Philippine E-Journals

Extent, Methods and Determining Factors of Pesticide Application in Irrigated Rice Areas of the Philippines

Jehru C. Magahud | Niña Gracel B. Dimaano

Discipline: Ecology, Environmental Conservation

 

Abstract:

Information about pesticide application is relevant in assessing the risks of farmers’ exposure to pesticides and in crafting measures toward reduced pesticide use. A study was then conducted to assess the extent and frequency of application, and active ingredients of pesticides in thirty irrigated rice areas of the Philippines. The study was also done to determine factors that affect pesticide application relative to farmers’ perceptions, management practices, and the farms’ agroclimatic characteristics. A questionnaire was used to survey farmers’ application of chemicals against birds, rats, golden apple snails (GAS), weeds, and fungal diseases. Most farmers did not apply pesticides to reduce perceived bird and rat damages in their rice farms because they preferred non-chemical means of control. Most farmers applied chemicals to manage GAS and weeds that damaged or competed with rice. Molluscicide application was more frequent in Bicol sites with climate and soil characteristics that favor ponding of water. Frequency of herbicide application can be attributed to the direct seeding method of crop establishment. Most farmers did not encounter fungal diseases. Most widely used active ingredients are butachlor, niclosamide, and methaldehyde, which are slightly hazardous, unlikely to cause hazards, and moderately hazardous, respectively. This study suggests that molluscicide and herbicide applications are very common among Filipino farmers, which can be harmful to their health.