Safe Use Of Pesticides Research Articles

Assessment of Pesticide Use by Farmers in Assosa District, Benishagul Gumuz National Regional State of Ethiopia

Pesticide use is a common practice to control pests and diseases in agriculture fields, but often at the expense of the environment and human health. Pesticides use for Ethiopian farmers, to be obligatory tools in combating damage from weeds and insects. The surveying study was conducted to assess pesticide use and their risk in selected kebeles of Assosa Districts of Beneshnagul Gumuz National Region state of Ethiopia in 2021 cropping season. Therefore, assessing pesticide use of farmers must be aware of pesticide managements and consequences in misuse of pesticides. In this study, Districts of Assosa Zone in the Beneshnagul Gumuz Regionall state of Ethiopia was considered to most pesticide users. Through sample Kebele based study was conducted using semi-structured interview administered questioners were used to collect primary data. Based on this survey result, more than 95% of the respondents claimed that use of pesticide in absence of protective devices that can induce effect on environment and/or their health. This holds true for developing countries, including Ethiopia where good agricultural practices are often poorly implemented. Farmers should adopt pesticide caution and awareness regarding safe use of pesticides and provide protective device. As well as the concern body should support the local farmers those devices.

Sustainable Management of Pesticides

Pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest (insects, mites, nematodes, weeds, rats, etc.), including insecticide, herbicide, fungicide etc. used to control pests and to safeguard public health. Use of pesticide has secured the food production and enhanced the amount of produce. Once the pesticide enters in contact with the environment, its fate is determined by several natural processes (adsorption, degradation, erosion and leaching to groundwater). Of the total pesticides applied in agriculture, about 1-10% reach to the target plant, about 30% is lost in atmosphere, nearly 1-5% is lost due to runoff/surface erosion and roughly 1% is lost by leaching. Pesticides applied in the soil leaches up to 50 -100 %. Pesticide management reduces contamination of water from pesticides and foster effective and safe use of pesticides without causing degradation to the environment. This study provides an overview of pesticides on recent developments in sustainable management on strategies, practices and their effectiveness, core elements, principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and bio-pesticides in crop protection. This study recommends that during application of pesticides, guidelines approved by FAO and WHO (2014), from production to disposal of pesticides in the 'International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management' (4th version) should be strictly followed by government regulators, the private sector, civil society as a best practice in managing pesticides throughout their lifecycle.

Criteria of pesticide selection in shallot pestdisease control in Brebes Regency, Central Java

Farmers’ socio-economics, beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes affect their behavior toward pesticides. This study was aimed at identifying criteria considered by shallot farmers in selecting and using pesticides. A survey of shallot pesticide-use was carried out in Brebes, Central Java. Data were collected by interviewing 75 respondents that was proportiona-tely and randomly selected from three villages in Brebes. By using factor analysis, four components are extracted and they account for 65.15% of the total explained variation. The rank of importance of selection criteria is “financial and accessibility criteria” (FA-1st), “performance, knowledge and information criteria” (PK-2nd), “safety and environmental criteria” (SE-3rd), and “technical and operational criteria” (TO-4th). Farmers with higher education prefer more PK, FA and TO criteria for pesticide-use. Farmers with land size of 1,001 - 2,000 m2 prefer more PK and FA criteria. Farmers who put attention to pesticide active ingredients and pesticide movement in the plants show a tendency to prefer to PK and TO criteria more than farmers who do not. Farmers who have participated in IPM training tend to consider all of the four criteria when selecting and using pesticides. The findings provide useful information for improving extension programs related to safe and appropriate pesticide use.

Participatory knowledge integration to promote safe pesticide use in Uganda

Wicked problems exceed traditional sectoral and jurisdictional boundaries and involve multiple actors as stakeholders, victims, and culprits. Wicked problems inherently feature uncertainty and knowledge gaps. Science plays a crucial role in generating evidence for solving these problems and contributing to societal transformation. However, researchers may perceive and study problems detached from practitioners’ perceptions of the world. We use the example of smallholder pesticide management in Uganda and the three types of knowledge approach, a framework borrowed from transdisciplinary research, to disentangle knowledge gaps. To identify these gaps, we integrated and co-produce knowledge in a two-day participatory workshop applying design thinking. Our results show, that a transition towards safe pesticide management depends on changes in the system, such as a revision and implementation of exiting regulation or professionalization of agro-dealers. Furthermore, this transition is only possible if interventions address target groups beyond the individual farmers (e.g. agro-dealers or district government officials). Compared to existing academic knowledge, co-produced knowledge provides a broader systemic perspective and yields more fine grained insights about potential new pathways. This investigation confirms, that practitioners’ knowledge is more fine-grained and detailed, thus exemplifying how knowledge integration is essential to avoid a gap between what researchers investigate and what practitioners need.

Hygienic and chemical-analytical support for the safe use of pesticides of the dithiocarbamate group

Introduction. There is continued trend in recent years of increasing the use of new chemicals, most of which are potential sources of risk to human health. The hygienic assessment of their application in the regions of the Russian Federation using various technologies is becoming more and more relevant. The aim of the work was to determine the exposure levels of mankoceb, tiram and metiram (pesticides of the dithiacarbamate group), to establish the threshold of the acceptable risk of exposure to pesticides for workers while complying with technical recommendations and safety requirements. Materials and methods. The determinations of the mancozeb, thiram and metiram were carried out by the gas-liquid chromatography with a flame-photometric detector (GC, FPD); the risk assessment was carried out by exposure (KBsumm) and absorbed dose (KBp) with a complex intake of active ingredients into the body of workers, under the Methodological Instructions № 1.2.3017-12. Results. There were analyzed more than 350 samples of air of the working zone and washing from workers’ skin. There was shown an absence of active substances mancozeb and metiram in them. The insignificant content of thiram at a level close to the limit of its quantitative determination was found. Conclusion. The results obtained allow assessing the risk of safe use of drugs based on dithiocarbamates in agriculture, which is the basis for predicting the total chemical exposure to humans, and accurately evaluating the levels of pollutants.

The study of primary DNA damage in the bone marrow of mice under the combined action of pesticides

Introduction. The study of the potential negative effects of combinations of several pesticide active ingredients is an important and understudied area of toxicological and hygienic research. The initial phase of the genotoxicant action on the genetic structures in cells is the primary DNA damage, the identification of which makes it possible to assess the early stages of the genotoxic effect of xenobiotics and their mixtures. The DNA comet assay is widely used for these purposes. The aim of the research is to assess the primary DNA damage under the combined action of pesticides. Materials and methods. To assess DNA damage the experiments on CD-1 mice of both sexes were performed using alkaline comet analysis. The concentration of active products reacting with thiobarbituric acid (TBA) in the blood serum of white outbred rats was assessed as a marker of lipid peroxidation. Results. It was found that mixtures of 2,4-D-acid + glyphosate and thiram + carbendazim did not cause the formation of breaks and alkali-labile sites in the DNA of mice bone marrow cells. Exposure to the combination of the technical grade active ingredients captan and fludioxonil induced the breaks and alkali-labile sites in the DNA of animal bone marrow cells. The comparison of the genotoxicity assessment results obtained by the comet assay and results of analysis of the TBA-active product concentrations in the rat blood serum suggests that the observed primary DNA damage upon exposure to the captan and fludioxonil combination can be mediated by the induction of lipid peroxidation and subsequent interaction of the resulting products with nucleic acids. Conclusion. The results indicate that some pesticides in combination can damage hereditary material in mammalian cells. Therefore, in order to ensure the safe use of pesticides for public health it is necessary to take into account the data on the genotoxicity not only of individual pesticide technical grade active ingredients but also their combinations.

Necessary Safety Measures in the Use of Pesticides in Agriculture

Introduction. Pesticides as biologically active compounds posing potential hazard to worker’s health may cause both acute and chronic occupational poisonings (diseases). Apart from the occupational setting, many people get exposed to pesticides during their use in personal subsidiary plots. Various pesticide application techniques, such as ground-based boom spraying of field crops, air blast spraying of gardens, aerial spraying of fields and forests, treatment of greenhouses, seed dressing, fumigation of grain and warehouses, preparation and application of baits, require a differentiated approach to precautionary measures. Safety use practices for pesticides developed by F.F. Erisman Federal Scientific Center of Hygiene in the past shall be revised to incorporate changes in formulations, techniques, and regulations. Objective. To substantiate hazard-specific safety requirements for various pesticide application techniques and equipment in the agricultural industry. Materials and methods. We analyzed regulatory documents and guidelines, results of our own long-term studies, and publicly available information on the safe use of pesticides in agriculture. Results. Based on our findings, we suggest measures for the safe use of pesticides complying with appropriate regulations for the processed crops and application rules and taking into account conditions of the equipment used. We also provide recommendations for prevention of acute pesticide poisoning for agricultural workers, farmers and users from the standpoint of occupational health. Conclusion. It is important to develop a profound document summarizing occupational safety and health requirements for all pesticide use practices.

Assessment of management practices, awareness on safe use of pesticides and perception on integrated management of pests and diseases of chilli and tomato grown by small-scale farmers in selected districts of Sri Lanka.

In this study, we surveyed through a structured and pilot-tested questionnaire, the practices of pesticide usage by small-scale (< 1.25 ha) chilli and tomato farmers from four districts of Sri Lanka and their perceptions on the effectiveness of pesticides and willingness to adopt integrated pest management (IPM). We found significant (P < 0.05) variation among districts in farmer responses to 37 out of 59 survey questions. A majority of farmers were dependent on pesticides with only a minority practicing IPM. A majority perceived that their current pesticide usage was increasing, but was not excessive. A majority were aware of the negative impacts of pesticides on human health and environment. Farmer perception on the effectiveness of pesticides increased with age, but was not influenced by education level. Farmers having a higher opinion of pesticides made a greater number of applications during a cropping cycle. They also maintained a longer preharvest interval and did not use pesticide mixtures. A majority expressed willingness to initiate IPM, but identified lack of knowledge and technical knowhow on specific IPM practices for their crops as barriers to adoption and requested external support. Farmer willingness to adopt IPM is higher among older, more educated farmers and among full-time farmers who are currently totally-dependent on pesticides and whose major income source was farming. We conclude that a significant extension effort in terms of farmer education on IPM and external assistance to develop the technological knowhow, which is tailor-made to specific districts, is needed to facilitate adoption of IPM among these farmers.

Land tenure status based pesticide use knowledge of vegetable farmers

ABSTRACT Owner farmers and tenant farmers have different income generating strategies related to vegetable production. It is important to know the differences between these two group farmers regarding pesticide use practices and awareness, as well as the factors influencing their knowledge of pesticide use practices. This study examined effects of land tenure status on vegetable farmer knowledge of pesticide use practices, health effects, and environmental effect of pesticides. A total of 211 owner and 173 tenant vegetable farmers from 7 districts were selected through a multistage sampling technique in 2019. More owners than tenants disposed of empty pesticide containers properly, but still a large proportion of both groups were using containers to store food. The owners have a higher knowledge of safe pesticide use practices, and greater information on environmental and health effects associated with pesticides in vegetables. It is necessary to put more emphasis on tenant farmers, as well as on the significant variables obtained from the econometric model of this study. The status of the grower has importance when use and disposal of pesticides is a concern with owners, who likely have greater respect for ownership and preservation of the land within the family, are more aware of uses and concerns involved with pesticides.

Modeling farmers' intention for safe pesticide use: the role of risk perception and use of information sources.

Intention for safe pesticide use plays a crucial role in the mode of pesticide spraying, but several factors are involved in the formation of intention by farmers. This work focused on the levels of farmers' perception of pesticide risks (i.e., toxicity levels, health, and environmental effects) and utilization of information sources and examined their impact on intention for safe pesticide use in rural Iran. Most farmers (53%) showed low levels of risk perception by pesticide use and reported poor use of the available information sources about pesticides. Pesticide retailers were mentioned as the primary information point of farmers. In addition, almost half of the farmers (49.2%) expressed worryingly negative intention for safe pesticide use. Perception of pesticide risks and utilization of information sources were significantly correlated with age and spraying experience (P < 0.01), while intention for safe pesticide use was significantly correlated with farming experience (P < 0.05) and spraying experience (P < 0.05). Analysis with structural equation modeling showed that perception of pesticide risks and use of information sources together explained 80% of the variability in farmers' intention. Moreover, perception of pesticide risks (P < 0.01) and employment of information sources (P < 0.05) had a positive relationship with intention for safe handling of pesticides, thus showing a predictive link with intention. Therefore, promoting farmers' perception of pesticide risks and providing credible information sources are essential for improving intention for safe pesticide use among farmers.

An Overview of Chemical Pesticide Import in Nepal

In 2021, this study has attempted to analyze the trend of pesticide import over two decades in Nepal. Secondary data obtained from Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Center were analyzed to know the pesticide import trend. The result showed that the import of pesticides was in increasing trend and the average annual increase in import was 30.48 tons (a.i.) over the last twenty-two years. Fungicide had the highest import followed by insecticide, herbicide and these three groups comprised more than 90% of the pesticide import. The import of insecticide, fungicide, herbicide, organophosphate, mix group pesticide was in increasing trend while that of rodenticide, bactericide was in decreasing trend. The import of synthetic pyrethroid, carbamates, and some new groups like nicotinoids had been increasing in recent years. Although the import of chemical pesticides was increasing in huge amount; import of biopesticide also seems to be in increasing trend. The use of pesticide is still low in Nepal as compared to the global average or other countries however, the effects of its use are greater and hazardous which indicates the need for strong policy implementation for the safe import and use of pesticides.

Survey and Assessment of Willingness to Pay (WTP) for Reducing the Health and Environmental Risks of Vegetable Production Activities inBinh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

The paper presents the current state of using pesticides and Willingness to Pay (WTP) to reduce vegetable producers’ health and environmental risks in Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. This study used random sampling method by investigating 60 households (30 normal farm households and 30 VietGAP households). The main contents cover assessment on the impacts of using pesticides, conducting WTP surveys to reduce health and environmental risks due to exposure to pesticides and analyzing marginal effects related to the Log - Lin regression model. Regarding the current, the normal vegetable producers tended to use more pesticides and exceed recommended doses compared to VietGAP group. The regression model explained 86,0 percent of the changes in farmers' WTP. The estimation results of the affecting factors to WTP showed that the variables such as agricultural promotion (X3), income (X4), amount of group I&amp;II pesticides (X5), the frequency of exposure of group I&amp;II pesticides (X7), and dummy variables GAP (GAP) were statistically significant (p&lt;0,05). Therefore, the study proposed relevant solutions to reduce health and environmental risks in vegetable production for the safe use of pesticides.

In-situ monitoring of nitrile-bearing pesticide residues by background-free surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

In-situ monitoring of pesticide residues during crop growth or/and in related products is of great significance in avoiding the abuse of pesticides but remains challenging thus far. In this report, we proposed a background-free surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (bf-SERS) platform to non-destructively track the nitrile-bearing pesticide residues in soybean leaves with high sensitivity and selectivity. The outstanding feature of the assay stems from the dramatic Raman enhancement effect of the 50 nm-sized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) towards the pesticides and simultaneously the background-free Raman signal of the nitrile group in the so-called Raman-silent region (1800–2800 cm‒1). This bf-SERS assay was applied to evaluate the penetration effects of nitrile-bearing pesticides and monitor their residues in soybean leaves after rinsing with various solutions, providing a reliable tool for guiding the safe use of nitrile-bearing pesticides in agriculture.

Using the Socio-Ecological Model to Frame the Influence of Stakeholders on Cocoa Farmers' Pesticide Safety in Nigeria: Findings from a Qualitative Study.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to explore the roles of stakeholders on cocoa farmers’ safe pesticide use in Nigeria using the socio-ecological model as the theoretical framework.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional qualitative study where participants were purposefully selected based on some criteria. Then, they were interviewed in-depth using a semi-structured interview approach. The interview guide was designed based on other literature and the study objectives. The interview transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the content analysis technique.ResultsIn all, 57 participants were involved in the interview process across all the study locations. Five layers of influence (cocoa farmers, pesticide retailers, extension officers, pesticide importers and government agencies) were considered. At individual level, cocoa farmers complained about lack of information from other stakeholders regarding pesticide use except retailers due to the farmers’ proximity to their stores. However, pesticide safety information from the retailers were found to be inadequate due to their interest in financial gains rather than a focus on human health and the environment. Additionally, most retailers had no understanding about the characteristics of products they sold as they could not read pesticide labels. Furthermore, lack of motivations, human resources and facilities hindered effective extension education in the rural communities. Also, pesticide importers took efforts to train the farmers within their network, but majority of these trainings focused on lead farmers who were expected to disseminate the information to others. Besides, the agencies did organize training or workshop sometimes, but it was inadequate due to budget constraint. Lastly, environmental or agri-policies relating to Nigerian cocoa farmers concerning safe pesticide use and disposal were also inadequate.ConclusionGenerally, there was a large information gap with respect to pesticide safety between cocoa farmers and other stakeholders which undermined pesticide use safety. This study highlighted the need for government agencies in Nigeria to develop mechanisms to monitor information exchange among other stakeholders and cocoa farmers with respect to safe pesticide use and disposal.

Small-scale Farmer Pesticide Knowledge and Practice and Impacts on the Environment and Human Health in Ethiopia.

Background.Inappropriate use and application of pesticides in Ethiopia pose a major threat to the health of farmers and the environment.Objective.The present study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of small-scale vegetable farmers towards the use of pesticides in Ethiopia along the Lake Ziway watershed.Methods.This was a cross-sectional study involving a total of 210 farmers randomly selected during a period of pesticide application from a purposively selected village located in the immediate vicinity of Lake Ziway, Ethiopia. Data were generated through structured in-depth interviews and on-site observations on farms. A Chi-square test was applied to evaluate whether the collected data and their probable associations were significant.Results.World Health Organization (WHO) class II pesticides (moderately toxic) were the most frequently used pesticides in the study area. There was no reported use of WHO classes 1a and 1b and banned or restricted pesticides such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and endosulfan. Most (92%) farmers reported indiscriminately disposing of empty containers in the field, while 86.7% applied the leftover pesticides to other crops. More than 90% of small-scale farmers did not use any personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling pesticides. About 95% of farmers had poor knowledge regarding pesticides. A significant association (p < 0.001) was observed between the knowledge of farmers and their practices related to pesticides.Conclusions.Generally, the knowledge of small-scale farmers on pesticides was poor. Moreover, the inappropriate disposal of pesticides and pesticide containers poses a risk to the environment. The findings of the present study underline the need to train farmers concerning the safe and proper use of pesticides to mitigate hazards to human health and the environment.Participant Consent.ObtainedEthics Approval.The study was granted an exemption from requiring ethics approval from the Hawassa University College of Natural and Computational Science, Research and Review Committee.Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests.

The impact of different education strategies on rice farmers’ knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) about pesticide use

Establishing appropriate education strategies about safe use of pesticide is not only essential to reduce adverse health effects associated with pesticide exposure but also for supporting the ongoing efforts to promote production of healthy agricultural products. This study describes a survey conducted before and after an education intervention program aimed at promoting rice farmers’ knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) about pesticide use in Sari County, Mazandaran province, Iran. We randomly assigned the 180 rice farmers that agreed to participate to three different educational strategies named: Formal Group Interaction (FGI: eight sessions per week in local agricultural office with teaching methods include lectures, question-and-answer periods, slideshows about three constructs of the KAP questionnaire), Personal Field Interaction (PFI; weekly field visits by local extension agents and providing face to face recommendation) and Group Media Approach (GMA: providing related information through a mix of media include pamphlet, mobile texting and web-based social media). Scores from the preintervention and postintervention for each individual question of KAP was compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. While farmers had limited knowledge and practice on safe use of pesticide before the intervention, their knowledge and practice scores improved after the interventions slightly and in particular the two interventions of PFI and FGI had a significant effect on the increase in farmers’ knowledge and practice. Moreover, all three strategies had a positive impact on attitude, but the FGI made considerable improvement. Basically, as a result of this type of educational intervention, the highest percentage of positive change has been made in knowledge and the least in practice. The advantages and limitations of distinct educational strategies show that there is no superior and perfect method for shaping and strengthening all aspects of farmers' KAP, and instead, combining different methods in an integrated strategy is essential.

Factors Associated with Practice of Chemical Pesticide Use and Acute Poisoning Experienced by Farmers in Chitwan District, Nepal.

In view of increasing irrational use and unsafe handling of pesticides in agriculture in Nepal, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the practice of chemical pesticide use and acute health symptoms experienced by farmers. A total of 790 farmers from the Chitwan district were randomly selected for the study. X2 test, T-test, and Multiple Logistic Regression were used for analysis. Among the farmers, 84% used exclusively chemical pesticide. Farmers with better knowledge on pesticide handling were 8.3 times more likely to practice safe purchasing, four times more likely to practice safe mixing and spraying, and two times more likely to practice safe storage and disposal. Similarly, perception/attitude of farmers about chemical pesticide policy and market management was significantly associated with the practice of farmers during purchasing, mixing and spraying, and storage and disposal. Among the users of chemical pesticides, 18.7% farmers experienced one or more pesticide related acute symptoms of health problems during the previous 12 months. Farmers with unsafe practices of pesticide handling were two times more likely to suffer from acute poisoning. It is concluded that knowledge about pesticide handling and favorable perception/attitude on pesticide policy and market management are the predictors of safe use of pesticide.

Can plant clinics enhance judicious use of pesticides? Evidence from Rwanda and Zambia

Recent outbreaks of crop pests such as fall armyworm and desert locusts are threatening food security and have spurred increased use of pesticides in sub-Saharan Africa. While pesticides can prevent crop losses, they can also have adverse effects on human health and the environment, if not used judiciously. In this article, we examine whether plant clinics―an innovative extension approach of providing plant health diagnostic and advisory services to smallholder farmers―can enhance judicious use of pesticides, measured by intensity of pesticide use, adoption of alternative and more environmentally friendly pest management practices, safe pesticide use practices, and incidence of pesticide-related illness. We use data from a sample of 1474 farm households in Rwanda and Zambia. Propensity score matching estimates suggest that although plant clinic participants exhibit a higher probability of opting for pesticides for pest control, they do not use pesticides intensively and are more likely to adopt alternatives to chemical pest control. On the other hand, plant clinic users and non-users are equally likely to use restricted pesticides and inappropriate methods of disposing of pesticide wastes, which can lead to pesticide poisoning. Overall, our results imply that the plant clinic extension approach can promote sustainable pest management in smallholder agriculture, but additional training of plant clinic staff and clients on pesticide safety would be necessary.

Farmers' behavior in reading and using risk information displayed on pesticide labels: a test with the theory of planned behavior.

Labels are the first source of information for the safe use of pesticides, but farmers rarely read labels before pesticide use. Using data from a sample of 300 orchard farmers in Meshginshar County, Iran, this study examined farmers' intention and behavior in reading and using risk information displayed on pesticide labels, using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Only 26% of the respondents mentioned that they read pesticide labels. Most farmers showed a low tendency towards reading pesticide labels due to low education, advanced age, and label-related problems, i.e., use of too technical language and unclear texts with small and illegible fonts. From the three basic variables of the TPB, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control (PBC) showed a significant impact on intention, while attitudes showed no significant impact. The three main variables of the TPB explained 90.2% of the variance in farmers' intention to read and use the labels. Furthermore, PBC and intention significantly affected farmers' actual behavior in reading and using the labels, explaining 78.5% of the variance in farmers' actual behavior. Age, experience in farming, and experience in spraying were negatively correlated with all variables of the TPB. Findings provide new insights into farmers' behavior in reading pesticide labels by using for the first time the TPB. Pesticide manufacturers should consider the special conditions of subsistence farmers (low education and advanced age) when preparing pesticide labels and the extension services could use those findings to improve farmers' training in the use of pesticide labels. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Spatially variable pesticide application in olive groves: Evaluation of potential pesticide-savings through stochastic spatial simulation algorithms.

Site-specific management using spatial crown volume characterization can greatly reduce the amount of pesticides applied in agricultural treatments performed with air-assisted sprayers, while helping farmers achieve the European legislation on safe use of pesticides. Nevertheless, variable rate treatments in olive groves have received little attention. Thus, field research was conducted in a 20.6-ha traditional olive grove. Two attributes of the trees - tree crown volume (V) and tree projected area - were determined, using 67 samples for V and all trees of the field (1433) for tree projected area. Spatial continuity of both attributes was modelled with exponential variograms. To gain a measure of local uncertainty, stochastic simulation algorithms were applied. One hundred simulated images were obtained for tree projected area using direct sequential simulation. Tree projected area simulations were used to improve spatial prediction of V, more difficult and more expensive to obtain, taking advantage of the high linear correlation between both variables (rxy=0.72,p<0.001). Thus, direct sequential cosimulation was employed to predict the spatial distribution of V, obtaining 100 geostatistical realizations of V. In order to estimate the potential reduction of pesticide use in the farm with variable rate treatments, two cut-off values of V were considered (50 and 100m3crown volume). Local uncertainty, understood as the probability of each tree belonging to a given crown volume interval was determined. Probability maps were further transformed to morphological maps and finally to variable prescription maps. Two scenarios with 2 and 3 management zones (MZs) were obtained. In comparison with a conventional phytosanitary application, the variable rate treatments could reduce the pesticide amounts by 21.3% with 2 MZs, and by 38% with 3 MZs. The joint use of V and tree projected area in stochastic sequential simulation algorithms has shown to be useful to determine MZs in olive groves.