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Summary

This transcript captures a collaborative meeting among agricultural experts from multiple countries in Asia, discussing the ongoing efforts and updates related to pest management, specifically for Fall Armyworm (FAW) and Brown Plant Hopper (BPH). Participants from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Thailand shared their progress on pest monitoring, sample collection, and control strategies, including the use of biological control agents and IPM practices. Key issues like pest outbreaks, pesticide usage, and natural enemy collection were discussed, alongside efforts to improve agricultural practices for 2025. The meeting highlights the ongoing challenges and the collaborative efforts to address pest issues across the region.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Philippines is focusing on controlling brown plant hopper (BPH) outbreaks in the Visayas region and monitoring fall armyworm (FAW) populations in Luzon.
• 😀 Sri Lanka is collecting samples of FAW and BPH to isolate microbial agents like fungi and bacteria, as well as identifying natural enemies such as parasitoids.
• 😀 In Bangladesh, a trial to evaluate intercropping effectiveness against FAW has been set up, with plans to collect natural enemies of FAW in March 2025.
• 😀 Cambodia reports that while FAW populations remain high, the use of chemical control (like abamectin) is still prevalent, with frequent pesticide applications (1-2 times a week).
• 😀 Cambodia is also monitoring BPH outbreaks in the country, particularly in aromatic rice varieties, with increased pesticide use to manage pest populations.
• 😀 Thailand has begun monitoring BPH populations and conducting research on integrated pest management (IPM) for FAW, especially in sweet and baby corn crops.
• 😀 Thailand reports 7-8 pesticide applications per season for sweet corn due to high FAW infestations, with baby corn requiring fewer applications.
• 😀 In Thailand, farmers use a threshold-based system for spraying, where pest populations are monitored to decide if spraying is necessary, although some use a calendar-based approach.
• 😀 Cambodia has seen an increase in BPH infestations, particularly in aromatic rice, and there is a need to better understand the economic impact of this pest on crop yields.
• 😀 There is ongoing discussion across the countries about optimizing pesticide use and exploring alternative pest management strategies to reduce unnecessary chemical applications.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the meeting in the transcript?

The main purpose of the meeting is to provide updates from different regions regarding pest management, specifically focusing on the Fall Armyworm (FAW) and Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) issues. The meeting also aims to review the action plans for 2025 and ensure all participants are on track.

What specific issue is being faced in the Philippines regarding pest outbreaks?

The Philippines is dealing with an outbreak of Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) in the Visayas area. The team plans to travel to assess the severity and determine the necessary actions to manage this outbreak.

What are the key activities being conducted in Sri Lanka regarding pest control?

In Sri Lanka, the team has started collecting samples of Fall Armyworm and Brown Plant Hopper. They are focusing on isolating microbes, including fungi and bacteria, and identifying natural enemies like parasitoids. The collection process involves visiting different regions such as the North Central Area.

How are pests being managed in Cambodia according to the update?

In Cambodia, the pest management involves monitoring Fall Armyworm and collecting data on pest populations using pheromone traps. Farmers are currently controlling the pest using chemical pesticides, particularly active ingredients like abamectin, but the use of biopesticides has not yet been explored.

What is the situation with pest control in Thailand, especially with regard to pesticide use?

In Thailand, farmers are using a combination of pesticides based on pest populations, spraying up to 7-8 times for sweet corn crops and 4 times for baby corn. The frequency of spraying depends on the severity of the pest infestation, with some farmers using a calendar-based approach and others responding to infestation levels.

What challenge is being faced with pesticide usage in Thailand?

The challenge in Thailand is the high frequency of pesticide applications, especially for sweet corn, where farmers are spraying 7-8 times per season. This seems excessive, and there is concern about the effectiveness and cost efficiency of such frequent applications. It's suggested to analyze if fewer applications could still effectively control pests.

What specific research is being done regarding Fall Armyworm in Thailand?

In Thailand, research is being conducted on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for Fall Armyworm in sweet corn and baby corn. Trials have been completed, and the next step is to analyze the results. Additionally, a study on animal feeding corn will be conducted starting in June.

How does the Philippines plan to handle the Brown Plant Hopper outbreak?

The Philippines plans to travel to the Visayas area to assess the Brown Plant Hopper outbreak's severity. They aim to gather data on the infestation and determine appropriate measures to control it.

What natural enemies of pests have been identified in Sri Lanka's pest control efforts?

In Sri Lanka, one identified natural enemy of pests is the parasitoid *Trichogramma* species. The team is also collecting other natural enemies, including insects and microorganisms, as part of their pest control research.

What are the concerns raised regarding pesticide use in Cambodia?

The concerns in Cambodia revolve around the high pesticide use, where farmers are applying pesticides 1-2 times per week. This high frequency of pesticide applications could be inefficient and harmful, and there is interest in exploring alternative pest management strategies.