Integrated pest management using bioproduct for Chinese Kale production

Field experiment was set up in Suphanburi Chinese Kale production area using RCBD [randomized complete block design] of 12 treatments or technologies during 29 Feb to 19 Apr 2008. The size of the plots depending on the commercial field 5 x 7 m. The 9 treatments investigated were KU [Kasetsart University, Thailand]-Technology package of integrated management system of disease and insect pest. Evaluation of the results was based on pest control efficacy and yield obtained. The result revealed that all KU-Technology packages (T4 to T12) provided the better yield increase (P=0.05) and reduction of disease severity (Alternaria leaf spot) and number of insect pest incidence (Plutella xylostella, Spodoptera litura, and Phyllotreta flexuosa) compared to those of solo chemical treatment (T2 copper hydroxide seed treatment + 6-copper hydroxide + mancozeb fungicide + 6-abamectin insecticide spray intervals) and untreated control (T3). The KU-Technology of T5 (seed treatment and 3-foliar spray intervals with Pseudomonas fluorescens (SP007s), T10 (SP007s seed treatment and 3-foliar sprays + 4 botanical spray of Non-taai-yaak (Stemona collinsea) + 1 natural enemy release of stink bug (Eocanthecona fercellata) and earwigs (Proreus similans Stallen), and T11 (SP007s seed treatment + 3 foliar plus algae extract sprays + 4 botanical sprays + 1 natural enemy release) exhibited the best result in terms of increasing yield (with 10.3 t/ha obtained from either T5 or T10) that were significantly different (P=0.05) from T1 of conventional grower plots (alachlor + 8 swine placenta extract plus EM + 6 abamectin + 8 copper hydroxide sprays). Furthermore, the lower epidemic of alternaria leaf spot and insect incidence of P. xylostella, S. litura, and P. flexuosa correlating with the higher yield increase obtained from those KU-Technology packages was observed. The SP007s formula enhanced more plant growth and yield increased than SP007s cell culture suspension. The result also showed that insect monitoring and decision based on action threshold (T10, T11) were able to reduce the number of insecticide application and total cost of chemical control. These technologies should be an important integral part of Chinese Kale pest management system. The KU-IPM [integrated pest management] Technology package of microbial antagonists (P. fluorescens SP007s, T. harzianum plus sodium silicate) + botanical pesticide + natural enemy in T10, T11 and T12 was the most promising to enhance plant growth and yield increase of Chinese Kale production. These studies demonstrated that a combination of KU-biological technology resulted in a reduction of all pest development and increased yield better than higher application rates of pesticides.