Improved mango production in Davao del Sur [Philippines] through science and technology-based farm (STBF)
2010
Anon.
Four major insect pests were observed in mango trees with S and T interventions (Set-up A) and farmer's practice (Set-up B). These were mango thrips, mango leaf hopper, mealy bugs, and scale insects. In all cases, average insect population in trees with S and T interventions was lower than those under farmer's practice. While the average population of mango thrips in Set-up A was 0.61, that of Set-up B was 0.81, for mango leaf hopper, Set-up A has 0.53, Set-up B has 0.65, scale insects in Set-up A was 0.13, B was 0.22, and mealy bugs population in Set-up A was 0.14, Set-up B was 0.16. The number of damaged plants parts caused by the identified major insect pests was lower on trees under S and T interventions than those under farmer's practice. The severity of two major mango diseases namely, blossom blight and mango scab at 32 DAFI and 55 DAFI, respectively was lower in trees under S and T [Science and Technology] interventions. Average population of known natural enemies of insect pests was higher in trees with S and T intervention compared with those under the usual MS [magsasaka siyentista, farmer scientist] practice. This indicated that spraying frequency of seven cycles per cropping and timing of application (need-based) did not significantly affect the population of natural enemies. The degree of flowering, fruiting responses, number of fruits bagged, and fruit retention was higher in trees with STBF interventions than those under MS practice. Average yield, gross and net income per tree were higher in trees with S and T intervention compared with the MS practice. Although sorting was not being practiced, it was observed that there was a higher number of bigger fruits in trees with S and T intervention compared those under MS practices. As part of the promotional activities, a farmers' field day, attended by 146 participants, was conducted. Davao del Sur [Philippines] FITS [Farmers' Information and Technology Services] Center produced CDs and brochures that were distributed during the farmers' field day, technology exhibits, fora, and field visits. To date, the services of the MS are still sought by mango growers, not only in the province, but throughout the region. The MS has served 37 mango growers with a total farm area of 456.5 ha. Most of the adopters gained profit from using the S and T intervention.
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