Do I need to apply pesticides?
Learning Objective:
Participants should be able to identify and explain the life cycle of the fall armyworm.
Pesticides can have negative impacts on the environment, human health, and non-target organisms such as beneficial insects and wildlife. Pesticides can also lead to the development of pesticide-resistant pests, which can reduce the effectiveness of future pest control efforts. Furthermore, pesticides may not always be effective at controlling FAW and other pests, and their use can sometimes lead to unexpected consequences such as outbreaks of secondary pests or the killing of natural predators that help to control pest populations.
Integrated Pest Management prioritizes non-chemical methods of pest control, such as cultural practices, biological control, and mechanical control, before considering the use of pesticides. When using pesticides, it is also important to choose the least toxic option and to apply them in a way that minimizes harm to non-target organisms and the environment.
Overall, pesticides should be viewed as a tool of last resort in the IPM toolbox, to be used only after consideration of the potential risks and benefits and with caution and care.
Read
Read FAO Guidance Note for more information on pesticides.
FAO recommends the following points to consider when thinking about using pesticides for FAW control:
FAQ
Optimize the use of non-synthetic pesticide management strategies before considering pesticide use.
Think carefully about whether a pesticide is needed and take steps to reduce pesticide reliance. Using IPM principles, routine scouting and economic thresholds should guide the decision, using selective and safe insecticides as a last option.
Use a selective synthetic pesticide that affects the target pest only and not FAW’s natural enemies. Indiscriminate use of synthetic pesticides can disrupt natural enemy-pest populations in FAW habitat, leading to increases in the abundance of FAW.
Select products with the lowest risk to humans, the environment and non-target organisms from the list of available registered products that are effective against FAW.
Ensure proper use of the selected products for approved applications and comply with international standards (See Guidance on Pest and Pesticide Management, FAO/WHO International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management).
Rotate the active ingredients among the selected synthetic pesticides to avoid the development of insecticide resistance among FAW populations.
Listen
Listen to a farmer talk about FAW and how to identify FAW in the field.