Practices and perception on the management of fall armyworm and striped grass looper in corn cultivation in La Pahua, Francisco Z. Mena, Puebla

Abstract

Objective: To describe the practices and perception of the management of fall armyworm and striped grass looper in corn cultivation, in La Pahua, Francisco. Z. Mena, Puebla. 

Design/methodology/approach: The study was descriptive, for which a probabilistic sampling was carried out. 79 semi-structured interviews were conducted during april to june 2021.

Results: The management of fall armyworm and striped grass looper is carried out through the application of synthetic insecticides, predominating chlorpyrifos ethyl (81 %). The population is unaware of the damage they cause to health in the short, medium and long term, which is reflect-ed in the minimum use of protective equipment in the application (75%), however, there is interest in receiving technical advice (56%) and open-ness to use alternatives such as the use of traps (1%) and plant extracts (66%).

Limitations on study/implications: It is a particular case study therefore the results are limited to establishing descriptive statements of the study area.

Findings/conclusions: The control of fall armyworm and striped grass looper is done through chemical control formulated from chlorpyrifos Ethyl alone or combined with permethrin and without proper protective equipment. The population showed interest in incorporating other alternatives to the management of synthetic insecticides, highlighting the use of plant extracts and traps respectively.