Journal of Agriculture
and Environmental Sciences

A Survey of Bio-pesticide Uses in Cambodia
Vibol Sok, Socheath Tong, Sokmean Vann, Borarin Buntong

Abstract
Bio-pesticides represent an alternative path to chemical pesticides in crop protection. A study was conducted using questionnaire-based interviews to assess bio-pesticide use and preparation, application and effectiveness among vegetable farmers in Cambodia. The study showed that among 183 active farmers with multiple crop farming systems, 112 farmers had experience in using bio-pesticides. The farmers used 16 plant materials, cow urine, wood ash and white sake in preparation for 29 bio-pesticides. The 74% of farmers were trained by NGO or government officers, while the others trained by neighbors or relatives. The preparation consisted of material trituration, materials soaking in water for 2-4 days and solution extraction. The bio-pesticide use aimed to kill insects, of which the effectiveness ranged from 50 % to 100 % varying with insect types and densities. The farmers reported that the pesticides were less effective against insect miners, borers and leaf rollers. High cost and low availability of the materials, and effectiveness limit were weaknesses of the bio-pesticides. These findings suggest that the bio-pesticide use should be significantly improved through effectiveness optimization and increase of agricultural production of the materials.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jaes.v12n1a1