten applications increased stomatal number about 1.9% and high rate with more than ten applications per two months of shallot plantation period augmented about 18.7%. While the length of stomatal opening increased about 18.2% with moderate and decreased about 32.6% with the high rate of application. Then, the width of the stomatal opening decreased about 0.6% and 17.5%, respectively. This data indicated that the application of pesticide, especially in high - frequency increase stomatal number and decrease stomatal opening area with potential for inhibiting shallot growth.

Do large-scale farmers use more pesticides? Empirical evidence from rice farmers in five Chinese provinces

It is of great theoretical and practical significance to understand the rules of the differences in pesticide use behaviors between large-scale and small-scale farmers, so as to regulate the behavior of farmers differently and improve the quality and safety of rice. The overall pesticide use behavior of large-scale farmers was characterized by large doses and high application frequency, while that of small-scale farmers was characterized by small doses and low application frequency. The econometric test showed that (i) the proportion of staple food ration has a significant negative impact on the single dose exceeding the standard and pesticide application frequency of small-scale farmers, and the increase of the proportion of staple food ration will reduce the demand among small-scale farmers for pesticides; (ii) yield effect has a greater impact on the frequency of pesticide application by large-scale farmers, and the large yield effect will increase the frequency of pesticide application among large-scale farmers. Therefore, in pesticide use behaviors, large-scale farmers should reduce pesticide quantity and increase efficiency, while small-scale farmers improve the level of plant protection.

Pesticide use data for emission modelling: A case study on the Upper Citarum River Basin

Information on pesticide use types and pesticide use are needed to estimate pesticide emissions in the surface water. Unfortunately, these data is either limited or even non-exist in most lowand middleincome country like Indonesia. This problem is considered a missing link in the water monitoring system, especially in the emission estimation model approach. To overcome that problem, a questionnaire survey about pesticide use by the farmer was conducted in the Upper Citarum River Basin (UCRB) agriculture area. The survey result showed that 31 pesticides were used by farmers in UCRB, with pesticide type of insecticide (58%) as the most used by the farmers. Overall, Profenofos and Mancozeb had the widest used in UCRB. For rice crops, as the broadest agriculture area in UCRB, Carbamates and Pyrethroid-based insecticides such as Carbofuran and Deltamethrin were the most frequently mentioned pesticides of the farmers. The variation in application frequency influenced the amount of pesticide use for each crop. In general, the frequency of pesticide application for vegetables was higher (from 7-10 times/ month) than rice and tubers (≤ 1 time/ month).

The South America Tomato Leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), Spreads Its Wings in Eastern Africa: Distribution and Socioeconomic Impacts.

Following the arrival of Tuta absoluta Meyrick in the eastern African subregion in 2012, several studies have shown numerous ecological aspects of its invasion. We investigated the impact of T. absoluta on people's livelihoods across four counties of Kenya. Here, 200 farmers in the country were interviewed in person using semistructured questionnaires. In addition to livelihood surveys, T. absoluta distribution was mapped between 2016 and 2018 to determine its current distribution across four countries (Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda) in the subregion. Albeit a recent invader, T. absoluta is abundant and distributed throughout the subregion and is viewed as the worst invasive alien species of agriculturally sustainable livelihoods by tomato farmers. The arrival of T. absoluta in the subregion has resulted in livelihood losses and increased both the cost of tomato production and frequency of pesticide application. We recommend the implementation of biological control along, with other control measures in an integrated approach, against T. absoluta in the subregion, where its impact on sustainable livelihoods is serious and long-term control strategies are required to curb its detrimental effects.

Farm-level impacts of eggplant integrated pest management: a stochastic frontier production function approach

ABSTRACTIntegrated Pest Management (IPM) has been widely adopted in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) production, but rigorous impact studies of IPM is limited in tropical, developing, countries. The study employed the stochastic frontier production function and propensity score matching (PSM) to measure farm-level impacts of IPM technology adoption. A total of 283 farmers were interviewed in 2015. It was determined that adoption of IPM did not affect yield and technical efficiency (TE) level of eggplant growers. Mean technical efficiency was similar for adopters (0.66) and non-adopters (0.65). Adoption of IPM reduces the frequency of pesticide application (35.13%) and pesticide cost (Tk. 11,100), Tk. is Bangladeshi currency, 1 USD = Tk. 80, and IPM adopters maximize profit by reducing cost. Due to a higher profitability, IPM technology for eggplant production can improve income to the growers.

Economic and Environmental Impact of Pesticide Use in Conventional Cotton and Bt Cotton

The present study studies the environmental and health effects of chemical pesticide use and quantified by using the Environmental impact quotient method (Kovach 1992). In order to compare the Environmental impact quotient (EIQ) a study was made on Bt and conventional cotton farmers in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. The study revealed that bollworm incidence was highly reduced in Bt cotton cultivation especially in fruiting stage of American bollworm and Pink bollworm. The quantity and frequency of pesticide application was also reduced in Bt cotton cultivation especially the quantity with a proportion of 93.61 per cent. The expenditure for the pesticides was high in conventional cotton as compared to Bt cotton by 77.19 per cent. The perception of farmers towards economic, environmental and social aspects favoured Bt cotton. The total environmental impact for conventional cotton with EIQ field rating was 157.76. The total environmental impact for Bt cotton with EIQ field rating was 16.23. Total environmental impact for pesticides in Bt cotton was low by 89.52 per cent as compared to conventional cotton due to the reduction of pesticides used for controlling Bollworm in Bt cotton. Hence farmers have to be educated about the ill effects of over use of plant protection chemicals in conventional cotton and to adopt the Bt farming technology to reduce the effect of pesticides on environment and ecosystem by conducting awareness programmes and crop seminars by the Agriculture Department.

Market incentive, government regulation and the behavior of pesticide application of vegetable farmers in China

Pesticide residue has been one of the most serious problems for the vegetable quality and safety in China. Based on the survey of vegetable farmers in Jiangsu, Shandong and Anhui Provinces, this paper studies the behavior of vegetable farmers on pesticide application, compares the impacts of the government regulation and the market, and further investigates the influential factors of the premium perception associated with the quality and safety of agricultural products. Results show that currently it is relatively rare for vegetable farmers to apply pesticide according to standards in China. Given the frequency of pesticide application, the market incentive factors affect the behavior of vegetable farmers on pesticide application more effectively compared to the impact of the government supervision. However, the government regulation impacts the premium perception associated with the quality and safety of agricultural products, that is, government regulation provides a better environment for the market incentive. Therefore, it is essential to create the synergistic effect of government regulation and market incentive to regulate the behavior of vegetable farmers on pesticide application.

Impact of organophosphate exposure on farmers' health in Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta: Perspectives of physical, emotional and social health.

Objective:The exposure of organophosphate could be caused by the absorption in some parts of the body like skin and breath. Toxicity may cause nausea, vomiting and dizziness which are not too specific related with the pesticide toxicity. The purpose of this study is to understand the association between organophosphate exposure and farmers’ health in Kulon Progo County from the perspectives of physical, emotional and social health.Methods:This study was conducted using descriptive observational design. The blood sample was collected during harvesting periods in 2016. The inclusion criterion of farmers was using organophosphate-contained pesticide during the planting period of red onion. The farmers who had renal disease, liver disease and cancer were excluded. The organophosphate exposure parameters were the duration and frequency of pesticide application, width of the area, serum cholinesterase activity and the completeness of personal protective equipment.Results:Among 84 farmers, most of them were male (85.7%), and the mean age was 49.1 (standard deviation: 12.5) years; 71.4% of the subjects experienced tremor, 17.86% experienced dizziness and 8.33% subjects experienced nausea–vomiting after pesticide application. According to the pesticide application, in average, subjects used pesticide 1.4 h/day with the area of 1.285 m2. The frequency of pesticide used is three times per week. Around 97.6% subjects used incomplete personal protective equipment. The average of serum cholinesterase activity in subjects with tremor is higher than subjects without tremor (p > 0.05). There is a significant association between serum cholinesterase activity and creatinine content (p < 0.05). The farmers’ quality-of-life domain scores are lower than the scores of the normal population in Yogyakarta.Conclusion:Organophosphate exposure may affect the farmers’ physical health and quality of life.

Study on alternative technologies for the production of tomato during the rainy season in subhumid climate of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

Tomato production is not common during main rainy season, especially in sub-humid climatic conditions like in Bahir Dar. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to study the production potential of tomato using rainshelter and management practices during the 2013 rainy season (June-October) in Bahir Dar. The experimental treatments were laid down in split-plot-design at three replications, where with and without plastic rain-shelter were assigned as main plots and management practices (fungicide and stalking) as sub-plots. The results revealed that tomatoes grown in protected structure were significantly (P<0.01) longer (100.5 cm), had more branches (8.9) and flowered earlier (49.1 days) than those grown under open field condition with the mean values of 50.9 cm, 6.3 and 54 days, respectively. Incidence and severity of late blight and yield of tomatoes were also influenced significantly by growth conditions, management practices and their interactions. Tomatoes grown under rain-shelter structure produced significantly higher total fruit yield (31.3 t ha -1 ) and exhibited low disease incidence (16.7%) and severity indexes (26.7%) on leaves and as well as on fruits with the mean values of 22.4% and 37.9%, respectively. Similarly, sprayed and staked tomatoes produced the highest marketable (35.2 t ha -1 ) and total (41.8 t ha -1 ) fruit yields and exhibited significantly lower late blight incidence and severity. In rainshelter structure, the management practices had similar effects on both disease and yield parameters, where higher yield and lower late blight incidence and severity were generally observed. In open field condition, however, only sprayed and staked tomatoes exhibited lower late blight incidence (23.3%) and severity (24%) on leaves and fruits with the mean values of 39% and 40%, respectively. The highest marketable yield (36.4 t ha -1 ) obtained from such tomatoes in open field condition was statistically similar with the yield obtained from the corresponding treatment in rain-shelter structure (34.1 t ha -1 ). Generally, the present findings showed that rain-shelter technology reduced incidence of late blight and thus it can be used as alternative technology for the production of tomato during the rainy season in and around Bahir Dar. Moreover, tomato can also be produced in open field using improved management practices such as staking and spraying with appropriate fungicides against late blight and similar diseases. Further research is required to select tomato varieties suitable for rainshelter technology as well as to optimize frequency of pesticide applications as their application may have residual effect on fresh vegetables like tomato. Keywords: Disease incidence, growth condition, late blight, rain-shelter, Ridomil, staking