Alternative approaches in pest control: studies on major pests of litchi in the mountainous regions of Northern Thailand

More about the book

Agriculture in mountainous northern Thailand is under pressure from high population growth and a shift from shifting cultivation to permanent agriculture, particularly in marginal regions. The production of high-value crops like litchi fruits has become crucial for small-scale farmers, providing significant cash income. However, this market orientation has led to extensive use of agricultural chemicals, including synthetic fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers, causing soil and water contamination. The use of pesticides raises concerns about pest resistance, toxicity to non-target organisms, and various environmental impacts. Thus, there is a pressing need for alternative pest management strategies, especially in small-scale litchi production. This study aims to develop pest management strategies for major arthropod pests affecting litchi in northern Thailand, focusing on sustainable practices. Key steps include identifying major pests in the region from 2004 to 2006, understanding their development cycles, selecting biological control methods and selective pesticides, improving environmentally safe application strategies, and evaluating the effectiveness of the chosen pesticides and control agents on litchi pests.