Extent of Awareness and Adoption of Bio Agents in Vegetable Production in Kerala

Author(s):

Regeena S , Kerala Agricultural University; Jessy Thomas K, Kerala Agricultural University

Keywords:

biological agents, demonstration, on farm trials, production risk, research

Abstract:

Vegetable cultivation is the main stay of a large number of small and marginal farmers and landless agricultural workers in Kerala. They face a number of constraints in production and marketing. The most important production risk occurs by way of losses caused by pests and diseases. The establishment of vegetable research infrastructure in the State Agricultural Universities has led to the development of a number of improved production, protection, value addition and post-harvest technologies. This paper attempts to measure the extent of awareness and adoption of biological agents in crop protection in vegetables, specifically in cucurbits, by the farmers of Kerala. Biological agents like Pseudomonas fluorescence, trichoderma viridae, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium and Verticillium lecanii have been proved to be very effective in the control of pests/diseases. PGPR Mix 1, PGPR Mix 11, Fish jaggery extract, Panchagavyam, Vermicompost, Vermiwash are very effective growth promoters. Pheromone traps are also very effective in control of pests. The increase in the sale of vermicompost and earth worms for composting shows that the farmers have successfully adopted the application of this technology for recycling of farm wastes in their field. Sale of Pheromone traps, Pseudomonas fluorescence and Trichoderma viridae has also increased substantially. However, there is no appreciable increase in the sale of the other biological agents. More awareness creation among farmers through field demonstrations and on-farm trials are necessary to bring farming to an organic path.

Other Details:

Manuscript Id	:	IJSTEV3I1105
Published in	:	Volume : 3, Issue : 1
Publication Date	:	01/08/2016
Page(s)	:	420-423

Download Article