Insect Pests of Vegetables and their Management Practices in Chitwan Annapurna Landscape (CHAL), Nepal

Abstract

This study was conducted along Kaligandaki and Marsyangdi river basin of Chitwan Annapurna Landscape (CHAL), Nepal to explore the insect pests of vegetables and their management practices in summer season. Accessible walking trail in different agricultural field was made to collect the insect pests. The sampling points were randomly selected focusing most important agricultural areas. In each sampling points at least 30% area was covered for searching the pests. Insect pests were collected by netting, beating and hand picking methods. The twigs, leaves, flowers and fruits of host plants were assessed to collect the pests, meanwhile the frequency of insect pests were recorded. This study found 23 insect species belonging to four insect orders, 12 insect families and 21 genera. Family Aphididae (61%) was most abundant and family Meloidae (0.35%) was least abundant. Eleven types of vegetable crops Potato, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Lima Bean, Cowpea Bean, Green Bean, Black Bean, Broad leaf mustard, Pumpkin and Sponge gourd were found as vegetables of local people. The highest abundance of insect pest was found on Cowpea Bean and the least abundance of insect pest was found on Lima Bean. The frequency of insect pest showed positive correlation with temperature and altitude and negative relation with humidity. By using questionnaire method and informal discussion with farmers the pest management status was assessed in the study area. Majority of the farmers (52%) use chemical pesticides, 27% bio pesticides and 21% used other methods for the control of insect pests. It was found that majority of farmers did not adopt safety precaution during pesticides application due to the lack of awareness and knowledge of pesticide handling. This may put them in high risk of acute and chronic health hazards. So, there is urgent need of awareness programs and training to the farmers in this area.