Author : Pham Van Hung

Summary : Results showed that the levels of pesticide used by the farmers who applied calendar and combination methods of spraying were significantly higher than those who applied as needed method of spraying. In the study area, farmers practiced chemical (i.e. pesticides), physical, and cultural controls for pest management. However, most of the farmers still believed that pesticide was the only way to control pest effectively. IPM farmers used significantly lower insecticide and pesticide than Non-IPM farmers. Only seven percent of samples were IPM farmers. Therefore, training courses on IPM are necessary in the coming years. Education was one of the important factors affecting the level of pesticide use. After certain level of education, the more educated farmers used less amount of pesticide than less educated farmers. Results from the logistic analysis also showed that increased years of schooling (education) would significantly reduce fungicide overuse by the farmers. Insect and disease resistance varieties were found to be important factors in decreasing the level of pesticide use by the farmers. The levels of pesticide used by farmers who used resistant varieties were significantly lower than those who did not use resistant varieties. Therefore, better supply of good seeds in necessary for pest control and for incresing rice production in the study area.