Pests Prenvention & Control

PESTS & DISEASES
CONTROL METHOD
(HANDBOOK)
A compilation made by
ONLINE INFORMATION SERVICE FOR NON

– CHEMICAL PEST MANAGEMENT
IN THE TROPICS
(OISAT – PAN GERMANY)
GELON P. GASENDO
Bayawan City, Negros Oriental
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGES
1. NATURAL ENEMIES - - - - - - 5
a. PARASITOIDS - - - - - - 5
1. Braconid - - - - - - 5
2. Cotesia - - - - - - 7
3. Diadegma - - - - - - 9
4. Encarsia - - - - - - 11
5. Tachinid Fly - - - - - - 13
6. Tiphia Wasp - - - - - - 15
7. Trichogramma - - - - - - 17
b. PREDATORS - - - - - - 19
1. Damsel Bug - - - - - - 19
2. Damselfly - - - - - - 21
3. Ground Beetle - - - - - - 23
4. Hover Fly - - - - - - 25
5. Lacewing - - - - - - 27
6. Ladybird Beetles - - - - - 29
7. Mealybug Destroyer - - - - - 31
8. Minute Pirate Bug - - - - - 33
9. Praying Mantis - - - - - 35
10. Predatory Mite - - - - - 37
11. Rove Beetles - - - - - 39
12. Spider - - - - - - 41
13. Weaver Ant - - - - - - 43
2. CULTURAL PRACTICES - - - - - 45
a. Composting - - - - - - 45
b. Crop Rotation - - - - - - 48
c. Field Sanitation - - - - - - 50
d. Green Manuring - - - - - - 51
e. Intercropping - - - - - - 53
f. Soil Tillage - - - - - - 55
g. Trap Cropping - - - - - - 57
3. MICROBIAL IN PEST CONTROL - - - - 61

a. Bacillus Thuringiensis - - - - - 61
b. Bug Juice Spray - - - - - 63
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4. PHYSICAL METHODS - - - - - - 65
a. Ant Barrier - - - - - - 65
b. Bagging Fruits - - - - - - 66
c. Bird Perches - - - - - - 67
d. Fruit Fly Traps - - - - - - 68
e. Handpicking - - - - - - 70
f. Light Traps - - - - - - 72
g. Mulching - - - - - - 73
h. Pheromone Traps - - - - - - 75
i. Pruning - - - - - - 77
j. Soil Baits - - - - - - 79
k. Soil Traps - - - - - - 80
l. Sticky Board Traps - - - - - - 82
5. PLANTS IN PEST CONTROL - - - - - 84

a. Aloe - - - - - - 84
b. Andrographis - - - - - - 86
c. Basil - - - - - - 88
d. Butterfly Bush - - - - - - 90
e. Chili - - - - - - 92
f. Coleous - - - - - - 95
g. Coriander - - - - - - 97
h. Custard Apple - - - - - - 99
i. Eupatorium - - - - - - 102
j. Finger Euphorbia - - - - - - 104
k. Garlic - - - - - - 106
l. Giant Knot Weed - - - - - - 109
m. Ginger - - - - - - 111
n. Gliricidia - - - - - - 113
o. Guinea Hen Weed - - - - - - 115
p. Horse Radish - - - - - - 117
q. Horsetail - - - - - - 119
r. Lansones - - - - - - 121
s. Lemon Grass - - - - - - 123
t. Leucas - - - - - - 125
u. Malabar Nut - - - - - - 127
v. Mammey - - - - - - 129
w. Mint - - - - - - 131
x. Neem - - - - - - 133
y. Onion - - - - - - 139
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z. Papaya - - - - - - 141
aa. Pepper Tree - - - - - - 143
bb. Pongam Tree - - - - - - 145
cc. Quassia - - - - - - 148
dd. Red Cedar - - - - - - 150
ee. Sensitive Plant - - - - - - 152
ff. Spanish Needle - - - - - - 154
gg. Stemona - - - - - - 156
hh. Sweet Flag - - - - - - 158
ii. Thundergod Vine - - - - - - 160
jj. Tinospora - - - - - - 162
kk. Tomato - - - - - - 164
ll. Turmeric - - - - - - 166
mm. Vitex - - - - - - 168
nn. Wormseed - - - - - - 170
oo. Yam Bean - - - - - - 172
6. OTHER METHODS - - - - - - 174

a. Animal Manure - - - - - - 174
b. Animal Urine - - - - - - 176
c. Compost Tea - - - - - - 177
d. Milk Spray - - - - - - 179
e. Plant Ash - - - - - - 180
f. Seed Treatment - - - - - - 182
7. OTHER SUBSTANCES - - - - - - 184

a. Alcohol - - - - - - 184
b. Ammonia - - - - - - 186
c. Baking Soda - - - - - - 187
d. Bleach - - - - - - 189
e. Boric Acid - - - - - - 191
f. Copper - - - - - - 193
g. Diatomaceous Earth - - - - - - 195
h. Flour Spray - - - - - - 197
i. Horticultural Oil - - - - - - 199
j. Soap Spray - - - - - - 202
k. Sulfur - - - - - - 204
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NATURAL ENEMIES
PARASITOIDS
BRACONID
Photo courtesy of IRRI & University of Queensland
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common Name: Bracon
Scientific name: Bracon spp.
Hymenoptera:Braconidae
Type
Eggs, larvae, pupae, and adult parasitoid
Hosts
Ants, aphids, armyworms, beetle's larvae, bollworms, cabbageworms,
caterpillars, codling moths, corn borers, cutworms, imported tent
caterpillars, leafhoppers, leafminers, maggots, midges, plant bugs,
scales, tomato hornworms, weevils
Description
Eggs and larvae of Bracons are found inside the hosts' bodies.
The larvae are tiny, cream-colored grubs that feed in or on other insects. Larvae molt five times
and undergo 5 instars.
Pupae of some species live and pupate within the host until they mature; others pupate in silken
cocoons on the outside of the body of the host, while others spin silken cocoons away from the
host.
Adult wasps are tiny, about 2.5 mm in size, slender black or brown with threadlike waists.
Female wasps lay eggs into the eggs of hosts' pests but prefer caterpillars' bodies.
In cases where aphids are the host pests, aphids are not killed instantly. Aphids continue to
feed on plants tissues until the Braconid larvae inside their bodies completely consume them.
The fully-grown Braconid larvae cement the dead aphids to the leaf surface making aphids'
shells black and mummified. About a week later, the adult Bracon wasps cut round holes in the
mummies and emerge. The empty mummies remain on the leaf. The presence of mummies in a
colony of aphids is a sign that Bracons are present.
CONSERVATION
Adult Bracons feed on nectar, honeydew, or pollen before laying eggs. Dill, parsley, yarrow,
zinnia, clover, alfalfa, parsley, cosmos, sunflower, and marigold are flowering crops that attract
the native braconid populations and provide good habitats for them.
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EXTERNAL LINKS
The Kitchen Gardener. Attracting beneficial insects.
http://www.taunton.com/finegardening/pages/g00013.asp
Pacific Agri-food and Research Center. Beneficial wasps. http://res2.agr.ca/parc-
crapac/pubs/bene/bewasps_e.htm
IPM Images. Braconids. http://www.insectimages.org/browse/subimages.cfm?SUB=6870
ATTRA. Plants that attract beneficials. http://attra.ncat.org/attra-
pub/farmscaping/fsappendixa.html
REFERENCES
Ellis, B.; Bradley, F. (1996): The organic gardener's handbook of natural insect and disease
control. Rodale Press. Emmaus, Pennsylvania.
Mason, P. Huber, J. Editors. (2002): Biological control programmes in Canada, 1981-2000. CABI
Publishing. CAB International, Wallingford, UK.
Yepsen, R. Editor. (1984): The encyclopedia of natural insect and disease control. Rodale Press,
Emmaus, PA.
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COTESIA
Photo courtesy of Cornell University
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common name: Cotesia wasp, Cotesia
Scientific name: Cotesia spp.
Hymenoptera:Braconidae
Type
Larva parasitiods
Hosts
Armyworm, bollworm, cabbage looper, cabbageworm,
celery looper, corn earworm, cutworm, diamondback moth, gypsy moth, hornworm, stem borer,
tobacco budworm, webworm
Description
Eggs are ovate, clear, and shiny and increase in size after they are laid. They hatch 2 days
later.
The first instar parasitoid larvae begin feeding internally after 3-4 days. The immature
parasitoids develop through three larval instars in the host body, and then emerge from the host
by chewing through the skin. After emergence from the host, the last instar larvae immediately
spin cocoons and pupate.
Pupae vary according to species; some are either in an irregular mass of yellow silken cocoons
attached to the host larva or to plant leaves, and some in white cocoon, about a size of rice
grain. The cocoons are usually found inside host feeding tunnels in leguminous plants. Pupation
takes 4-6 days after which adults emerge.
Adults are small wasps, about 3-7mm in length. They are dark-colored and look like flying ants
or tiny flies. They have two pairs of wings and chewing-lapping mouthparts. They have curved
antennae, the males having much shorter antennae than the females. A female abdomen has a
downward curve extension, called the ovipositor- with which she lays her eggs. The adult
female looks for hosts in leaves and in tunnels of crops. Some species lay about 15-65 eggs in
the body cavity of the host while some lay a single egg. A single wasp can parasitize 200-300
host caterpillars during its 10 to 14-day life. The life cycle, from egg to adult, is approximately
15-30 days, depending on the species and the temperature.
CONSERVATION
Cotesia wasps can be conserved by planting flowering herbs as a source of food for the adults
such as; wild carrot, wild mustard, and sweet alyssum.
EXTERNAL LINKS
Cornell University. Cotesia lifecycle.
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/parasitoids/cotesia.html
University of Kentucky. Cotesia species of economic importance.
http://www.uky.edu/~mjshar0/genera/Cotesia/cotesia.html
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The University of Georgia. Cotesia. http://www.gaipm.org/cotton/newsletter/2002news3.html
IPM Images. Cotesia. http://www.insectimages.org/browse/subimages.cfm?SUB=6975
Sourakov, A.; Everett, M. Wasp parasitoid, Cotesia marginiventris (Cresson) (Insecta:
Hymenoptera: Braconidae). University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_IN280
REFERENCES
Johanowicz, L.; Mitchell, E. (2000): Effects of sweet alyssum flowers on the longevity of the
parasitoid wasps Cotesia marginiventris (Hymenoptera : Braconidae) and Diadegma insulare
(Hymenoptera : Ichneumonidae). Florida Entomologist 83(1):41-47
Kfir, R. (1992): Parasitoids of the African stem borer, Busseola fusca (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in
South Africa. Bull. Entomol. Res. Vol. 85. pp. 369-377
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DIADEGMA
Photo courtesy of Cornell University
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common name: Diadegma wasp, Diadegma
Scientific name: Diadegma semiclausum,
D.insulare, D. mollipla, D. fenestral
Hymenoptera:Ichneumonidae
Type
Larva parasitioids
Hosts
Cabbage diamondback moth, potato tuber moth,
cabbage webworm
Description
The egg is found inside the body of the host larva - where the larva is then hatched.
It eats the contents of the host larva. After the host larva spins its cocoon, the Diadegma larva
eventually kills it and spins its own cocoon inside that of the host. The Diadegma kills its host
only at the stage when the host larva stops feeding and starts to pupate.
The pupa is the black colored developing wasp which can be seen inside the cocoon, in place of
the light colored diamondback moth pupa.
The adult Diadegma wasps are very small about 6 mm to 1 cm long. They are found in
cruciferous crops and herbaceous plants. Their population is dependent on the population of
their hosts. They are the most important natural enemies of DBM and can parasitize up to 90%
of their larvae. They can parasitize both exposed and hidden larvae as some species have short
ovipositors while others have long ones that can reach hidden larvae. The total development
period from egg to adult is about 2-3 weeks under temperate conditions (Philippine German
Plant Protection Project, 1996: pp. 1-17).
CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

To conserve Diadegma populations, plants with nectar sources are recommended, such as
members of the cabbage family, which have wide or shallow corollas. They can feed on nectars
of corn, beans, alfalfa, tomatoes, apples, and flowering weeds where hosts are also found.
Adult female wasps feed on nectar and pollen as well as on honeydew of aphids (Kfir, 1997).
Diadegma wasps are highly susceptible to pesticides. They are killed through direct contact,
wherein the larvae inside the hosts die when their hosts are killed by pesticides. Heavy
infestations of diamondback moth are more prevalent in the fields that are sprayed heavily. It is
advised to avoid discriminate use of pesticide (Philippine German Plant Protection Project,
1996: pp. 1-17).
The following practices are suggested when introducing Diadegma in the field:
1. Make sure that the field environment is pesticide-free.
2. Release Diadegma wasps at their adult stage at a ratio of 200 females to 100
males or an optimal sex ratio of 2 females to 1 male. The presence of too many
males disturbs the females, which in turn affects their reproductive behavior.
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3. 300 per release is the recommended number to avoid an overcrowded population.
The female has the tendency to lay unfertilized eggs or more male offspring once
there is an overpopulation.
4. Releases should be done at weekly intervals for at least 5 times, good enough for
the insects to be well-established.
5. The temperature should be low enough; about 18-25 degrees C, and field location
should be 600 m or more above sea level, to allow them to reproduce successfully.
6. Monitor insect parasitism regularly. Black cocoons mean a parasitized DBM larva or
Diadegma wasp is developing inside the cocoon (Philippine German Plant
Protection Project, 1996: pp. 1-17).
The introduction of Diadegma wasps into the field is to reduce the DBM population to a level
below the economic threshold and to establish Diadegma as an integral part of the local insect
fauna. It takes about ½-1 year to build-up its population naturally in Brassica fields (Fitton;
Walker, 1992).
EXTERNAL LINKS
Cornell University. Diadegma insulare.
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/parasitoids/diadegma.html
Kok, L.; Kok, V. Biological control.
http://www.ento.vt.edu/~kok/Biological_Control/Main_body.htm
REFERENCES
Fitton, M.; Walker, A. (1992): Hymenopterous parasitoids associated with diamondback moth:
The taxonomic dilemma. In: Diamondback Moth and other Crucifer Pests. Proceedings of the
Second International Workshop, Tainan, Taiwan, 10-14 December 1990.
Kfir, R. (1997): Parasitoids of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), in South Africa: an
annotated list. Entomophaga. Vol. 42.
Philippine German Plant Protection Project. (1996): Bio-control against diamondback moth. BPI,
Department of Agriculture. Manila, Philippines.
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ENCARSIA
Source: Mark Hoddle, University of California
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common Name: Encarsia, Whitefly parasite
Scientific name: Encarsia spp.
Hymenoptera:Aphelinidae
Type
Larva parasitoids
Hosts
Various whitefly species
Description
Eggs are found inside the body of the host larva.
The larvae develop within the whitefly larvae passing through four larval stages. The host pupa
turns black when Encarsia pupates inside the whitefly. Adult wasps emerge from the parasitized
pupae by chewing a hole in the top of the scale.
Adults are very tiny wasps, about 1 mm in size. These parasitic wasps can look actively and
effectively for whiteflies. They can cover distances of 10-30 m looking for hosts. Adult females
attack young whitefly larvae by stinging and laying eggs inside them.
An adult female wasp can lay 60-100 eggs. The life cycle is completed within 2-4 weeks
depending on the climatic conditions. Adults can live for 30 days but are active for about 10
days.
Adult wasps feed on honeydew and the body fluids of whitefly larvae. They also feed directly on
the scales. However, honeydew restricts their movements so that it is difficult for them to have a
wider feeding coverage.
With the exception of the adult, all stages of Encarsia occur inside the whitefly host.
CONSERVATION
Conserving natural enemies is probably the most important practice farmers could do.
Practicing multiple cropping (including flowering crops) provides pollen, honeydew, and nectar
for adult wasps. The practice can increase the diversity of habitats that provide shelter and other
food sources to the natural enemies.
Some Encarsia species are native to crop production environments. When introduced, they
have the tendency to adapt to the local environments.
Weekly field monitoring or a visual inspection of plants is important to notice the presence of
pests and beneficial insects in order to consider when to make pest management decisions. If
possible, avoid the indiscriminate use of pesticides.
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EXTERNAL LINKS
Cornell University. Biological control.
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/parasitoids/eformosa.html
UC Davis. Encarsia formosa. http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/NE/encarsia_formosa.html
HortReport. Method for releasing Encarsia formusa to control greenhouse whitefly.
http://paipm.cas.psu.edu/pdf/BVB/whitefly.pdf
REFERENCES
CABI. (2001): Crop protection compendium. Global module, 3rd edition. CAB International
Publishing. Wallingford, UK.
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TACHINID FLY
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common Name: Diptera
Scientific name: Bombyliopsis abrupta, Lixophaga sp.
Diptera:Tachinidae
Type
Larvae and adult parasitoid
Hosts
Aphids, armyworm, beetles, bollworm, bugs, cabbage looper, cotton stainer, cutworm,
grasshoppers, hornworm, leafhoppers, mole crickets, moths, sawflies, scale insects, stem
borers, stick insects (CABI, 2000).
Description
Eggs are ovate-shaped and white in color. They are found in the skin of the host insect or in
leaves near the host and are hatched when the host ingests them.
The larvae or maggots are worm-like and lack appendages like all other fly larvae. They are
greenish-white in color. They have three larval instars and then leave the hosts to pupate in the
soil. Before pupation, some mature maggots produce hard cocoons. The larval stage takes
about 4 days to 2 weeks depending on the climatic conditions. The newly hatched larvae enter
into its host and feed on the content before pupating into the soil. Some tachinid species are
hosts' specific, for example for a certain species; it is parasitic only on leaf rolling caterpillars, or
only on sugarcane stem borer.
Pupae are oblong, yellowish and turn dark-reddish as they mature.
Adults measure between 3 and 10 mm and have very stout bristles at the tips of their
abdomens. They look very similar to the common housefly but are larger with stocky and soft
bodies. They vary in appearance from gray black to brightly colored, or sometimes looking like
bees. Adult Tachinid flies have only 1 pair of wings. They feed on honeydews and flower pollen.
Different species have varied modified sucking type mouthparts: the cutting sponging, the
piercing-sucking, and lapping-sponging. Adult flies are found in almost all crop habitats, either
resting on foliage or feeding on nectars and pollen. Additionally for females, they search for
hosts to lay their eggs. The female adult lays her eggs near or into the larvae, or on another
insect. She can lay as many as 1000-2000 eggs in her lifetime. Adults can live from 3 days to 2
months depending on the species (IRRI, 2001).
However, the Uzi fly (Exorista sorbillans or E. bombycis) is an important pest of the mulberry
silkworm and other silkworm species in Asia (CABI, 2000).
CONSERVATION
Reducing the use of insecticides and providing sources of food like dills, parsley, clover and
other herbs are the most efficient ways to conserve Trachinid flies in agricultural ecosystems
(Ellis; Bradley, 1996: pp. 328-329).
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EXTERNAL LINKS
University of Florida. Beneficial organisms. http://woodypest.ifas.ufl.edu/beneficl.htm
Texas A&M University Entomology. Insect pests of Sorghum. http://sorghumipm.tamu.edu/
UC IPM. Tachinid flies parasitize caterpillars. http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/T/I-DP-
TACH-AD.005.html
UC Davis. Tachinid flies. http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/NE/tachinid_flies.html
IPM Images. Tachinid fly. http://www.insectimages.org/browse/subimages.cfm?SUB=6861
NADS. The Tachinidae Resources. http://www.nadsdiptera.org/Tach/Ohara/Oharahome.htm
REFERENCES
CABI. (2000): Crop protection compendium. Global module, 2nd edition. CABI Publishing,
Wallingford, UK.
IRRI & Queensland University. (2001): Rice IPM. An interactive information and identification
system for integrated pest management in rice. University of Queensland and IRRI.
Teetes, G.; Pendleton, B. (1999): Insect pests of sorghum. Department of Entomology. Texas
A&M University.
Emmaus, PA.
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TIPHIA WASP
Photo courtesy of The Ohio State University
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Tiphia vernalis, T. koreana, T.
popilliavora, T. pygidialis
Hymenoptera:Tiphiidae
Type
Grub parasite
Hosts
Larvae of Japanese beetles and scarab beetles (IRRI,
2001)
Description
The female wasp burrows into the ground in search of a grub. She lays her eggs on a white
grub. She stings the grub to temporarily paralyze it and lays a single egg on a specific location
(depending on her species). The paralyzed grub recovers from the sting to be the source of food
when the egg hatches. The tiny wasp's larva starts to feed by biting the grub's skin. It feeds
slowly on the body fluids of the grub.
The larva molts 5 times taking about 2-3 weeks to complete. Before pupating, the larva eats the
remainder of its host and then spins a small, fuzzy, brown ovate-shaped cocoon.
Adult Tiphia wasps are shiny dark-colored and about 1cm-2cm long wasps. They are similar to
winged black ants. The female wasps' bodies are heavily set built for digging soil in search of
beetle grubs. The male wasps are slender and smaller, have tiny hooks at the end of their
abdomens which are used for mating. Tiphia wasps feed primarily on the honeydew emitted by
aphids, scale insects, and leafhoppers but they also feed on the nectar of blossoms.
Tiphia wasps are native to Japan, Korea, and North China. They are now found in cooler
climates where they have been introduced to control Japanese beetles and other scarab beetles
(CABI, 2000).
CONSERVATION
Tiphia wasps' presence is greatly influenced by the availability of adult food sources. The
female adults feed in the morning in vegetations for food, such as nectar or honeydews (emitted
by aphids or whiteflies), before looking for grubs to deposit their eggs. Under favorable
conditions they can parasitize up to 60% of beetle larvae in a given area. Like other insects,
they are killed by pesticide, so it is not advised to use pesticides indiscriminately (Ohio State
University, 2003).
EXTERNAL LINKS
Ohio State University. Sustainable suppression of Japanese beetle populations.
http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/biocontrol/j_beetle.htm
Ohio State University. Tiphia wasp. http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/biocontrol/wasp.htm
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REFERENCES
Wallingford, UK.
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TRICHOGRAMMA
Photo courtesy of Sylvie Chenus,
Cornell University
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common Name: Trichogramma, Tricon
Scientific name: Trichogramma spp.
Hymenoptera:Trichogrammatidae
Type
Egg parasites
Hosts
Trichogramma species parasitize eggs of over 200 species of moth
and caterpillars. Among these are; the rice and corn stem borer,
cabbageworm, tomato hornworm, Heliotis and Helicoverpa species,
codling moth, cutworm, armyworm, webworm, cabbage looper, fruit
worms, and sugarcane borer.
Description
Trichogramma adults are extremely small. The female adult lays her eggs on other moths' eggs.
First, she examines the eggs by antennal drumming, then drills into the eggs with her ovipositor,
and lays one or more eggs inside the moth's eggs. She usually stays on or near the host eggs
until all or most of them are parasitized. When the parasitized moth's eggs turn black, the larvae
parasites develop within the host eggs. The larva eats the contents of the moth's eggs. Adults
emerge about 5-10 days later depending on the temperature. Adults can live up to 14 days after
emergence. Female adults can lay up to 300 eggs.

Trichogramma species differ in their searching behavior, host preferences, response to
environmental conditions, and suitability in biological control uses. The timing of Trichogramma
releases in the field is important. Non-parasitism could be due to the use of less suitable
Trichogramma strains to the host pests, environmental conditions, and untimely release of
parasitoids. It is best to release of parasitoids at the beginning of a pest infestation (when moths
are first seen in the field), followed by regular releases until a natural breeding population of
Trichogramma is established.
An example of this approach is the corn borer control. The first release should be during the first
appearance of moths and corn borers' eggs in the cornfields. Weekly releases thereafter are to
ensure the Trichogramma population build-up and parasitism occurrence. The build-up of the
parasitoids depends on the presence of the pest or alternative hosts and food for adults. It is
important to regulary monitor pest population, egg parasitism (parasitized eggs are black in
color), and the larval infestation. Trichogramma are released as pupae in parasitized host eggs.
The pupae can be pasted on cards or put in various containers. To be successful in the field,
food, host eggs and shelter must be available.
Modify cropping practices by practicing crop rotation and by planting cultivars which are
favorable to Trichogramma population build-up such as wild carrots, dill, golden rod, leguminous
plants, and flowering vegetables. Adults feed only on nectar, pollen, and honeydew. Many of
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these species are found naturally occurring in agricultural and garden habitats. Many adult
parasitoids and predators benefit from sources of nectar and the protection provided by refuges
such as hedgerows, cover crops, and weedy borders. Avoid indiscriminate use of hazardous
pesticides to ensure their presence in agricultural fields.
EXTERNAL LINKS
Cornell University. Trichogramma ostriniae.
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/parasitoids/trichogramma_ostriniae.html
UC IPM. Trichogramma pretiosum. http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/H/I-LP-HZEA-
TS.028.html
Department of Agriculture. Northern Mindanao control rice stem borer- Use Trichogramma
japonicum.
http://agri10.norminet.org.ph/News%20&%20Events/September/control%20rice.htm
University of Wisconsin - Madison. Trichogramma wasps.
http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/mbcn/kyf104.html
Insectary. Trichogramma. http://www.insectary.com/tricho/tricho.htm
REFERENCES
Bureau of Plant Industry. (1994): Trichogramma. Manual for farmers’ training. Department of
Agriculture. Manila, Philippines.
ICIPE. (2003): Development of biocontrol-based management of Helicoverpa armigera in eastern
and southern Africa. 2000-2003 ICIPE Scientific Report. International Center for Insect
Physiology and Entomology, Nairobi, Kenya.
Tran, L.; Hassan, SA. (1986): Preliminary results on the utilization of Trichogramma evanescens
to control the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis in the Philippines. J. Appl. Ent.
18 | P a g e
PREDATORS
DAMSEL BUG
Source: University of Georgia
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common name: Nabids
Scientific name: Nabis ferus, N. aternatus, N.
capsiformis
Hemiptera:Nabidae
Type
Generalist predator
Hosts
Aphids, armyworms, asparagus beetle, Colorado potato beetle eggs and nymphs, corn
earworm, corn borer, imported cabbageworm, leafhoppers, mites, moth eggs, sawfly larvae, and
tarnished plant bug nymphs. Although they can survive for about two weeks without food, they
will eat each other if no other prey is available.
Description
Eggs are deposited in soft plant tissues where they are so difficult to find.
Nymphs resemble adults and develop through 5 nymphal stages in about 50 days.
Adults are tiny, about 2-4 mm long, with slender bodies and are yellowish or gray or reddish-
brown in color. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts, a 4-segmented beak, elongated heads,
and 4 long segmented antennae. They are fast runners with long slender back legs and
enlarged forelegs for grasping prey. They are commonly found in most agricultural crops,
especially legumes, throughout the year. Adults begin laying eggs soon after emergence.
CONSERVATION
They prefer to live in soybeans, grassy fields, and alfalfa. You can collect damsel bugs in alfalfa
fields and release them around your garden.
EXTERNAL LINKS
University of Wisconsin - Madison. Damsel bugs.
IPM Images. Damsel bugs. http://www.insectimages.org/browse/subimages.cfm?SUB=2643
CPES. Nabid. http://www.cpes.peachnet.edu/lewis/1nabid.jpg
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REFERENCES
A&M University.
Emmaus, PA.
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DAMSELFLY
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common Names: Bog dancer, Damselfly, Damsel,
Narrow wing
Scientific name: Agriocnemis femina femina, A.
pygmaea
Odonata:Calyopterygidae
Type
Generalist predators
Hosts
Leafhoppers, moths and butterflies, plant hoppers (Shepard; Barrion; Litsinger, 1987: p. 127)
Description
Eggs are laid in emerging plants, in floating vegetation, or directly in the water. The hatched
eggs do not go through the larval and pupal stages.
A naiad (nymph of damselfly) lives in water, has an elongated body, long legs, and three leaf-
like appendages or gills on its tail. These appendages are used for oxygen transport. A naiad
molts several times before emerging. At this stage, naiads are very good predators. They prey
aquatic insects and other arthropods within their reach. They grab their prey with their modified
lower jaw. At the last stage, a naiad swims out of the water and clings to a plant to dry its skin.
After a few minutes of drying in the sun, its outer skin splits open at the head and the adult
damselfly strains to pull itself out of its old skin. The new legs harden to hold onto the plant. Its
wings slowly expand and are pumped open by fluid from its abdomen.
An adult damselfly has a long thin body which is green, blue, red, yellow, black, or brown and is
often brightly colored. It has an oblong head with bulging eyes and very short antennae. When
resting, it holds its four large membranous wings of nearly equal size vertically rather than
horizontally. It is a delicate and weak-flying insect. Its wings are usually clear except for a spot
at the end of the wing called a stigma. The male sex organ is located at the front part of the
abdomen. Damselflies commonly fly in pairs during mating. Damselfly adults use their hind legs,
which are covered with hairs to capture prey as they fly. They hold the prey in their legs and
devour it by chewing. Adults are usually found flying near plants, usually in irrigated rice fields
during the daytime throughout the year. The damselfly's mating pattern is unusual. The male
deposits sperm by bending the abdomen forward and then clasping the female behind the head
with its claspers on the tip of his abdomen. The female then loops her abdomen forward and
picks up the sperm from the male. The mating pairs are seen flying and clinging in tandem.
Most species have one generation per year depending on the species, although they complete
their life cycle from 1-2 years.
CONSERVATION
Damselflies live in rice paddies, streams, and ponds with good water quality at low and middle
elevations. They are often used as an indicator of whether the water is clean or not (IRRI,
2001). To conserve them, avoid using indiscriminate use of pesticides.
21 | P a g e
EXTERNAL LINKS
Newman, R. Damselflies.
http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/angling/bugs/damselfly/damselfly.phtml
REFERENCES
Wallingford, UK.
Shepard, B.; Barrion, A.; Litsinger, J. (1987): Helpful insects, spiders, and pathogens.
International Rice Research Institute. Manila, Philippines.
Emmaus, PA.
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GROUND BEETLE
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common name: Carabid
Scientific name: Calosoma spp., Cicindela spp., Megacephala
spp., Ophionea nigrofasciata, Pterostichus spp.
Coleoptera:Carabidae
Type
Generalist predator
Hosts
Cabbage root maggots, cutworms, snails, slugs, (Ellis; Bradley,
1996: pp. 294-295), leaffolder and planthoppers larvae (Rice IPM,
2001).
Description
Eggs are normally laid singly in the soil.
Larva is elongated and tapered toward the end, worm-like in appearance and have a large head
directed forward.
Pupa is brownish black, small and found in the soil.
Adult ground beetles or Carabids are about 2-6cm long, dark shiny brown to metallic black,
blue, green, purple, or multi-colored. They vary in shapes,- from elongated to heavy-bodied, -
tapered head end with threadlike antennae, and have a ringed wing cover. Some species do not
use their wings however, like many other insects they are also attracted to light. They use their
wings to fly at night to be near to the source of light. Their heads are usually smaller than their
thorax. Both adults and larvae have strong pincher-like mandibles. They have prominent long
legs, which make them fast moving insects. Most species are nocturnal and they hide during the
day in soil crevices, under rocks and stones, decaying logs, leaf litter, or composting materials.
When disturbed or when other vertebrates prey upon them, they emit an odor or gas, as a type
of defense mechanism, preventing them from being eaten by other predators. Ground beetles
live on or below the ground, hence the name. Development from the egg to the adult stage
takes about a year, although adults may live 2 to 3 years or longer.
CONSERVATION
1. Practice mulching in some sections of your field to provide a habitat for the ground
beetles.
2. Provide permanent beds and perennial plantings to protect population.
3. Plant white clover and/or amaranth as ground covers (Ellis; Bradley, 1996: p. 295).
EXTERNAL LINKS
University of Kentucky Entomology. Ground beetle.
http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/entfacts/fldcrops/ef104.htm
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REFERENCES
A&M University.
Emmaus, PA.
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HOVERFLY
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common name: Flower fly, Syrphid fly, Syrphidae
Scientific name: Eristalis spp., Volucella spp.
Diptera:Syrphidae
Type
Generalist predator
Hosts
Aphids, thrips, psyllids, scale insects, small caterpillars, and larvae of Heliotes
Description
Eggs are tiny, about 1mm in size, ovate-shaped, and glistening-white. These are found laid
singly and close to the developing aphid colony in the leaves, shoots, or stems of the plants.
They hatch within 2-3 days.
The larvae, known as Syrphids, are legless slug like maggots, about 1-13 mm in length
depending on their larval stages. They usually have a mottled-gray, beige, or light-green color.
They lift their pointed heads to look for preys. Once preys are located, their mouthparts suck out
the contents of the preys. Larvae are frequently found feeding on aphids in the sheltered and
curled portion of leaves. They blend well with their habitat and therefore they must be looked for
closely to locate them.
Pupae are teardrops shaped and are found in the soil surface or in the plant's foliage.
Adult hoverflies are true flies with only two wings instead of four which most insects have. Adults
are large and beautiful insects about 13 mm long. They have a dark head, a dark thorax, and a
banded yellow and black abdomen. They closely resemble bees or wasps rather than flies.
Their habit of hovering like humming birds gave them the names hoverflies or flower flies. They
are expert hoverers, able to remain absolutely stationary in midair. In some species, males will
hover in certain spots to attract the attention of females while other species patrol a wider area
of up to 100 yards to feed and mate. They dart from flower to flower making them easy to
distinguish from the bees and wasps. They feed on pollen, nectar, and honeydew. They are
good pollinators.
CONSERVATION
Hoverflies are attracted to all flowering plants but even more so to small-flowered herbs like wild
mustard, coriander, dill, lupins, sunflower, and fennel. It is advisable to have multiple crops as
adults basically feed on pollen and nectar and it is advisable to allow flowering weeds such as
wild carrot and yarrow to grow between crop plants.
Hoverflies' larvae are most noticeable in the latter half of the growing season when aphids are
established.
EXTERNAL LINKS
25 | P a g e
Sussex Nature Web. Hoverflies.
http://www.sussexnatureweb.btinternet.co.uk/hoverflies.html
IPM Images. Syrphid or flower flies.
http://www.insectimages.org/browse/subimages.cfm?SUB=2506
UC Davis. Syrphid, flower, or hover flies.
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/NE/syrphid_flies.html
REFERENCES
Pennington, M. (1999): Dipterists Digest. Vol. 6.
A&M University.
Emmaus, PA.
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LACEWING
Photo courtesy of Clemsom University-
Department of Entomology
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common Name: Brown lacewing, Green lacewing,
Aphid lion
Scientific name: Chrysoperla carnea, Chrysopa
rufilabris
Neuroptera:Chrysopidae
Type
Generalist predator
Hosts
Aphids, leafminer, mealybugs, thrips, whitefly (Ellis; Bradley, 1996: p. 449), armyworms,
bollworms, cabbage worm, codling moths, corn borer, cutworm, DBM, fruitworm, leafhopper
nymphs and eggs, potato beetle, scale insects, spider mites, and caterpillars of most pest
moths. If given the chance, they can also prey on adult pests.
Description
Eggs are found on slender stalks or on the underside of leaves. Each egg is attached to the top
of a hair-like filament. Eggs are pale green in color.
Larvae are known as aphid lions. Newly hatched, they are grayish-brown in color. Upon
emerging, larvae immediately look for food. They grow to about 1 cm in length. They attack their
prey by taking them with their large sucking jaws and injecting paralyzing poison, and then
sucking out the body fluids of the pest. A larva can eat 200 or more pests or pest eggs a week.
An older larva can consume 30-50 aphids per day. It can consume more than 400 aphids during
its development. The larvae resemble alligators with pincers like jaw. However, they become
cannibalistic if no other prey is available. They feed for 3 to 4 weeks and molt three times before
pupation. They cover their bodies with prey debris.
Pupae are cocoons with silken threads. These are found in cracks and crevices. The pupal
stage lasts for approximately 5 days.
Adults are green to yellowish-green with four, delicate transparent wings that have many veins
and cross veins. Adults are about 18 mm long, with long hair-like antennae and red-gold eyes.
Each adult female may deposit more than 100 eggs. Many species of adult lacewings do not
prey on pests. They feed on nectar, pollen, and honeydew. An adult will live for about four to six
weeks depending on the climatic conditions.
CONSERVATION
Flowering plants such as dill, cosmos, sunflower, carrots, dandelions are good source of pollen
and nectar for adults. Provide source of water during dry season.
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EXTERNAL LINKS
UC Davis. Green lacewings. http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/NE/green_lacewing.html
IPM Images. Green lacewings.
http://www.insectimages.org/browse/subimages.cfm?SUB=2509
REFERENCES
Scholaen, S. (1997): Manejo integral de plagas en hortalizas. GTZ Eschborn.
A&M University.
28 | P a g e
LADYBIRD BEETLES
Photo courtesy of L. T. Kok
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common names: Ladybird beetles, Ladybugs, Lady
beetles, Coccinellid, Coccinellid beetles
Scientific names: Harmonia conformis, H. axyridis,
Hippodamia convegens
Coleoptera:Coccinellidae
Type
Generalist predators
Hosts
Aphids, leaffolders, leafhoppers, mealybugs, planthoppers, scales, spider mites, whiteflies, and
other leaf feeding insects.
Description
Eggs are yellow to orange in color, football-shaped, and are laid in circular clusters of 10 -50
eggs on the underside of leaves or near the aphid colony.
Newly hatched larvae are gray or black and less than 4 mm long. They emerge as dark
alligator-like flightless creatures with orange spots. Adult larvae can be gray, black, or blue with
bright yellow or orange markings on the body. They are usually patterned with colors similar to
their parents, and many are adorned with spines. They have long sharp mandibles and feed on
small insects like their adults. The larvae are elongate and slightly oblong in shape. They
undergo four instars before pupating.
The pupae are usually brightly patterned and can be found attached to the leaves and stems of
plants where larvae have fed and developed.
Adults are oval to hemispherical and strongly convex with short legs and antennae. Most
species are brightly colored. Body length ranges from 0.8-16 mm. Their colors tell other
predators that they are tasteless and toxic. When disturbed, some of them emit a strong
smelling yellow liquid as a protection against other predators. Their colors vary from red,
orange, steel blue, yellow brown, or yellow elytra, frequently spotted or striped with black. They
feed on pollen, nectar, water, and honeydew but aphids or other prey are necessary for egg
production. They are the best-known predators of aphids and are capable of eating up to 50-60
per day and about 5000 aphids in their lifetime.
Many species are well-known for their use in biological control, and have been distributed to
various parts of the world to combat insect pests of agricultural crops. However, members of the
subfamily Epilachninae are foliage feeders and are sometimes pests of several crops.
CONSERVATION
Lady bird beetles are found in most agricultural and garden habitats. Their presence indicates
that natural biological control is occurring. It is important to maintain habitats planted with
several flowering crops. These give the ladybird beetles varied food sources. When food is not
29 | P a g e
available, they tend to eat each other. Their beneficial predatory behavior and activities are
continuous when there is no indiscriminate use of synthetic pesticides.
EXTERNAL LINKS
UC Davis. Convergent lady beetle.
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/NE/convergent_lady_beetle.html
University of Wisconsin -Madison. Lady beetles.
The University of Arizona. Ladybird beetle rearing. http://insected.arizona.edu/ladyrear.htm
University of Florida. Ladybirds, ladybird beetles, lady beetles, ladybugs.
http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/beneficial/lady_beetles.htm
REFERENCES
Olkowski, W.; Daar, S.; Olkowski, H. (1995): The gardener’s guide to common-sense pest
control. The Taunton Press. USA.
A&M University.
Emmaus, PA
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MEALYBUG DESTROYER
Source: Home and Garden Information Center
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
Coleoptera:Coccinellidae
Type
Mealybug predator
Hosts
Mealybugs but feed on scales and aphids in the
absence of mealybugs.
Description
Eggs are yellow and are laid among the cottony egg sack produced by the mother mealybugs.
The eggs develop into larvae in about 5 days.
The larva looks like mealybug. It has woolly appendages of wax but is twice as big as the adult
mealybug. It grows up to 1.3 cm in length. It undergoes three larval stages, which lasted for
about 12-17 days. The larva feeds on mealybug eggs, young crawlers, and the honeydew
produced by mealybugs. It can consume up to 250 mealybugs.
The pupa is found in sheltered stems. The pupal stage lasts for about 7-10 days.
Adult mealybug destroyer is dark brown or blackish beetle. It has orangish head with reddish
abdomen. It is small, about 3-4 mm long. A female can lay up to 10 eggs a day in a mealybug
colony or in a group of mealybug eggs. It may live up to 2 months.
CONSERVATION
Mealybug destroyers only thrive when there are mealybugs. They feed on mealybugs, which are
necessary for their reproduction. Members of carrot (fennel, dill, angelica, tansy) and sunflower
families (goldenrod, coreopsis, sunflower, and yarrow) are good habitats for adult mealybug
destroyers.
EXTERNAL LINKS
Cornell University. Mealybug destroyer.
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/predators/cryptolaemus_m.html
UC Davis. Mealybug destroyer.
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/NE/mealybug_destroyer.html
REFERENCES
ATTRA. (2003): Plants that attract beneficials. http://attra.ncat.org/attra-
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Mahr, D.; Ridgeway, N. (1991): Biological control of insects and mites: An introduction to
beneficial natural enemies and their use in pest management. North Center. Reg. Ext. Publ. No.
481.
Sadof, C. (1995): Know Your Friends: Mealybug destroyer. Midwest Biological Control News
Online. Vol. II No. 5.
University of Alaska. (2003): Cryptolaemus montrouzieri. Technical Bulletin- biological Control
Series. IPM of Alaska. University of Alaska.
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MINUTE PIRATE BUG
Photo courtesy of Department of Entomology,
Texas A&M University.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common Name: Minute pirate bugs, Insidious flower
bugs
Scientific name: Orius tristicolor, O. insidiosus
Hemiptera:Anthocoridae
Type
Generalist predator
Hosts
Aphids, bollworm, potato leafhopper nymphs, spider mites, scale insects, insect eggs, small
corn borers' larvae, thrips, other small caterpillars, whiteflies
Description
Eggs are elongated, very small, about 0.25 mm, and are clear or milky white in color. The red
eyes of the embryo are seen through the shell before hatching. Eggs are laid inside the plant
tissues. Incubation takes about 4-7 days.
Nymphs are small, wingless, teardrop-shaped and yellow-orange to brown in color. Nymphs
pass through five instars before becoming adult. With each molt, the young closely resemble the
adults they will eventually become. The nymphal stage takes about 2 weeks.
Adults are also very tiny, about 2 mm long, ovate, and black with white wing patches. Their
head and thorax are shiny and black, and their beak extends to between the bases of the first
pair of legs. They have flattened bodies that are colored black or brown with lighter markings
like pirate flags, hence the name. They possess efficient searching behavior and are voracious
general feeders. They are able to aggregate in areas of high prey density and increase their
numbers rapidly where food is abundant. They can consume 30 or more spider mites per day.
Both nymphs and adults feed on a variety of pests as their primary source of food. Their
lifecycle takes about 20 days under optimum conditions to complete. Adults live for about 3 - 4
weeks.
CONSERVATION
Minute pirate bugs are commonly found where there are flowering shrubs and weeds. These
insects are also found in corn, peanut, peas, cotton, soybeans, alfalfa, strawberries, and grapes.
When they are in corn silks, they eat the corn earworm eggs and other small insects found on
the silks. Insecticide applications to crops can greatly reduce their numbers.
EXTERNAL LINKS
Cornell University. Minute pirate bug and insidious flower bug.
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/predators/orius.html
Hull, L.; Horsburgh, R. Minute pirate bug, Orius insidiosus (Say).
http://www.ento.vt.edu/Fruitfiles/orius.html
33 | P a g e
University of Wisconsin - Madison. Minute pirate bugs.
UC Davis. Minute pirate bugs. http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/NE/minute_pirate_bug.html
REFERENCES
A&M University.
Emmaus, PA.
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PRAYING MANTIS
Photo courtesy of R. Bessin,
University of Kentucky
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common name: Praying mantids (plural)
Mantodea:Mantidae
Some important mantids species

1. African mantis (Sphodromantis spp.)
found in Africa
2. Chinese mantis (Tenodera aridifolia
sinensis) found in China
3. Devils flower mantis (Blepharoppsis
mendica) found in Asia
4. Giant Malaysian shield mantis (Rhombodera basalis) found in Malaysia
5. Giant mantis (Hierodula spp.) found in Asia
6. Ghost mantis (Phyllocrania Paradoxa) found in Africa and Madagascar
7. Indian flower mantis (Creoboter meleagris) found in India
8. Leaf mantis (Deroplatys spp.) found in Asia
9. Madagascan marbled mantis (Polyspillota aeruginosa) found in West Africa and
Madagascar, Nigeria and Kenya
10. Malaysian orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and
Sumatra
11. Spiny flower mantis (Pseudocreobotra spp.) found in Africa
12. Twig mantis (Popa spurce) found in Africa
13. Wondering violin mantis (Gongylus gongylodes) found in India and Sri Lanka
Type
Predator
Hosts
Aphids, fruit flies, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and they eat each other when no food is available.
Description
The eggs are laid in groups. Each group of eggs is encased in a foamy substance that hardens
into a tough protective casing called ootheca. Eggs hatch after 3 - 8 weeks, although not all
eggs will hatch as young mantids.
The young mantids are hatched as pro-nymphs. They are surrounded by a protective
membrane and move like grubs to the surface of the ootheca. In some species, there is a single
exit hole at the bottom of the ootheca, where the young emerge individually. In others, the
young emerge through the oothecal wall nearest the egg cell and will hang on silken cord from
the ootheca until the skin hardens.
The adult praying mantis varies in color depending on the habitat it is living in. It camouflages
the leaves, flowers, twigs, barks, trees where it is found. Its size varies depending on the
species, from about 3 cm-18cm. It has strong spine-forelegs and usually sits and waits
motionless among vegetation for prey, with its forelegs held together in a prayerful manner,
35 | P a g e
hence the name 'Praying mantis'. It has strong mouthparts for chewing, large eyes, well-set on
its mobile triangular head, with antennae that are slender and segmented. It has a neck that can
rotate its head while waiting for prey.
Some species have powerful forewings for protection and flying. While flying, it can be mistaken
as for a small bird. Other species are wingless, odd-looking, flower/leaf-shaped, and others are
so thin to be recognizedthat they are hardly recognizable. They will rise up in a threatening
manners ready to attack, when disturbed.
A female adult should be well fed prior to mating or else she will kill the male once she is hungry
after mating. A female mantis lays up to a few hundred frothy liquid eggs in habitats where
mantids live.
CONSERVATION
Avoid indiscriminate use of pesticides, for pesticides kill and reduce the numbers of praying
mantids and other beneficial insects. Maintain vegetation to provide natural habitats for the
mantids.
EXTERNAL LINKS
Bragg, P. Care sheet 2 of Praying mantis. http://www.ex.ac.uk/bugclub/mantids.html
IPM Images. Mantids. http://www.insectimages.org/browse/subimages.cfm?SUB=2219
University of Kentucky Entomology. Praying mantids.
http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/Entomology/entfacts/trees/ef418.htm
Insecta Inspecta World. Praying mantis. http://www.insecta-inspecta.com/mantids/praying/
Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet. Praying mantis. http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-
fact/2000/pdf/2154.pdf
Wilson, E. The insect societies. http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2154.html
REFERENCES
Lyon, W. (1991): Praying Mantis. Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet
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PREDATORY MITE
Source: University of Florida
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Phytoseiulus spp, Metaseiulus
occidentalis, Typhlodromalus aripo
Acari:Phytoseidae
Type
Mite predator
Hosts
Adults, nymphs, larvae, and eggs of spider mites,
nymphs of thrips, eggs and nymphs of fungus gnats, small insects and their eggs
Description
Eggs are oblong and slightly larger than the spherical eggs of spider mites.
Nymphs are smaller and lighter in color but look like small adults.
Predatory mites are red, orange, tan, or brown in color, pear-shaped, long-legged, and are
approximately 0.5 mm long. They can move around quickly on spider mites colonies (unlike the
spider mites that are almost stationary). They can consume about 30 eggs or 20 nymphs a day.
CONSERVATION
Predatory mites feed voraciously on spider mites. They must have spider mites to survive and to
reproduce. They do not feed on pollen or plant sap. They are very effective in proper crop and
environmental conditions with temperatures ranging from 27-32 degrees centigrade.
Predatory mite (Typhlodromalus aripo) controls cassava green mite (Monoychellus tanajoa). It
can reduce the green mite population by ½ and can increase cassava yield by 1/3. This
predatory mite species does not require mass breeding in rearing station. It can be transferred
to new locations on cassava shoot tips where mites are present. It can spread easily when
introduced into cassava fields because of the many food sources such as mites, white flies, corn
pollens, and honey dews. But in order to reproduce, it requires mite prey.
In the absence of mites, predatory mite disperses or dies so that it causes no harm to the
environment.
There are several species of predatory mites which are mass-reared commercially for the
management of mites and thrips in greenhouses and field grown crops.
EXTERNAL LINKS
New Agriculturist On-line. Cassava pests: from crisis to control. http://www.new-
agri.co.uk/98-6/focuson/focuson9.html
University of Florida. Mites. http://woodypest.ifas.ufl.edu/mites.htm
Cooperative Extension, Cornell University. Natural enemies of vegetable insect pests.
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/predators/mitintro.html
37 | P a g e
UC Davis. Western predatory mite.
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/NE/western_predatory_mite.html
REFERENCES
Olkowski, W.; Daar, S.; Olkowski, H. (1991): Common sense - pest control. The Taunton Press.
USA.
38 | P a g e
ROVE BEETLES
Photo courtesy of Jim Kalisch & Barry Pawson,
UNL Entomology.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common Name: Staphylinid
Scientific name: Aleochara bilineata
Coleoptera:Staphylinidae
Type
Rove beetle larvae are maggots and pupae parasites
when they are about to pupate, but both adult and larva
are generalist predators
Hosts
Both adults and larvae are predators of root maggots' eggs and larvae, mites, worms,
nematodes, and other small insects. Adults tend to be cannibalistic, eating their own eggs and
attacking other adults when food supply is low.
Description
Eggs are tiny, about 0.5 mm long and 0.4 mm wide, pear-shaped, pale green in color, and are
covered with a gelatin-like material. These are laid by female adults in the soil among the roots
of the root-maggot infested plants. The eggs hatch 5-10 days later.
The first instar larvae are pale brown, about 1.5 mm long, slender, segmented, and tapered
toward the anterior. They have large heads. The parasitic second and third instar larvae are
white, have rudimentary legs, and are found within the host puparium.
Before pupating, a larva will actively search for a host (pupa of maggot) in the surrounding soil.
It will pupate in the pupa of the maggot by entering into its cocoon and feeding its contents, and
then pupate itself inside for about 3-4 weeks before emerging as an adult. It is possible that two
or more larvae enter into one maggot pupa but only one will survive and mature.
Adult rove beetles are brown, reddish-brown, or black or have gray markings on the wings and
abdomen, with slender elongate bodies. Their wing covers are shorter than the abdomen where
most part of the abdomen is exposed. Both adults and larvae have well-developed 'jaws' cross
in front of the head. They live mostly in decaying organic matter but are also found in moist
agricultural soils or in habitats where large numbers of fly larvae live. When disturbed, they run
very fast, with their abdomen lifted upward, like that of scorpions. Adults are good fliers as well.
CONSERVATION
Provide ground covers or mulches within and around fields for rove beetles love to stay in moist
decaying organic matter; provide hiding sites and alternative habitats and plant flowering
borders, hedges, and other perennial habitats as a source of food and shelter; and provide
protection by not spraying broad spectrum pesticides.
39 | P a g e
EXTERNAL LINKS
Cornell University. Aleochara bilineata (Coleoptera:Staphylinidae).
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/predators/aleochara.html
University of Wisconsin- Madison. Know your friends; Rove beetles.
Frank, J.; Thomas, M. Rove beetles of Florida, Staphylinidae (Insecta: Coleoptera:
Staphylinidae). http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_IN272
REFERENCES
Wallingford, UK.
Emmaus, PA.
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SPIDER
GENERAL INFORMATION
Arachnida:Araneae
Type
Generalist predator
Hosts
Brown planthoppers, stem borers, leafhoppers, moths,
flies, and other agricultural pests they can catch.
Description
1. Crab Spiders (Thomisidae) are colorful crab-like spiders generally found on the
blossoms of plants. They have the tendency to camouflage in their habitat so as to
catch prey, unaware as they pass by. They are called crab spiders because their
first four legs are larger than their hind legs and because of their capability to walk
forward, backward, or sideways like a crab (CABI, 2000).
2. Dwarf spiders (Atypena formosana) are very small and are always mistaken for
spiderlings (newly hatched spiders) of other spider species. They measure about 1
to 5 mm in length. Adults have three pairs of spots or gray markings on the dorsal
part of their spherical abdomen. They are normally found in groups at the base of a
plant. They build webs and catch their prey by trapping them in their webs.
However, they can hunt directly and feed on 4-5 leafhopper/planthopper nymphs a
day, and also other small insects (IRRI, 2001).
3. Grass spiders are moderately sized, brownish-gray weavers of funnel-shaped

webs. Their webs are not sticky and can often be found on low-growing shrubs
(CABI, 2000).
4. Jumping spiders (Phidippus sp. ) are brown jumping spiders with brown hairs
covering their body. They have two bulging eyes and these are arranged in three
distinct rows. They have broadly or partly ovoid abdomens with light transverse
basal bands. They feed on leafhoppers and other small insects (IRRI, 2001).
5. Long-jawed spiders (Tetragnatha maxillosa) have long legs and bodies,

measuring 6 to 10 mm in length. Their eyes are arranged in two distinct rows. Their
abdomens are brownish-yellow, with or without markings and are usually four or
more times longer than their width. They prey on moths and flies and can consume
2 to 3 preys a day. Once their prey are caught, these are wrapped with silk in their
webs (IRRI, 2001).
6. Orb weavers, Argiope spiders (Aranaeus spp.) are large yellow-black garden
spiders which produce zigzag stitches in the bottom center of large webs hanging
between stems of plants. They have poor vision and can locate their preys by the
vibrations and tension on their web threads (IRRI, 2001).
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7. Wolf spiders (Lycosa pseudoannulata) have forked or Y-shaped median light
bands on their outer coverings. Wolf spiders prey on moths and butterflies. They
feed on 5 to 15 preys daily and they eat each other when their population is high
(IRRI, 2001).
Some spiders' eggs are laid in a cluster in silken sacs, while some species lay their egg masses
covered with silks within folded leaves. Some of these sacs are attached to the mother spiders
or mothers stay nearby to guard their egg sacs. Eggs usually hatch into spiderlings within three
weeks. The spiderlings may remain attached to the mother for several days on some species,
but for some species they are left on their own.
Spiders are not insects. They have 8 legs while insects have 6. They do not have wings
whereas insects do. They have two body sections; a united head and thorax and abdomen,
while insects have three; head, thorax, and abdomen.
A female can produce 200-400 eggs but only 60-80 spiderlings can hatch from these. Females
can survive 2-3 months. In some species, females die after laying eggs.
All spiders are poisonous to insects but only a few species are poisonous to humans, the Black
widow and the Brown recluse (CABI, 2000; IRRI, 2001).
CONSERVATION
Mulching along some sections in dikes of rice paddies, in field corners, or a portion of the fields
can increase the number of spiders. They can hide in the layer of mulch that serves as their
alternate habitat. They can also prey on other small insects inside the mulch.
Remember, that the more food the spiders can eat, the faster their population build-up will
become. Cover crops are also important to provide over-wintering sites of spiders sacs.
A spider population depends on the availability of food, the habitat, and the environmental
conditions. Avoid use of pesticides as much as possible, for broad-spectrum insecticides can
easily kill them (Reissig; et al., 1986: pp. 119-127).
EXTERNAL LINKS
IPM Images. Arachnida > Araneae: Spiders.
http://www.insectimages.org/browse/order.cfm?id=12
Montana State University. Spider identification and management.
http://www.montana.edu/wwwpb/pubs/mt9210.pdf
REFERENCES
Wallingford, UK.
Reissig, W.; Heinrichs, E.; Litsinger, J.; Moody, K.; Fiedler, L.; Mew, T.; Barrion, A. (1986):
Illustrated guide to integrated pest management in rice in tropical Asia. IRRI. Los Banos,
Laguna, Philippines.
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WEAVER ANT
Photo courtesy of Takumasa Kondo
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Oecophylla smaragdina
Hymenoptera:Formicidae
Other name: Green tree ant
Type
Generalist predator
Hosts
Citrus stinkbug, leaf-feeding caterpillars, aphids, citrus
leafminer, leafhoppers, plant hoppers, bugs, moths, adult black bugs, and small animals.
Description
The life cycle of the ant has four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
The queen ant starts the ants' nests/colonies. She flies and searches for mate/s. She can mate
with one or a few males (one at a time) in the air, or on low vegetation, or on the ground. Once
mated, she looks for a nest site, either on trees or open fields. Once situated, she gets rid of her
wings, seals herself into a small chamber and lays a small batch of eggs. The eggs then hatch
into larvae. The queen is located in one nest and her eggs are distributed to all the other nests
where workers and soldier ants are found. She spends her life laying eggs. The workers are
females and do the work in the nest. The larger ones are the soldiers who defend their colony.
Fertilized eggs develop into females (workers and the queen) and unfertilized eggs into males.
Female ants have 2 copies of each chromosome while males have one.
The larvae feed on the unfertilized eggs as food which the queen lays especially for them. The
first brood of workers are normally smaller since she can only provide a limited amount of food.
Once the ants mature, they leave the nest and begin to look for preys. They bring food to the
queen and their siblings so that later offspring are bigger. As the colony reaches maturity, it
begins to produce the queens and males for the next generation. Males can remain in the nests
for some months and most of them will die within a few days after leaving their nests.
The larvae have special glands to produce lots of strong silks (adults do not produce silk). One
colony is found over several nests that may be placed in various locations in a tree, or several
trees, or in fields.
The worker ants form a chain along the edge of the leaf and pull the edges together by
shortening the chain by one ant at a time. Once the leaf edges are in place, each ant holds one
larva in its mandibles and gently squeezes the larva to produce silk. The silk is used to glue the
leaf edges together.
Adult weaver ants are reddish to brown in color and have 10-segmented antennae with 2-
segmented clubs. Their eyes are relatively larger than those of other species of ants. They do
not have stingers, but can give painful bites caused by the chemicals secreted from their
abdomen. They make nests in trees or on leaves of legumes, or in bunds or levees of the fields.
43 | P a g e
They have the most complex nests among ants' nests. They use fresh leaves to build nests .
Weaver ants get their name from their habit of binding fresh leaves with silk to form their nests.
Their lifecycle spans a period of 8 to 10 weeks.

Weaver ants thrive well in undisturbed places and plenty of green leaves. Plant fruit trees or
shrubs in or around your new citrus orchard however, banana, sapodilla, and papaya are less
suitable.
Introduce only native weaver ants to the orchard when no black ants' species are present to
ensure the establishment of a weaver ant colony.
Provide them with food during the dry season such as dried fish and shrimp, cut into pieces that
are small enough for the individual ant to carry.
Put bamboo or wooden strips between trees to guide the ants to transfer from one tree to
another for them to build new colonies in other trees.
To expand weaver ants' colonies to other field crops, tie a rope to a tree where they live, to
guide them to the areas you want them to colonize. Monitor regularly the ant colonies. Like
other insects, ants are easily being killed by pesticide.
Ask for assistance from your local agriculturist office.
EXTERNAL LINKS
CSIRO. Genus Oecophylla.
http://www.ento.csiro.au/science/ants/formicinae/oecophylla/oecophylla.htm
CSIRO Australia. Life cycle. http://www.ento.csiro.au/science/ants/life_cycle.htm
REFERENCES
Van Mele, P.; Cuc, NTT. (2003): Ants as friends: Improving your tree crops with weaver ants.
CABI Commodities and Cenicafé.
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CULTURAL PRACTICES
COMPOSTING
Composting is the biological decomposition (rotting and decaying) of plant residues, farm animal
manures, and kitchen scraps under controlled conditions. Once these materials are completely
decayed, the end product is called compost. Compost is a decayed organic matter that is
earthy, dark, and crumbly.
PILE OR HEAP COMPOSTING

What To Prepare
1. A semi-shaded 3 ft x 3 ft area (90 cm x 90 cm)
2. Composting materials
a. Green materials that are rich in nitrogen (freshly cut grasses, twigs, branches
and barks that are cut into small pieces, kitchen scraps, farm animal manures)
b. Brown materials that are rich in carbon (dried leaves, straws, cornstalks and
other dried plant residues, and cut old newspapers
c. Garden soil
d. Water
3. Garden fork or shovel
Step By Step Procedure

1. Spread a layer of several inches thick (about 6 inches; 15 cm) of the brown
materials on the surface soil. This is the first layer.
2. Add for the next layer, the green materials, about 6 inches thick (15 cm).
3. Top this with a thin layer of garden soil.
4. Sprinkle enough water to make the layers moist but not wet or soggy.
5. Repeat the steps 1 - 4, until your pile reaches the height of 3 feet (90 cm).
6. Turn the pile after 2 weeks to heat it up. Use a garden fork or shovel to turn the pile.
To mix, move the decomposing materials at the middle towards the outside and the
outside materials towards the center of the pile. Then you can mix it every 5-7 days,
thereafter. If your compost has a strong odor, turn it more often as your is pile is
tightly packed and is poorly aerated.
7. Ensure that the pile is heating up. When you first turned the pile, you may see
steam rising from it. This signals decomposition. You can cover the pile to keep the
heat in.
8. Add nothing to the pile once the composting process has begun.
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9. The compost is finished when the pile is no longer heating up and the original
materials turn earthy and black.
PIT COMPOSTING
What To Prepare
1. Compost pit that is; 1-1.5 m length x 1-1.5 m width x 1 m deep
2. Composting materials
a. Green materials that are rich in nitrogen (freshly cut grasses, twigs, barks and
branches cut into small pieces, kitchen scraps, farm animal manures)
b. Brown materials that are rich in carbon (dried leaves, straws, cornstalks and
other dried plant residues, and cut old newspapers
c. Garden soil
d. Wood ash
e. Water
3. Long, sharp, pointed stick/s
4. Farm implements such as wheelbarrow, watering can, hoe, machete/bolo
Step By Step Procedure

1. Dig the compost pit in a semi-shaded and non-water logged area.
2. Place dry plant materials as the first layer. This should be about 20-25 cm thick.
Sprinkle enough water to make the composting materials moist but not wet.
3. The next layer will be composed of green materials, either fresh or wilted grasses or
weeds. Twigs and branches can also be added unless they are chopped into
smaller pieces. This layer should also be 20-25 cm thick.
4. Top this with a mixture of animal manure, soil, and ash. This layer should be 10-15
cm thick.
5. Repeat the steps 1-3 until the pile reaches a height of 1 m. You make the pile
thicker in the middle (than the sides) to create a dome-shaped pile. This makes
turning the pile easier.
6. Place the stick/s vertically into the pile to allow the air to circulate into the various
layers.
7. Cover the pit with broad leaves plants like banana leaves, taro leaves, etc.
8. Turn the pile every two weeks. The compost is ready after 3-4 months.
Tips For Better Composting

1. Keep the pile moist.
2. Keep the pile well-aerated.
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3. Maintain a balance of the green and brown materials. Too much of one slows down
decomposition. The best ratio is 1 part green to 1 part brown material. Shredding
and chopping these materials into smaller pieces will help speed the composting
process and increase the pile's surface area.
4. Do not add diseased plants, human wastes, cats and dogs feces as the harmful
pathogens found in these waste products may not be killed in the process of
decomposition.
5. Do not add matured weeds as their seeds may not be killed in the process of
decomposition and may germinate once you use the compost in your field.
Uses Of Compost
1. An excellent source of organic matter that has plenty of beneficial organisms.
2. Adds soil nutrients necessary for plant growth.
3. Improves plant growth.
4. Controls plant disease pathogens.
5. Controls soil borne pathogens.
6. Improves the soil condition and texture. It breaks up clay soil, helps sandy soil
retains moisture, and relieves compaction.
7. Improves soil drainage.
8. Reduces soil erosion.
9. Helps rehabilitate infertile soils.
10. Makes the soil easy to cultivate.
EXTERNAL LINKS
The Municipality of Niagara. Composting tips.
http://www.regional.niagara.on.ca/living/composting/composting-tips.aspx
IIRR Composting. http://www.iirr.org/saem/page142-146.htm#page-146b
Gardenguides. Guide to composting.
http://www.gardenguides.com/TipsandTechniques/compost.htm
EPA. Innovative uses of compost: Disease control for plants and animals.
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/compost/disease.pdf
Michigan compost markets. New uses of compost.
http://www.recycle.com/pdfs/newuses.pdf
Philrice. Nutrient management: Rice straw composting.
http://www.philrice.gov.ph/prorice/nutrient_m.htm
University of Illinois Extension. The composting process.
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/compost/process.html
REFERENCES
Edwards, S. (2003): Natural fertilizer. based on the Tigrinya Booklet by Arefayne Asmelash.
Institute for Sustainable Development. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Wagner, Georg. (2004): Vegetables' pests. Personal Communication. Schopperplatz 14, 4082
Aschach / Donau.
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CROP ROTATION
Crop rotation is one of the oldest and most effective cultural control strategies. It means the
planned order of specific crops planted on the same field. It also means that the succeeding
crop belongs to a different family than the previous one. The planned rotation may vary from 2
or 3 year or longer period.
Some insect pests and disease-causing organisms are hosts' specific. For example, rice stem
borer feeds mostly on rice. If you don't rotate rice with other crops belonging to a different
family, the problem continues as food is always available to the pest. However, if you plant
legume as the next crop, then corn, then beans, then bulbs, the insect pest will likely die due to
absence of food.
Advantages Of Crop Rotation

1. Prevents soil depletion
2. Maintains soil fertility
3. Reduces soil erosion
4. Controls insect/mite pests. Crop rotation as a means to control to insect pests is
most effective when the pests are present before the crop is planted have no wide
range of host crops; attack only annual/biennial crops; and do not have the ability to
fly from one field to another.
5. Reduces reliance on synthetic chemicals
6. Reduces the pests' build-up
7. Prevents diseases
8. Helps control weeds
Useful Tips In Planning Crop Rotation

1. Know the family where your crops belong to make sure that you plant on the next
cropping a crop that belongs to a different family than the previous one.
Table 1. Crop groups

Family Common names
Allium Chive, garlic, leek, onion, shallot
Cucurbit (Gourd family) Bitter gourd, bottle gourd, chayote
cucumber, ivy gourd, luffa gourd, melons
pumpkins, snake gourd, squash, wax gourd
Crucifer (Brassica) Bok choy (petchay), broccoli, Brussels sprouts,
cabbage, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, collard,
kale, kohlrabi, mustard, radish,
turnip, watercress
Legume Common beans, black bean, broad bean (Fava),
clover, cowpea, garbanzo, hyacinth bean,
kidney bean, Lima bean, lintel, mungbean,
peanut, pigeon pea, pinto bean, runner bean,
snap pea, snow pea, soybean,
string bean, white bean
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Aster Lettuce, artichoke
Solanaceous (Nightshade Potato, tomato, pepper, eggplant
family)
Grains and cereals Corn, rice, sorghum, wheat, oat, barley, millet
Carrot family Carrot, celery, dill, parsnip, parsley
Root crops Cassava, sweet potato, taro, yam, water chestnut
Mallow family Cotton, okra
2. Make a list of the crops you want to grow by also taken into consideration the
market's demand of your produce. For example, plant leafy vegetable on the first
cropping season, next fruit vegetables, then root crops, then legumes, then small
grains
3. Grow legumes before grains or cereals

4. Practice green manuring
5. Always keep farm records
EXTERNAL LINKS
ATTRA. An overview of organic farm production. http://attra.ncat.org/attra-
pub/organiccrop/tools2.html
Pennsylvania State University. Crop rotation.
http://paipm.cas.psu.edu/pdf/POP/croprotat.pdf
FAO. Field food crops. http://www.fao.org/ag/AGP/AGPC/doc/field/field.htm
Agriculture, Food and Rural Reviltalization, Canada - Saskatchewan. Principles and
practices of crop rotation.
http://www.agr.gov.sk.ca/DOCS/crops/integrated_pest_management/soil_fertility_fertilizers/
CPC0397.asp
REFERENCES
Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (1999): Natural insect control: The ecological gardener's guide to
foiling pests. Handbook # 139. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Inc. Washington Avenue, Brooklyn,
NY.
Daxl, R.; von Kayserlingk, N.; Klien-Koch, C.; Link, R.; Waibel, H. (1994): Integrated pest
management: Guidelines. Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit. Eschborn,
A&M University.
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FIELD SANITATION
Field sanitation is an important and highly effective farm practice to keep most pests under
control.
What To Do?
1. Use sterilized or diseased-free seeds for sowing.
2. Properly select healthy plants for transplanting.
3. Keep weeds under control at all times. Keep the surroundings of your farm free of
weeds, unless they are maintained and intended as habitat for natural enemies.
4. Make yourself 'clean'. Always bear in mind that you might be the carrier of the pests
while you move from one plant to another.
5. Pull plants that are heavily infected with insect pests and those that are showing
heavy symptoms of disease infection.
6. Prune the plant parts where insect pests are found congregating and those that are
showing heavy symptoms of disease infection.
7. Properly dispose all the infested plants. Do not put them on compost pile.
8. Pick rotten fruits and collect those that dropped. Diseased and pest infested fruits
must be properly disposed. Do not put them on compost pile.
9. Plow-under the crop residues and organic mulches. This improves the soil condition
and helps disrupt the pest's lifecycle. The pest is exposed to extreme temperature,
mechanical injury, and predators.
10. Maintain cleanliness on the irrigation canals.
11. When possible, remove all the crop residues after harvest. Add these to your
compost pile.
12. Make your own compost. Your compost pile is where you can place your plant
trimmings and other plant debris.
13. Clean your farm tools. Wash plows, harrows, shovels, trowels, pruning gears, bolos
after use. Lightly oil pruning gears.
REFERENCES
NY.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (2000): Natural disease control: A common-sense approach to plant
first aid. Handbook # 164. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Inc. 1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn,
NY.
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GREEN MANURING
Green manuring is the plowing under or soil incorporation of any green manure crops while they
are green or soon after they flower. Green manures are forage or leguminous crops that are
grown for their leafy materials needed for soil conservation.
Advantages Of Green Manuring

1. Improves the soil fertility
2. Add nutrients and organic matters
3. Improves the soil structure
4. Improves soil aeration
5. Helps control insect/mite pests, nematodes, and diseases
6. Helps control weeds
7. Promotes habitat for natural enemies
8. Increases soil's biodiversity by stimulating the growth of beneficial microbes and
other soil organisms
GREEN MANURE CROPS

Green Manure Seeding Green Dry Nitrogen Nitrogen When To
Crops Rate Biomass Biomass Content (kg/ha) Incorporate
(kg/ha) (t/ha) (t/ha) (%) In The Soil?
(DAP)
Azolla 50-90 8-10 1.8-3 52 35
Cowpea 40 9-10 3-4 1.4-1.5 140-150 40-60
Lablab 7-18 5-7 220 45-60
Mustard 5-12 3.5 21-37
Pigeon pea 45-67 9-10 5-7 45-60
Sesbania 20-90 1.5-4 4.3 250-360 45-50
Soybean 30-56 5-7.4 310 45-60
Sun hemp 35-40 5-19 5.5-6 1.7 108 50-60
Sweet clover 30-40 12 6 2 40-50
Criteria For The Selection Of Green Manure Crops

1. Fast growing
2. Produce abundant and succulent tops
3. Well adapted to the local condition
4. Can fix nitrogen in the soil
Reminders
1. Broadcast or sow the seeds after harvest
2. Cut the greens after flowering and plow them under
3. Sow or transplant the next crops 1-2 weeks after the incorporation of the green
manure
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EXTERNAL LINKS
FAO. Crotalaria juncea L.
http://www.fao.org/ag/AGP/AGPC/doc/GBASE/DATA/PF000475.HTM
CTHAR. Cover crops and green manures.
http://www2.ctahr.hawaii.edu/sustainag/Database.asp
Research Institute of Organic Agriculture. How green manuring works.
http://www.fibl.net/english/publications/training-manual/pdf/Tran_4-5.pdf
MSU. Legume green manures: A potential substitute for fertilizer in maize.
http://fadr.msu.ru/rodale/agsieve/txt/vol3/3/a6.html
IIRR. Mulching; Green manuring. http://www.iirr.org/saem/page147-152.htm
Philrice. Nutrient management. http://www.philrice.gov.ph/prorice/nutrient_m.htm
Boyanapalle, D. Organic manures.
http://www.vusat.org/learning/agri/FAQs/organic_manure.htm
ATTRA. Overview of cover crops and green manure. http://www.attra.org/attra-
pub/covercrop.html
Agroecology Research Group. Role of green manure crops in lowland rice based farming
system in Northern Thailand. http://www.agroecology.org/cases/greenmanure.htm
New Agriculturist Online. Sunnhemp: fertilizer, fodder, and fibre. http://www.new-
agri.co.uk/99-4/focuson/focuson6.html
Annamalai University. Sustaining agriculture through green manuring.
http://www.hindu.com/seta/2004/02/05/stories/2004020500421700.htm
University of California Cooperative Extension. Use of mustards as green manures.
http://cekern.ucdavis.edu/Custom_Program573/Use_of_Mustards_as_Green_Manures.htm
REFERENCES
Boller, E.; Hani, F.; Poehling. Editors. (2004): Ecological infrastructures.: Ideabook on functional
biodiversity at the farm level. IOBC, OILB, Mattenbach AG. Winterthur, Switzerland.
Jayashankar, M.; Subramanian, K.; Arumugasamy, S.; Saraswathy, H.; Vijayalakshmi, K. (2002):
Soil conservation in organic farming. CIKS. Chennai, India.
Aschach / Donau.
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INTERCROPPING
Intercropping is the cultivation of two or more crops simultaneously on the same field. It also
means the growing of two or more crops on the same field with the planting of the second crop
after the first one has completed its development. The rationale behind intercropping is that the
different crops planted are unlikely to share the same insect pests and diseased-causing
pathogens and to conserve the soil.
TYPES OF INTERCROPPING PRACTICES

1. Mixed or multiple cropping is the cultivation of two or more crops simultaneously on the
same field without a row arrangement
2. Relay cropping is the growing of two or more crops on the same field with the planting of
the second crop after the first one has completed its development
3. Row intercropping is the cultivation of two or more crops simultaneously on the same
field with a row arrangement
4. Strip cropping is the cultivation of different crops in alternate strips of uniform width and
on the same field. It has two types; contour strip cropping and field strip cropping.
Contour strip cropping follows a layout of a definite rotational sequence and the tillage is
held closely to the exact contour of the field. Field strip cropping has strips with uniform
width that follows across the general slope of the land
Advantages
1. Reduces the insect/mite pest populations because of the diversity of the crops
grown. When other crops are present in the field, the insect/mite pests are confused
and they need more time to look for their favorite plants.
2. Reduces the plant diseases. The distance between plants of the same species is
increased because other crops (belonging to a different family group) are planted in
between.
3. Reduces hillside erosion and protects topsoil, especially the contour strip cropping.
4. Attracts more beneficial insects, especially when flowering crops are included the
the cropping system
5. Minimizes labor cost on the control of weeds. A mixture of various crops gives often
a better coverage of the soil leaving less space for the development of weeds.
6. Utilizes the farm area more efficiently.
7. Results in potential increase for total production and farm profitability than when the
same crops are grown separately.
8. Provides 2 or more different food crops for the farm family in one cropping season.
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EXTERNAL LINKS
Oregon Biodynamic Group, OIKOS. Intercropping for pest reduction -- Successful scientific
trials. http://oregonbd.org/Class/intercrop.htm
ATTRA. Intercropping principles and production practices. http://attra.ncat.org/attra-
pub/PDF/intercrop.pdf
IPM Thailand. Intercropping. http://www.ipmthailand.org/en/Components/intercropping.htm
ITTA. Multiple cropping. http://www.iita.org/info/trn_mat/irg60/irg606.html
CIAT Africa. Some best bet options for integration of five legumes into farming systems of
mid-altitude areas of Uganda. http://www.ciat.cgiar.org/downloads/pdf/leaflet_a_best.pdf
Mettot, B. The inter planting of vegetables. Back Home Woods Magazine.
http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles2/mettot81.html
REFERENCES
ICIPE. (2003): 2000 - 2003 ICIPE Scientific Report. International Center for Insect Physiology and
Entomology, Nairobi, Kenya.
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SOIL TILLAGE
Soil tillage is a method of soil preparation for seedbed preparation, sowing or transplanting, and
for crops' growth.
TYPES OF SOIL TILLAGE
Conventional Tillage
The cultivation of the soil using plow, harrow and other farm tools or mechanical implements to
prepare the field for crop production.
Advantages
1. Destroys pests' shelters and disrupts their lifecycles
2. Exposes pests to predators and unfavorable conditions
3. Distributes soil nutrients throughout the soil
4. Aerates the soil
5. Controls weeds
6. Makes other farm cultural practices easier to undertake
Disadvantages
1. Destroys the soil cover and its structure
2. Enhances soil erosion
3. High moisture loss
4. Disrupts the lifecycle of beneficial soil organisms
5. Needs more labor cost for the soil preparation
Conservation Tillage
The planting or sowing in the previous crop's residues that are purposely left on the soil surface.
Advantages
1. Conserves water. The mulch reduces water to evaporate.
2. Reduces erosion because the topsoil is protected.
3. Reduces soil compaction.
4. Protects impact from rain and wind.
5. Improves the soil condition with the increased organic matter content.
6. Natural enemies have places to stay.
7. Lessens the overall production cost.
Disadvantages
1. Needs a thorough understanding of the concept and requires careful farm management
practices to be successful.
2. Most soil pests populations are increased.
3. Weeds compete with the main crops.
4. High tendency of a carryover of the insect pests and diseases from the crop residues.
5. Organic matters are not evenly distributed or are concentrated at the topsoil.
6. It needs patience and waits a longer time to have an excellent soil.
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Methods Of Conservation Tillage
1. Zero tillage (no-till, minimum tillage, or direct seeding). A system where the soil is not
disturbed between harvesting one crop and planting the next. It is a crop production
where the soil is not traditionally tilled or cultivated although sticks or other planting
equipments are used to make the openings for seeds.
2. Ridge tillage. A specific form of no-till wherein a new crop is planted on pre-formed
ridges or hills or bunds from those of the previous crop. After harvest, the crop residues
are left until the planting time. The seeds are sown along the ridges. Sticks or other
farms tools are used to make the openings for seeds.
3. Mulch tillage (stubble mulch tillage). Any system that ensures a maximum
retention of crop residues (30% or more) on the soil surface. The soil is prepared in such
a way that plant residues or other mulching materials are specifically left on or near the
surface of the farm.
EXTERNAL LINKS
FAO. Intensifying crop production with conservation agriculture.
http://www.fao.org/ag/ags/AGSE/agse_e/general/CONT1.htm
ATTRA. Pursuing conservation tillage systems for organic crop production.
http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/organicmatters/conservationtillage.html
FAO. Tillage systems. http://www.fao.org/ag/ags/AGSe/7mo/71/chap3.pdf
Practical Farmers of Iowa. What is ridge till? http://www.pfi.iastate.edu/ofr/RT_description.htm
The Manitoba-North Dakota Zero Tillage Farmers Association. Zero tillage-production manual.
http://www.mandakzerotill.org/ztindex.html
FAO. Zero tillage: when less means more. http://www.fao.org/ag/magazine/0101sp1.htm
REFERENCES
FAO. (2002): Training modules on conservation agriculture. Land and Water Digital Media Series #
22. Food and Agriculture Organization, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, Italy.
56 | P a g e
TRAP CROPPING
Trap cropping is the planting of a trap crop to protect the main cash crop from a certain pest or
several pests. The trap crop can be from the same or different family group, than that of the
main crop, as long as it is more attractive to the pest. There are two types of planting the trap
crops; perimeter trap cropping and row intercropping. Perimeter trap cropping (border trap
cropping) is the planting of trap crop completely surrounding the main cash crop. It prevents a
pest attack that comes from all sides of the field. It works best on pests that are found near the
borderline of the farm. Row intercropping is the planting of the trap crop in alternating rows
within the main crop.
Advantages Of Trap Cropping

1. Lessens the use of pesticide
2. Lowers the pesticide cost
3. Preserves the indigenous natural enemies
4. Improves the crop's quality
5. Helps conserve the soil and the environment
Table 1. Examples Of Trap Cropping Practices

Trap crop Main crop Method of planting Pest controlled
Alfalfa (Meyer, 2003) Cotton Strip intercrop Lygus bug
Basil and marigold Garlic Border crops Thrips
(MMSU, 2003)
Castor plant Cotton Border crop Heliotis sp.
(Hasse, 1986; 1987)
Chervil Vegetables Among plants Slugs
(Ellis; Bradley, 1996) Ornamentals
Chinese cabbage, Cabbage Planted in every 15 rows Cabbage webworm
mustard, and radish of cabbage Flea hopper
(Facknath, 1997; Muniappan; Mustard aphid
Lali, 1997)
Beans and other legumes Corn Row intercrop Leafhopper
Leaf beetles
Stalk borer
Fall armyworm
Chick pea Cotton Block trap crop at Heliotis sp.
(Grundy; Short, 2003) 20 plants/ sq m (Brown,
2002)
Collards Cabbage Border crop Diamondback moth
(Boucher; Durgy, 2003)
Corn Cotton Row intercrop, planted in Heliotis sp.
(Hasse, 1986; 1987) every 20 rows of cotton
or every 10-15 m
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Cowpea Cotton Row intercrop in every Heliotis sp.
(CIKS, 2000) 5 rows of cotton
Desmodium Corn Row intercrop Stemborer
(ICIPE, 2003) Cowpea Striga
Millet
Sorghum
Dill and lovage Tomato Row intercrop Tomato hornworm
(Ellis; Bradley, 1996)
Green beans Soybean Row intercrop Mexican bean beetle
(Ellis; Bradley, 1996)
Horse radish Potato Intercrop Colorado potato
(DA, Philippines, 1997) beetle
Hot cherry pepper Bell pepper Border crop Pepper maggot
(Boucher; Durgy, 2003)
Indian mustard Cabbage Strip intercrop in Cabbage head
(Cornell University, 1995) between cabbage plots caterpillar
Marigold Solanaceous Row/strip intercrop Nematodes
(French and African marigold) Crucifers
(Vann; Kirkpatrick; Cartwright, Legumes
2004) Cucurbits
(Dofour; Guerena; Earles,
2003)
Medic, Medicago litoralis Carrot Strip intercrop in between Carrot root fly
(Miles, C.; et al., 1996) carrot plots
Napier grass Corn Intercrop Stemborer
(ICIPE, 2003) Border crop
Nasturtium Cabbage Row intercrop Aphids
(Ellis; Bradley, 1996) Flea beetle
Cucumber beetle
Squash vine borer
Okra Cotton Border crop Flower cotton weevil
(Hasse, 1986; 1987)
Onion and garlic Carrot Border crops or barrier Carrot root fly
crops in between plots Thrips
Radish Cabbage Row intercrop Flea beetle
(Ellis; Bradley, 1996) family Root maggot
Rye Soybean Row intercrop Corn seedling
(OIKOS, 2003) maggot
Sesbania Soybean Row intercrop at a Stink bug
(Naito, 2001) distance
of 15 m apart
Sickle pod Soybean Strip intercrop Velvet bean
(OIKOS, 2003) caterpillar
58 | P a g e
Green stink bug
Soybean Corn Row intercrop Heliotis sp.
Sudan grass Corn Intercrop Stemborer
(ICIPE, 2003) Border crop
Sunflower Cotton Row intercrop in every Heliotis sp.
(CIKS, 2000) 5 rows of cotton
Tansy Potato Intercrop Colorado potato
(DA, Philippines, 1997) beetle
Tobacco Cotton Row intercrop, planted in Heliotis sp.
(Hasse, 1986; 1987) every 20 rows of cotton
Tomato Cabbage Intercrop (Tomato is Diamondback moth
(Makumbi, 1996) planted
2 weeks ahead at the
plots' borders)
Vertiver grass Corn Perimeter crop Corn stalk borer
(van de Berg, Undated)
Tips For Successful Trap Cropping

1. Make a farm plan. This will guide you on where the trap crops are to be sown or planted.
2. Learn to know and identify the pests.
3. Select a trap crop that is more attractive to the pest than the main crop. Ask for
assistance from your local agriculturist.
4. Monitor your plants regularly.
5. Immediately control the pests that are found in the trap crop. Prune or remove the trap
crops once the pest population is high, otherwise they will serve as the breeding ground
and the pests will attack the rest of your farm.
6. Be ready to sacrifice your trap crop as an early crop and destroy them once pest
infestation is high.
7. Always keep farm records.
EXTERNAL LINKS
CIIFAD. Croci or cabbagehead caterpillar (CHC). Cornell University.
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/hortcrops/english/croci.html
NC State University Cultural control.
http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/course/ent425/text19/cultural.html
Oregon Biodynamic Group, OIKOS. Intercropping for pest reduction -- Successful scientific
trials. http://oregonbd.org/Class/intercrop.htm
The Gardeners Network Nasturtium. http://www.gardenersnet.com/flower/nasturt.htm
University of Connecticut. Perimeter trap cropping works.
http://www.hort.uconn.edu/ipm/veg/htms/ptcworks.htm
REFERENCES
CIKS. (2000): Bollworm control in cotton. Center for Indian Knowledge Systems. Chennai, India.
Pesticide Post. Vol. 8, No 6.
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Facknath, S. (2000): Application of neem extract and intercropping for the control of some
cabbage pests in Mauritius. Proc. International Neem Conference, Queensland, Australia, Feb.
1996 In Press.
Facknath, S. (2000): Integrated pest management of Plutella xylostella. University of Mauritius.
Grundy, P.; Short, S. (2003): Potential alternative to chickpeas for trap cropping. ANP
Technology, Greenmount Press. DPI, Queensland. Vol. 24, No 3, p. 14
Hasse, V. (1986): Introducing plant protection to cotton farmers in the Philippines. Second
International Conference on Plant Protection in the Tropics. Malaysian Plant Protection Society,
Kuala Lumpur.
Hasse, V. (1987): Cotton. No 1-2. Philippine-German Cotton Project, Department of Agriculture.
Manila, Philippines
ICIPE. (2003): 2000 - 2003 ICIPE Scientific Report. International Center for Insect Physiology and
Entomology, Nairobi, Kenya.
MMSU. (2003): 7 new botanical extracts vs. garlic pests. Mariano Marcos State University. Batac,
Ilocos Norte, Philippines.
Muniappan, R.; Lali, T. (2000): Management of cabbage pests of the Asia Pacific lowland tropics.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Guam, Guam.
Naito, A. (2001): Low cost technology for soybean pests. ICAF, Japan.
60 | P a g e
MICROBIAL IN PEST CONTROLS
BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS (B.T.)
B.t. is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that causes disease on insect pests. It is accepted as
an alternative in organic farming and is considered ideal for pest management because it is host
specific and is non-toxic on natural enemies and on humans. B.t. is commercially available in
most agricultural suppliers. It is sold in various formulations (spray, dust, and granule) and
strains (Bt tenebrionis, Bt kurstaki, Bt israelensis, Bt aizawai, Bt san diego).
How It Works?
An insect pest must ingest Bt before it is killed. When B.t. is ingested, it produces proteins that
react with the cells of the stomach lining. These (proteins) poison and paralyze the insect's
digestive system causing the insect to stop feeding within hours. A B.t.-infested insect will live
for several days but will cause no further damage to the plant. It will die eventually from
starvation.
How To Use?
1. Spray thoroughly, covering all the plant surfaces.
2. Apply when larvae are less than 5 mm long or when the eggs begin to hatch. B.t.
works best on young larvae.
3. In the hot tropics, it is more effective to spray B.t. in the late afternoon as there are
longer and cooler hours ahead. This enables B.t. to remain longer on the leaves'
surfaces. B.t. survives better in cooler temperature. Whereas, spraying in the
morning provides a shorter and hotter environment.
4. Do not mix the B.t. concentrate with alkaline water (pH 8 or higher). Alkalinity
reduces its effectiveness. To make the water acidic, add a few tsp of white vinegar
in a gallon of water before adding B.t.
Pests Controlled
1. Alfalfa caterpillar
2. Alfalfa webworm
3. Armyworm species
4. Cabbage looper
5. Cabbage webworm
6. Cabbage white butterfly
7. Colorado potato beetle
8. Corn borers
9. Cutworm
10. DBM
11. Grubs
12. Leaf beetles
13. Most caterpillars
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Reminders
1. Buy the right B.t. strain for the insect pest you want to control.
2. Read the label and follow the instructions carefully .
3. Do not spray B.t. on wet days or when rain is expected.
4. Keep B.t. formulation in cool storage places.
5. Ask for advice from your local agriculturist office, when using B.t. for the first time.
EXTERNAL LINKS
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. Bacillus thuringiensis.
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05556.html
Cornell University. Bacteria.
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/pathogens/bacteria.html
Oregon State University. Gardening with fewer pesticides: Using Integrated Pest
Management.
http://eesc.orst.edu/agcomwebfile/edmat/html/EC/EC1532/EC1532.html#anchor193174
The Ohio State University. Insect and mite management alternatives.
http://ohioline.osu.edu/b504/b504_6.html
REFERENCES
NY.
Gilberg, L. editor. (1993): Garden pests and diseases. Sunset books. Sunset Publishing
Corporation, California.
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BUG JUICE SPRAY
Bug juice sprays are used by gardeners to control pests. It was found out that pests of the same
species will not feed on the plants if members of their colony are found dead on those plants.
The smell serves as a repellent and as a warning for the other incoming pests.
Materials Needed
1. 1/2 cup of beetles, or bugs, or caterpillars, or slugs
2. Water
3. Mortal and pestle or grinder
4. Strainer
Method Of Preparation
1. Pound or grind beetles, or bugs, or caterpillars, or slugs in 2 cups of water
2. Strain
3. Dilute ¼ cup of this concentrate in 1-2 cups of water
Remiders
1. Bug spray from crushed beetles/bugs/caterpillars/slugs only repels
beetles/bugs/caterpillars/slugs of the same species. It was found out that the smell of the
bug's juice attracts the natural enemies.
2. Weak caterpillars are found to be an effective medium, as they may pass on disease
causing pathogens to healthy ones.
3. Use the spray to control the same pest species that is in the mixture. Spray the plants
thoroughly. You can apply once or twice, but bug spray is reported to be effective for as
long as 2 months.
4. There has not been much research done on bug juice. Avoid direct contact while
preparing and applying the spray.
5. Wash thoroughly all the materials that are used during the bug spray preparation and
after its application.
Standard procedures for the preparation and application of homemade

extracts
1. Use utensils for the extract preparation that are not use for your food preparation and for
drinking and cooking water containers. Clean properly all the utensils every time after
using them.
2. Do not have a direct contact with the crude extract while in the process of the
preparation and during the application.
3. Make sure that you place the extract out of reach of children and house pets while
leaving it overnight.
4. Harvest all the mature and ripe fruits before extract application.
63 | P a g e
5. Always test the extract formulation on a few infected plants first before going into large
scale spraying. When adding soap as an emulsifier, use a potash-based one.
6. Wear protective clothing while applying the extract.
7. Wash your hands after handling the extract.
EXTERNAL LINKS
Golden Harvest Organics. Japanes beetles.
http://www.ghorganics.com/JapaneseBeetle.html
Cornell University. Milky disease.
http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/pathogens/bacillus_popilliae.html
Tvedten, S. The bug stops here.
http://www.thebestcontrol.com/bugstop/control_alternatives_favorite.htm
REFERENCES
64 | P a g e
PHYSICAL METHODS
ANT BARRIER
Barriers prevent ants from attacking the sown seeds and seedlings that are grown in
freestanding seedbeds.
How To Make An Ant Barrier?

1. Cut a hole on a pan (plastic or aluminium) slightly smaller than the hole of the
table’s leg.
2. Push pan into the leg facing downward. Make sure to place baited pans on all the
table's legs.
3. Coat the undersides of the pan with sticky materials.
4. Check the pans regularly to make sure that the baits are sticky enough to trap the
ants.
REFERENCES
USA.
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BAGGING FRUITS
Bagging prevents insect pests, especially fruit flies, from finding and damaging the fruits. The
bag provides physical protection from mechanical injuries (scars and scratches) and prevents
female flies' laying activities, latex burns, and fungal spots on the fruits. Although laborious, it is
cheaper, safer, easier to do, and gives you a more reliable estimate of your projected harvest.
HOW TO MAKE A BAG?

1. Cut old newspapers measuring 15 x 22 cm or 12.5 x 27.5 cm for mango and for
fruits of similar size.
2. Double the layers, as single layer breaks apart easily.
3. Fold and sew or staple the sides and bottom of the sheets to make a rectangular
bag.
HOW TO BAG A FRUIT?

1. Blow in the bag to inflate it.
2. Remove some of the fruits, leaving 1 on each cluster.
3. Insert one fruit per bag then close the bag using coconut midrib or firmly tie top end
of bag with string or wire.
4. Push the bottom of the bag upwards to prevent fruit from touching the bag.
5. Use a ladder to reach as much fruits as possible. Secure the ladder firmly on the
ground and for bigger and higher fruits trees, secure or tie the ladder firmly on big
branches.
Reminders
1. Bagging works well with melon, bitter gourd, mango, guava, star fruit, and banana.
2. Start bagging the mango fruit 55-60 days from flower bloom or when the fruits are about
the size of a chicken egg.
3. When using plastic bags, open the bottom or cut a few small holes to allow moisture to dry
up. Moisture trapped in the plastic bags damage and/or promotes fungal and bacterial
growth that caused diseased-fruits. Plastic also overheats the fruit.
4. Bags made of dried plant leaves are good alternatives to plastic.
5. Remove the bags during harvest and disposed them properly.
EXTERNAL LINKS
PACIFLY. How to make a bag? http://www.spc.int/pacifly/Control/Bagging2.htm
REFERENCES
NY.
DOST. (2003): Mango production. Department of Science and Technology, Manila, Philippines.
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BIRD PERCHES
Bird perches are resting places for predatory birds to rest and to look for preys; such as insect
pests of cotton, peanuts, and cowpeas. Predatory birds prefer to look for prey in field crops
where they have places to rest.
To make bird perches, use bamboo or wooden poles or tree branches. Erect either of these at
regular intervals in the field.
To have live bird perches within the field, plant Setaria species (foxtail cultivars). These plants
are found to be attractive to predatory birds. The birds feed on their seeds. In cotton field, plant
Setaria in every 9th or 10th row of cotton. Once the birds are on the field, they prey on cotton
bollworms and other insects.
EXTERNAL LINKS
MSU. Farmers take a leap of faith: Drop pesticides and costs, but not yield.
http://fadr.msu.ru/rodale/agsieve/txt/vol5/6/art1.html
IPM Forum. Increasing natural enemy numbers. http://www.cabi-
publishing.org/IPM/opttrap.htm
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FRUIT FLY TRAPS
JAR TRAP
(Potter, 1994)
1. Make a paper funnel.
2. Place the paper funnel into a jar containing few amounts of fruit bait.
3. Place the jar trap wherever fruit flies are seen.
Source: University of Kentucky

Department of Entomology
FRUIT FLY PLASTIC BOTTLE TRAP

Materials needed
 1-liter plastic bottle
 6 mm iron rod
 String
 Scissors
 Bait
Procedure
1. Heat the iron rod.
2. Make holes on the neck using the heated iron rod.
3. Make a hole on the lid, big enough for the string or wire to pass through.
4. Insert a string or wire at the lid's hole.
5. Place the bait inside the bottle.
6. Hung the trap in a shady part of the tree just above the lower leaves.
7. Replace the bait at least 2 times in a week. Fresh bait is often attractive to the flies.
FRUIT FLY BAITS

 Ripe banana peel cut into small pieces and mixed with sugar, flour, and water
(Mulcrone, 1998).
 Mixture of 1 tsp vanilla essence, 2 tbsp ammonia, ½ cup sugar, and 2 liters water
(Mulcrone, 1998).
 Mixture of 1 cup vinegar, 2 cups water, and 1 tbsp honey (ECHO, 2003).
 Mixture of sugar, soya sauce, and ammonia (Better Homes and Gardens, 2004).
68 | P a g e
EXTERNAL LINKS
Better Homes and Gardens. Fly traps.
http://www.bhg.com.au/gardening.nsf/Content/Article_BHG_apr02_flytrap
Mulcrone, L. Fruit flies - In the home garden. http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/business/7325.html
University of Kentucky. Fruit flies - jar trap.
http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/Entomology/entfacts/struct/ef621.htm
Science Museum of Minnesota. Fruit fly trap.
http://www.smm.org/sln/tf/t/2literbottle/2literbottle.html
69 | P a g e
HANDPICKING
Handpicking is an excellent method of controlling pests especially when only a few plants are
infested. It is the easiest and direct way to kill the visible and slowly moving pests. By
handpicking the adults before they have the chance to lay their eggs and by crashing the eggs
before they hatch prevent the pests' build-up and the resulting damage.
Methods
1. Use an old soft brush or a used soft cotton cloth wetted with alcohol to remove aphids,
scales, and mealybugs.
2. Run the infested plant surfaces in between your fingers to kill aphids.
3. Rub or scrape scales and mealybugs from plants.
4. Use a pointed wooden/bamboo stick to pick caterpillars. You can also use improvised
tongs, pinchers, or tweezers.
5. Remove the infested leaves tunneled by leafminers. Early removal of the diseased
leaves is also helpful to prevent disease transmission to the rests of the plants.
6. Handpick beetles and caterpillars and drown them in soapy water. Japanese beetles
play dead when disturbed. Shake the plant onto an old newspaper for the easy
collection. Chicken also feast on them.
7. To collect vine borers, make a lengthwise slit along the vine and get the borers out.
8. Attract rice bugs with baits, like crab or snail meat for easy collection.
9. To get snails and slugs, water the infested area in the late afternoon to let them crawl
out in the evening. Use a lamp or flashlight to find them. Handpick and put them in a
sealed container to feed on your chicken the following morning or drown them in soapy
water. You can also crush them to die in the area where you fine them. For easy
collection, place snail and slug baits.
10. Handpick cutworm at night. Use a lamp or flashlight to find them.
11. Handpick, crush, and kill insect pests with your bare hands.
Reminders
1. Visit your plants daily or several times in a week to monitor the presence of pests.
Careful observation leads to successful handpicking of the pests. Look out for the pests
that fly or crawl into your garden and those that come out from the soil.
2. Most of the insect pests blend nicely with the leaves. Make a thorough inspection with
very observant eyes.
3. Look also for the pests' possible hiding places, like under the plant debris and on the
soil.
4. Always inspect the underside of leaves. Remove the eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults
that you come across.
5. Know the beneficial insects and be able to identify them so that you will not kill them by
mistake.
6. You cannot completely get rid of the plant pests but you can reduce their population.
EXTERNAL LINKS
Management.
The University of Tennessee. Insects and related pests of house plants.
http://www.utextension.utk.edu/publications/pbfiles/PB1157.pdf
70 | P a g e
REFERENCES
NY.
71 | P a g e
LIGHT TRAP
Source: PhilRice
Light trap is a device used at night in the field to collect moths and
other flying insects such as:
1. Armyworm
2. Bugs
3. Cutworm
4. Flies
5. Gnats
6. Heliotis/Helicoverpa
7. Leafhoppers
8. Planthoppers
9. Stem borers
How to make a light trap?
Materials Needed
1. Bamboo or wooden poles
2. String or rope
3. Nails
4. Oil/kerosene lamp or electric bulb
5. Shallow basin with water or jute sack
Procedure
1. Install the light trap near or within the field where you want to trap the flying insects.
2. Secure the poles firmly on the ground.
3. Mount the lamp or the bulb on the frame, five meters from the ground. When using
electric bulb, make sure that the bulb and wiring are not in contact with water to
avoid electrocution.
4. Place the shallow basin with soapy water or the jute sack underneath the light.
5. Put the light trap from early evening until early morning.
6. Collect the trapped insects daily and dispose them properly.
EXTERNAL LINKS
NCSU. Cotton insect trap thumbnail gallery.
http://ipm.ncsu.edu/cotton/InsectCorner/photos/traps.htm
Management.
REFERENCES
Reissig, W.; Heinrichs, E.; Litsinger, J.; Moody, K.; Fiedler, L.; Mew, T.; Barrion, A. (1986):
Illustrated guide to integrated pest management in rice in tropical Asia. IRRI. Los Banos,
Laguna, Philippines.
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MULCHING
Mulch is a protective layer of either organic or inorganic material that is spread on the topsoil to;
1. Improve soil condition

2. Act as barrier against pests
3. Prevent rainfall and irrigation water from splashing soil borne pathogens onto the plants
that cause plant diseases
4. Prevent weed growth
5. Provide home for earthworms and natural enemies found in the soil
6. Retain soil moisture
7. Reduce soil compaction from the impact of heavy rains
8. Maintain a more even soil temperature
9. Prevent soil erosion
TYPES OF MULCH
1. ORGANIC MULCH
Organic mulch helps improve the soil condition. It provides organic matter which helps keep the
soil loose, as it slowly breaks down (decomposes). This improves the root growth, increases the
infiltration of water, and also improves the soil water holding capacity. It is also a good source of
plant nutrients and provides a better place for earthworms and other natural enemies found in
the soil.
Organic mulch includes cut grasses, leaves, straws, hays, bark chips, animal manures,
seaweeds, corncobs, pieces of corn stalks, coffee berry pulps, saw dusts, old newspapers
Amount to apply (thickness)

 2-3 inches for cut grasses
 2-4 inches for bark mulch and wood chips
 3-4 inches for compost and mold leaves
 ¼ inch for sheets of old newspapers for the control of weeds and to prevent thrips from
reaching the soil to pupate. Cover lightly with other mulch materials to prevent paper
from flying.
2. INORGANIC MULCH
Inorganic mulch is made of colored aluminized plastic and aluminum foil. The reflection from the
sun confuses and repels the flying insects from coming onto the plants.
To make you own reflective mulch, place strips of aluminum foil on both sides on the sown
seeds or newly transplanted seedlings. Studies showed that red repels root maggots and other
flies, orange on potato whiteflies, and blue reflection confuses winged aphids and thrips. Black
plastic mulch discourages sawbugs and other crawling pests that cannot withstand the heat and
keeps leafminers from emerging and prevents their return to the soil to pupate. However, you
must do your own study as the pests from different regions react differently to various colors.
73 | P a g e
Pest Controlled
1. Aphids
2. Colorado potato beetle
3. Leafminer
4. Potato tuber worm
5. Root maggots and other flies
6. Thrips
7. Whiteflies
8. Sawbugs and other crawling insects
9. Soil borne pests that include insects/mites, weeds, and diseases
Reminders
 When mulching trees and other perennials, place mulch 1-2 inches away from the trunks
and or main stems.
 Monitor plants regularly to know the presence of slugs, snails, and mice. Mulch attracts
these pests.
 When mulching to control weeds, apply mulch immediately after soil

cultivation/preparation to prevent sunlight from reaching weed seeds and the migrating
seeds to settle in.
EXTERNAL LINKS
USDA. Mulching tip sheet. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard/pdf/Mulching.pdf
USDA. Mulching. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard/Mulching.html
IIRR. Mulching; Green manuring. http://www.iirr.org/saem/page147-152.htm
CIAT Africa. Some best bet options for integration of five legumes into farming systems of
mid-altitude areas of Uganda. http://www.ciat.cgiar.org/downloads/pdf/leaflet_a_best.pdf
Boyd, N.; Gordon, R.; Asiedu, S.; Martin, R. The effects of living mulches on tuber yields of
potato. http://www.organicagcentre.ca/ResearchDatabase/res_soils_living_mulches.html
REFERENCES
USA.
74 | P a g e
PHEROMONE TRAPS
HOW TO MAKE?
1. Make 10 to 12 holes into an old 1 liter plastic bottle or 3 holes on each side of 1 liter
ice cream container, to allow moths to enter.
2. Heat a small piece of metal to make the holes easily.
3. Put a wire from the cover to suspend the bait.
4. Secure the pheromone dispenser align with the entrance holes inside the trap.
5. Make a rectangular opening into the lower part of the container for removing the
moths caught.
HOW TO USE?
1. Half-fill the trap with soapy water.
2. Put bait in the pheromone dispenser or suspend the pheromone capsule from the
lid using string or wire.
3. Close the container.
4. Attach the trap to a bamboo or wooden stake or hang on branch of a tree.
5. Place traps for different pests at least 3 meters apart. If traps are used for
monitoring the pests, 2-3 traps are enough for 1 ha field.
PESTS CONTROLLED
1. Cabbage looper
2. Cotton bollworm
3. Cotton boll weevil
4. Corn earworm
5. Diamondback moth
6. Fruitfly
7. Hornworm
8. Leaffolders
Reminders While Using Pheromone Traps

1. Buy the pheromone that lures the pest you want to control.
2. Always label the trap. The name of the species you are trapping, the date the bait
was placed, and the name of the bait if you are using several.
3. Change bait according to manufacturer's recommendation.
4. Dispose properly the bait wrappers. The tiny amount of pheromone left near the
traps will compete with your bait.
5. Wash your hands between handling baits. Minute traces of other chemicals can
render the baits completely ineffective.
6. Always remove all captured adults during each visit. Discard them away from the
field. Put live ones into a bucket with soap solution to drown.
EXTERNAL LINKS
Management.
University of Kentucky. Using pheromone traps in field crops.
http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/Entomology/entfacts/fldcrops/ef112.htm
75 | P a g e
REFERENCES
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PRUNING
Pruning is the selective removal of specific plant parts like shoots and branches but the roots,
flower buds, fruits, and seed pods can also be pruned. Pruning done in a regular basis as part
of plant care achieves the following:
1. Makes the plant less dense

2. Improves the air circulation and sunlight penetration that decrease the incidence of
diseases and the conditions that promote fungal growth
3. Improves the plant's appearance and health
4. Gets rid of the pests infested parts
5. Allow the natural enemies to find their preys easily
6. Controls the size of a plant
7. Trains the young plants to become what you want them to be
8. Influences the plant's flowering and fruiting (proper pruning of flower buds encourages
early vegetative growth)
9. Repairs and renews the appearance of old plants
10. Allows a better access for pest control
Pruning For Pest Control

1. Prune diseased, damaged, and/or dead plant parts. The prompt removal of these
parts prevents the spread of the disease and speeds the formation of plant tissues
that seal the wound.
2. Prune leaves with egg masses.

3. Prune insect/mite pests' infested tender shoot tips or any other parts where they are
found in great numbers.
4. Prune webbed leaves.

5. Prune mined foliage.
6. Prune the crossing branches and those that are rubbing or interfering with each
other.
Reminders
1. Pruning is done best during dry weather as it minimizes the spread of the pathogens
causing diseases.
2. Always use sharp pruning tools to have clean and smooth cuts angled to shed water and
absorb sunlight.
3. Snap-off suckers with your hand while they are tender for least re-growth.
4. Dip your pruning tools into container with 10% bleach solution and wash your hands in
between pruning the diseased plants.
5. After pruning, disinfect your pruning tools, rinse them with water, and oil all the metal
parts to prevent from rusting.
6. Ask for assistance from your local agriculturist for the proper pruning techniques on fruit
trees.
77 | P a g e
EXTERNAL LINKS
Virginia State University. A guide to successful pruning: Pruning basics and tools.
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/nursery/430-455/430-455.html
Management.
ECHONET. Pruning of tropical and subtropical fruit trees.
http://www.echonet.org/eln&herbs/eln_catalog/pruning.htm
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Size does matter: Pruning for perfection.
http://www.fairchildgarden.org/horticulture/mangopruning.html
REFERENCES
NY.
French, S.; Appleton, B. (2001): A guide to successful pruning: Pruning basics and tools.
Ornamental and Turf. Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State
University. Publication 430-455. http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/nursery/430-455/430-455.pdf
78 | P a g e
SOIL BAITS
Corn/Wheat Seed Mixture Bait (Rice, 1999).
1. Soak mixture in water for 24 hours to facilitate germination.
2. Make a hole of 12 cm wide by 30 cm deep.
3. Place 1/2 cup (of a 1:1 corn/wheat seed mixture) in a hole.
4. Cover with soil.
5. Cover the topsoil with plastic to warm the surface and to speed-up germination.
6. Cover the edges with soil to prevent wind from blowing away the plastic.
7. Remove the plastic, the soil cover, and the bait after one week.
8. Destroy and kill the larvae trapped in the baits. Feed larvae to chicken or put them
in a pail of soapy water to drown.
Source: Marlin Rice
Potatoes/Carrots Soil Bait (Ellis; Bradley, 1996: P. 435)

1. Cut potatoes or carrots into chunks.
2. Remove the potato 'eyes' to prevent from growing.
3. Make the pieces big enough and put in sticks.
4. Bury "staked potatoes/carrots" at a depth of 3-6 cm in the ground. The stick serves
as the handle to easily pull the baits out.
5. Bury randomly in the field.
6. Leave baits in the soil for 2-3 days. Wireworm will feed on the baits.
7. Dispose properly the baits and the wireworm.
Pests Controlled
1. White grub
2. Wireworm
EXTERNAL LINKS
Iowa State University. Wireworm bait. http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/icm/1999/4-12-
1999/wirewormbait.html
REFERENCES
Rice, M. (1999): Wireworm baits and preplant corn decisions. Department of Entomology. Iowa
State University. http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/icm/1999/4-12-1999/wirewormbait.html
79 | P a g e
SOIL TRAPS
1. DEEP DITCH
Plow a deep ditch and keep it filled with water, if larvae are found to be moving
towards your field crops from adjacent fields. This will prevent larvae from
transferring. They will drown if they try. Another method is to dig a deep ditch with
vertical sides to trap larvae and prevent them from crawling out. Holes with a
diameter of a fence post should be dug every 10 meters apart in the ditch. Larvae
will congregate in the deeper holes where they maybe crushed (Scott, 2003).
2. PITFALL TRAPS
Make pitfall traps. Pitfalls are the best means of collecting crawling insects (The
University of Wisconsin, 2003)
Source: The University of Wisconsin
3. PLASTIC
A small piece of plastic, slit to the middle, wrapped around the plant stem and
overlapped, can be taped or covered with soil. Another method uses 2 pieces of
plastic about 12 inches square, pulled together around the plant from opposite
sides and held down with soil (The University of Maine, 2002).
80 | P a g e
4. PROTECTIVE COLLARS
Protective collars made of plastic or paper cup, plastic drink bottles with torn-out
bottom, sturdy cardboard, and milk cartons. Place the collar around the young plant
and push into the soil to prevent the cutworm from attacking the stem.
5. STICKY SUBSTANCES
Molasses, saw dusts, or crushed eggshells are place around the base of each
plant. When cutworm emerges to feed, it will come in contact with the trap, get
stuck, harden, and die.
6. TARPAPER
A square of tarpaper (or other heavy, flexible paper) measuring 9-12 cm wide
placed at the base of each transplant will prevent adult flies to lay eggs near the
plant. Make a cut from the edge to the center making a small hole (in the center).
Make sure that the paper will fit around the stem but will lie flat on the ground.
During transplanting, place the disc on the soil around each plant so that the stem
is in the middle of the disc.
7. YELLOW PAN TRAPS

Fill half the yellow pan or basin with soapy water. Place the pan close to the plant
but expose enough that moth can see it. Trapped moths sink and drown because
soap breaks the surface tension of the water.
EXTERNAL LINKS
Scott, P. Armyworm. http://www.gnb.ca/0057/armyworm.pdf
REFERENCES
81 | P a g e
STICKY BOARD TRAPS
Flying insects are attracted to bright yellow, blue, and white colors. Traps, consisting of square
pieces of cardboard or hard plastic coated with sticky substances placed throughout the growing
area among the plants, attract them. Strips of yellow or blue sticky plastic can also be used
around or inside the growing ranges.
How To Make?
1. Cut plywood or sturdy cardboards, 3 inches wide x 5-7 inches long.
2. Make experimentations on the sizes and forms of your board traps.
3. Paint boards with yellow or blue or white depending on the pests you want to
monitor and trap
How To Use?
1. Fasten boards to stakes with nails or staples or papers clips or hang them from wire
supports.
2. Spread used-motor oil, or plant resin, or vegetable oil, or petroleum jelly directly on
your board. Leave a small space uncoated for easy handling.
3. Place traps near the plants, preferably 25 cm away from the plant to ensure that the
leaves will not stick to the board, but not facing direct sunlight.
4. Hang and position the traps at 50-75 cm zone above the plants.
5. As a general rule, place 1 to 2 sticky cards per 100 square meter growing area.
Replace traps at least once a week. It is difficult to determine the population of
newly trapped flies/moths on a sticky card to those previously trapped ones.
Pests Monitored And Controlled

YELLOW STICKY TRAPS
Bright yellow sticky traps are used for monitoring/controlling of the following pests:
1. Aphids
2. Cabbage root maggot
3. Carrot rust fly
4. Cabbage white butterfly
5. Cucumber beetle
6. Fungus gnat
7. Onion fly
8. Thrips
9. Whiteflies
BLUE STICKY TRAPS

Bright blue traps are for monitoring thrips
WHITE STICKY TRAPS

Bright white traps are for monitoring flea beetles and tarnished plant bugs
82 | P a g e
EXTERNAL LINKS
Management.
eHow. How to make your own yellow sticky traps. http://www.ehow.com/how_9839_make-
own-yellow.html
University of Florida. Insect commonly found on sticky traps.
http://woodypest.ifas.ufl.edu/sticky.htm
REFERENCES
NY.
USA.
83 | P a g e
PLANT IN PESTS CONTROL
ALOE
Photo source: HEAR
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Aloe barbadensis
Family: Aloeaceae
Plant parts used

Leaves, rhizomes
Mode of action
Larvaticidal (Prakash; Rao, 1997: p. 17)
FORMULATIONS
Materials Methods Of Preparation How To Use Target Pests
Aloe, Vitex
Extract
Remove the outer part of Mix the two extracts. Armyworm
5 kg of vitex the aloe leaves. Add 50 liters of water to Hairy leaf-caterpillar
leaves Grind to get the extract. the extract. Rice leaf roller
2 liters of aloe Strain. Stir in soap. Rice stem borer
leaf juice Soak Vitex leaves in water. Spray on infested plants Semi-looper
50-60 ml of soap Bring to boil for 30 minutes. thoroughly.
50 liters of water Cool and then strain. Spray early in the Bacterial and fungal
Cooking pot morning or diseases
Pail late in the afternoon.
This formulation is good

enough
to spray 0.4 ha area.
Aloe Moth
Attractant
Mix aloe and castor cake. Put mixture in wide open Moths
1/2 liter of aloe Add latex as an adhesive containers.
extract materials. Place the containers in
1 kg of castor strategic
cake locations in the field.
84 | P a g e
Wide-opened
containers
Plant latex or 6 traps are good enough
resin fo 1/2 ha
Standard Procedures For The Preparation And Application Of The Plant

Extracts
1. Select plant parts that are free from diseases.
2. When storing the plant parts for future usage, make sure that they are properly dried and
are stored in an airy container (never use plastic container), away from direct sunlight
and moisture. Make sure that they are free from molds before using them.
using them.
4. Make sure that you do not have direct contact with the crude extract while in the process
of the preparation and during the application.
5. Harvest all the mature and ripe fruits before plant extract application.
6. Always test the plant extract formulation on a few infested plants first before going into
large scale spraying. When adding soap as an emulsifier, use a potash-based one.
8. Wash your hands after handling the plant extract.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
Extra care should be taken while handling the plant latex because contact dermatitis can occur
on sensitive individuals (NCSU, 1997).
EFFECT ON NON-TARGET ORGANISMS

Aloe latex is harmful to animals (NCSU, 1997).
EXTERNAL LINKS
NCSU. Aloe vera. http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/Aloe_ve.htm
Earlham College. Aloe vera. http://www.earlham.edu/~banvael/aloevera.html
CBIF. Notes on poisoning: aloe - A. barbadensis.
http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.info?p_psn=163&p_type=all&p_sci=comm&p_x=px
PCARRD - DOST. PROSEA herbal techno-catalog.
http://www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/prosea/proseaherbal/techno-catalogue.htm
REFERENCES
Prakash, A.; Rao, J. (1997): Botanical pesticides in agriculture. CRC Press. USA.
Vijayalakshmi, K.; Subhashini, B.; Koul, S. (1999): Plants in Pest Control: Pongam, tulasi and aloe.
Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems, Chennai, India.
85 | P a g e
ANDROGRAPHIS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common name: Indian chiretta, King of bitters
Scientific name: Andrographis paniculata
Family: Acanthaceae
Plant Parts Used

Whole plant (Stoll, 2000: p. 166)
Mode of action
Repellent (Prakash; Rao, 1997: 21)
FORMULATION
Materials Method of preparation How to use Target
pests
Plant Extract
(Stoll, 2000: p. 166)
2 kg of fresh plant Grind plants in 250 ml of water. Spray on infested Aphids

10 grams of well- Add cow's urine and chili. plants thoroughly. Melon
crushed Dilute filtrate with 10 liters of water. Spray early worms
dried chili pods Allow this solution to stand for morning Thrips
1 liter of cow's urine sometime. or late afternoon. Whiteflies
Water Strain.
Grinder
Pail
Standard procedures for the preparation and application of the plant

extracts
using them.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None known during the write-up
86 | P a g e
EXTERNAL LINKS
Canmed Botanics. Andrographis paniculata. http://www.canmedbotanics.nl/andrographis.html
Hiroshima. Andrographis. http://home.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/shoyaku/photo/Thai/95Andro.jpg
REFERENCES
Stoll, G. (2000): Natural protection in the tropics. Margraf Verlag. Weikersheim.
87 | P a g e
BASIL
Photo by Jewel Bissdorf
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common names: Basil, Black basil, Holy basil, Sweet
basil, Tulasi
Scientific name: Ocimum spp.
Family: Lamiaceae
Plant parts used

Leaves, stems, whole plant (Prakash; Rao, 1997:
pp.228-230)
Mode of action
Repellent, insecticidal, oviposition inhibiting (Prakash; Rao, 1997: pp.228-230)
FORMULATIONS
Materials Methods Of How To Use Target Pests
Preparation
Basil leaf extract
(Sridhar; et. al. 2002:
p.33)
Grind leaves. Spray early in the Caterpillars
50 grams of basil Soak overnight in morning on Fruit flies
leaves water. infested plant parts. Red spider mites
2-3 liters of water Strain. Red scales
8-12 ml of soap Add soap. Spotted leaf
Grinder Stir well. beetles
Pail Fungal diseases
Nematodes

Extracts
2. When storing the plant parts for future usage, make sure that they are properly
dried and are stored in an airy container (never use plastic container), away from
direct sunlight and moisture. Make sure that they are free from molds before using
them.
3. Use utensils for the extract preparation that are not use for your food preparation
and for drinking and cooking water containers. Clean properly all the utensils every
time after using them.
4. Make sure that you do not have direct contact with the crude extract while in the
process of the preparation and during the application.
5. Make sure that you place the plant extract out of reach of children and house pets
while leaving it overnight.
88 | P a g e
7. Always test the plant extract formulation on a few infested plants first before going
into large scale spraying. When adding soap as an emulsifier, use a potash-based
one.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None

None
EXTERNAL LINKS
Lerner, R. Purdue University. Basil plant.
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/senior/vegetabl/basil1.htm
A Modern Herbal. Basil. http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/basswe18.html
FAO. Lamiaceae. http://www.fao.org/docrep/x2230e/x2230e09.htm
REFERENCES
Sridhar, S.; Arumugasamy, S.; Saraswathy, H.; Vijayalakshmi, K. (2002): Organic vegetable gardening.
Center for Indian Knowledge Systems. Chennai
89 | P a g e
BUTTERFLY BUSH
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Buddleia lindleyana
Family:Loganiaceae
Plant Parts Used

Leaves (Prakash; Rao, 1997: p. 109-110)
Mode Of Action
Insecticidal (Prakash; Rao, 1997: p. 109-110)
FORMULATIONS
Preparation
Leaf Extract
(Stoll, 2000: p. 168)
4 kg of Butterfly bush Pound leaves. Dilute 1 liter of filtrate Black bean aphids
leaves Add water. with 10-15 liters of Caterpillars in
¼ liter of water Squeeze out the sap. water. cabbage
10-15 ml soap Strain. Add soap. Plant hoppers
Mortar and pestle Stir well.
Pail Spray on infested
plants thoroughly.
Spray early in the
morning
or late in the afternoon.

Extracts
using them.
5. Make sure that you place the plant extract out of reach of children and house pets while
90 | P a g e
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None

None
EXTERNAL LINKS
Plant Delights Nursery.Inc. Butterfly bush (Buddleia lindleyana).
http://www.plantdelights.com/Catalog/Current/Detail/00088.html
REFERENCES
91 | P a g e
CHILI
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common names: Red pepper, Hot pepper, Chilipepper
Scientific name: Capsicum annum, C. frutescens
Family: Solanaceae
Plant Parts Used

Fruit, seeds
Mode of action
Insecticidal, repellent
FORMULATIONS
Materials Method Of Preparation How To Use Target Pests
All- Purpose
Insect Pest Spray
(Organic
Gardening, 1996)
1 tsp powdered red Chop onion and garlic. Fillin the sprayer. Leaf eating pests
hot pepper Add powdered red Spray plants thoroughly.
1 garlic bulb pepper. If no sprayer is available,
1 small onion Mix the above ingredients make soft straw brush and
1 liter of water into the water. wet plants with the extract.
1 tbsp of soap Soak for 1 hour. Repeat spraying when
Knife Strain. necessary.
Strainer Add soap.
Basin/pail Stir well.
Chili Spray (HDRA,
2000)
4 cups of ripe hot In a pot, boil ripe pods or Spray on infested plants. Ants
peppers chili seeds in water for Aphids
or 5 cups of chili 15-20 minutes. Caterpillars
seeds Take the pot from the fire Flies
30 grams of soap and add 3 liters of water. Mealybugs
Cooking pot Cool and strain.
Strainer Add soap.
Stir well.
Chili And Neem
Leaves Extract
(Stoll, 2000: p. 109)
92 | P a g e
10-20 pieces of hot Pound hot pepper and Add 20 liters of water and Armyworm
pepper neem leaves. the powdered soap to the Whitefly
2-2.5 kg fresh neem Add to 1 liter of water. filtrate. Mosaic virus
leaves Soak the mixture Stir well.
21 liters of water overnight. Fill-in the sprayer.
2 tbsp of powdered Strain. Spray on infested plants.
soap Spray early morning or late
Mortar and pestle afternoon.
Basin/pail
Chili And Neem
Seeds Extract
(Stoll, 2000: p. 109)
12 pieces chopped Grind the neem seeds. Fill in the sprayer Aphids
hot chili Soak the ground neem Spray on the infested plants Diamondback
200 grams fully seeds in water overnight. thoroughly. moth
dried and shelled Add the chopped hot Sucking and
neem seeds chili. chewing insects
4 liters of water Strain. Whitefly
Basin/pail
Grinder
Knife
Chili, Custard
Apple, Neem
Extract
(Sridhar; et. al.,
2002: pp. 33-34)
Grind dried chilies. Add 5-6 liters of water to the Aphids
25 grams of dried Soak overnight in 100 ml filtrate. Leafrollers
chili pods of water. Add soap. Red scales
100 grams of Soak crushed neem fruits Stir well. Spotted beetles
custard apple overnight in 200 ml of Spray on infested plant
leaves water. parts,
50 grams of The next day filter both preferably early morning or
crushed neem fruits extracts. late afternoon.
20 ml of soap Grind the custard leaves.
Grinder Add 500 ml of water.
Wide-mouth bottles Strain.
Pail Mix all 3 filtrates.

Extracts
them.
93 | P a g e
one.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
Chili irritates nose, eyes, and skin.

When the pepper extract concentration is so strong, it can burn the leaves and eventually kill the
plants.
EXTERNAL LINKS
Quassia africana; Pepper. http://www.fao.org/docrep/x2230e/x2230e12.htm
Cornell University. A plethora of peppers for your perusing pleasure.
http://www.plantations.cornell.edu/collections/botanical/peppers.cfm
IPM of Alaska. Homemade pest control.
http://ipmofalaska.homestead.com/files/homemadepestcontrol.html
Sierra Club of Canada. Pest control sprays you can make in your kitchen.
http://www.sierraclub.ca/national/programs/health-environment/pesticides/non-commercial-
pest-spray.pdf
REFERENCES
HDRA. (2000): Chilipepper, Capsicum frutescens . Natural Pesticides No. TNP1. Henry
Doubleday Research Association, UK.
Organic Gardening. (1996): All- purpose insect pest spray . Rodale Press, Inc., 3 E. Minor St.,
Emmaus, PA
Sridhar, S.; Arumugasamy, S.; Saraswathy, H.; Vijayalakshmi, K. (2002): Organic vegetable
gardening. Center for Indian Knowledge Systems. Chennai.
Stoll, G. (2000): Natural protection in the tropics. Margraf Verlag. Weikersheim
94 | P a g e
COLEUS SPRAY
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Coleus scutellariodes
Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Synonym: Mayana
Plant Part Used

Leaves
Mode Of Action
Fungicidal
FORMULATION
pests
Coleus Leaves
Spray
5 kg of leaves Wash and clean the leaves. Spray early morning on infested Early blight
5 liters of water Chop the leaves into small plant parts. Frog eye
Knife pieces. Leaf spot
Pail Add to water. Leaf mold
Strainer Strain.

Extracts
using them.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None.
95 | P a g e
None.
REFERENCES
Sangatan, P.; Sangatanan, R. (2000): Organic fungicide. How to process/prepare organic fungicides.
Technology and Livelihood Series. Busy Book Distributors, Quezon City.
Sangatan, P.; Sangatanan, R. (2000): Practical guide to organic pesticides. Technology and
Livelihood Series. Busybook Distributor, Quezon City
96 | P a g e
CORIANDER
GENERAL INFORMATION
Synonym: Chinese parsley
Scientific name: Coriandrum sativum
Family: Apiaceae
Plant Parts Used

Leaves, seeds
Mode of action
Repellent
FORMULATION
pests
Coriander Spray
(Stoll, 2000: p.
169)
Crush seeds. Dilute extract with 2 liters of Spider mites
200 grams of Boil in water for 10 water. Anti-fungal
seeds minutes. Spray early in the morning
1 liter of water Cool. on infested plant parts.
Cooking pot Strain.
Mortar and pestle
Pail

Extracts
them.
one.
97 | P a g e
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None

None
EXTERNAL LINKS
A Modern Herbal. Coriander. http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/corian99.html
REFERENCES
98 | P a g e
CUSTARD APPLE
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common names: Atis, Cherimoya, Soursop, Sweetsop
Scientific name: Annona spp.
Family: Annonaceae
Plant Parts Used

Root, leaf, fruit, seeds (Prakash; Rao, 1997: pp. 22-26)
Mode Of Action
Insecticidal, antifeedant, repellent (Prakash; Rao, 1997: pp.
22-26)
FORMULATIONS
Materials Method of preparation How to use Target pests
Custard Apple Leaf
Extract
(Vijayalakshmi; et. al.,
1998: pp. 1-12)
500 grams of fresh Boil leaves in 2 liters of Dilute filtrate with Aphids
Custard apple leaves water until the remaining 10-15 liters of water. Brown plant
12-17 liters of water liquid is about ½ liter. Fill the sprayer. hopper
Pail Strain. Spray on infested Caterpillars
Bolo/knife plants thoroughly. Coffee green
Cooking pot scale
Strainer Cotton stainer
Diamondback
moth
Grasshopper
Green bugs
Green leaf hopper
House fly
Custard Apple Seed
Extract
(Stoll, 2000: p. 103)
500 grams of finely Add powdered seeds to Spray on infested Ants

ground Custard apple water. plants thoroughly. Aphids
seeds Leave to stand for 1-2
20 liters of water days.
Pail/basin Strain.
Strainer
Custard Apple Seed
Oil Extract
99 | P a g e
(HDRA, 2000)
Seeds from unripe fruit Grind seeds to extract Dilute 1 part of oil in 20 Diamondback
Grinder oil. parts of water. moth pupae
Water Spray onto the infested
Pail plants thoroughly.
Powdered seeds (from

dried mature seeds)
can be dusted directly
to the infested plants.

extracts
them.
one.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
The hard seeds are toxic, but can be swallowed whole with no ill effects (Morton, 1987: pp. 80-
83). Powdered seeds cause painful irritation when in contact with the eyes.

Dispose properly the presscake as it can be poisonous to animals.
EXTERNAL LINKS
Yamasaki Lab. Annonaceae. http://www.pharmakobotanik.de/gallery/gal-anno.htm
CRFG. Cherimoya fruit. http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/cherimoya.html
Purdue University. Custard apple.
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/custard_apple.html
Duke, J. Medical botany syllabus. http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/syllabus/module8.htm
Beech - Forest Photos. Soursop. http://www003.upp.so-net.ne.jp/beech-
forest/plant/soursop1.jpg
100 | P a g e
REFERENCES
HDRA. (2000): Diamondback moth, Plutella xylostela. Pest Control No. TPC3, June 2000 .
Tropical Advisory Service. Henry Doubleday Research Association, UK.
Morton, J. (1987): Custard apple. In: Fruits of warm climates. Julia F. Morton, Miami, FL.
Vijayalakshmi, K.; Subshashini, B.; Koul, S. (1998): Plants in pest control: Custard apple, vitex,
sweet flag, and poison nut. CIKS. Chennai, India.
101 | P a g e
EUPATORIUM
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common name: Christmas bush, Siam weed
Scientific name: Eupatorium odoratum
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Parts Used

Whole plant
Mode Of Action
Insecticidal and repellent. Its leaf extract in water is reported to reduce sweet potato weevil
infestation (Prakash; Rao, 1997: p.178).
FORMULATIONS
Leaf Extract
(Stoll, 2000: p.
168)
Boil leaves in water for 10 Spray on infested plants Aphids
400 g of dried minutes. thoroughly. Diamondback
leaves Cool. Spray early in the morning moth
10 liters of water Strain. or late in the afternoon. Snails
10-15 ml soap
Cooking pot
Pail

Extracts
using them.
102 | P a g e
EFFECT ON HUMANS

Plant is poisonous to fish. Leaf meal is used as chicken feed (FAO, 2003).
EXTERNAL LINKS
Philippe Faucon. Christmas bush, Siam weed. http://www.desert-
tropicals.com/Plants/Asteraceae/Eupatorium_odoratum.html
Cedar Creek. Eupatorium. http://www.cedarcreek.umn.edu/plants/album/eupatorium.html
FAO. Siam weed. http://www.fao.org/ag/AGA/AGAP/FRG/AFRIS/Data/636.HTM
REFERENCES
103 | P a g e
FINGER EUPHORBIA
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common names: Milk bush, India tree spurge, Pencil tree (NCSU, 1997)
Scientific name: Euphorbia tirucalli
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Plant Parts Used

Branch
Mode Of Action
Insecticidal, repellent (Prakash; Rao, 1997: p. 180)
FORMULATION
Materials Method Of Preparation How To Use Target
Pests
Plant Extract
(Stoll, 2000: p.
170)
Pound branch finely to Spray on infested plants Citrus
Mature branch make into a paste. thoroughly. aphids
Water Leave the paste for Spray early in the morning Cutworm
10-liter container sometime or late in the afternoon. Termites
Mortar and pestle in water.
Strainer Strain.
Make trials on the size and

number of branches for the
strength of the extract
Plant Sap Extract
10 drops of plant Cut a branch. Spray on infested areas. Cutworm

sap Collect the oozing sap.
1 liter of water Add the sap into the water.
Pail

extracts
using them.
104 | P a g e
EFFECT ON HUMANS
The plant causes low toxicity if eaten. It causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It also causes
minor irritation to the skin (NCSU, 1997). Take extra care while handling the sap as redness,
swelling, or blisters might occur on sensitive skins.

In Tanzania, the plant is used as fish poison and as ant and mosquito repellent (Hines; Eckman,
1993).
EXTERNAL LINKS
FAO. Euphorbia tirucalli in Indigenous multipurpose trees of Tanzania: Uses and economic
benefits for people. http://www.fao.org/docrep/X5327e/x5327e12.htm
NCSU. Finger euphorbia. http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/Euphoti.htm
REFERENCES
105 | P a g e
GARLIC
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Allium sativum
Family: Alliaceae
Plant Parts Used

Whole plant, bulbs, leaves, flower (Prakash; Rao, 1997: pp.15-16)
Mode of action
Repellent, insecticidal, nematicidal, fungicidal, antibiotic (Prakash; Rao, 1997: pp.15-16)
FORMULATIONS
Materials Methods of How to use Target pests
preparation
Garlic Bulb Extract
(Vijayalakshmi; et.al,
1999: pp. 1-23)
85 grams of chopped Add garlic to Dilute 1 part of the American bollworm

garlic vegetable oil. emulsion Armyworm
50 ml of mineral oil Allow mixture to with 19 parts of water Cotton stainer
(kerosene or vegetable stand for 24 hours. (for example, 50 ml of Onion thrips
oil) Add water and stir in emulsion to 950 ml of Potato tuber moth
10 ml of soap the soap. water). Root knot
950 ml of water Store in bottle Shake well before nematode
Strainer container. spraying. Sugarcane shoot
Bottle container Spray thoroughly on the borer
infested plant, Bacterial diseases
preferably early in the Anthracnose
morning. Downy mildew
Rice blast
Garlic Bulb Extract
(Brooklyn Botanic
Garden, 2000: p. 98)
2 garlic bulbs Grind garlic. Dilute 1 part of the Black spots

Few drops of soap Allow mixture to emulsion Blights
4 cups of water stand for 24 hours. with 9 parts of water. Fruit rots
Grinder Add water and stir in Shake well before Mildew
Strainer the soap. spraying. Rusts
Bottle container Store in bottle Spray thoroughly on the
container. infested plant,
Strain before using. preferably early in the
morning.
Garlic Oil Spray
106 | P a g e
(Ellis; Bradley, 1996: p.
473)
100 grams of garlic Chop garlic finely. Dilute the filtrate with Imported cabbage
2 tbsp of mineral oil Soak garlic in mineral 10 liters of water. worm
10.5 liters of water oil for a day. Fill the sprayer. Leafhoppers
10 ml of soap Add ½ liter of water Shake sprayer from time Squash bugs
Covered container and soap. to Whitefly
Blend well by stirring time to avoid oil from
thoroughly. floating.
Strain. Spray on the infested
plant thoroughly.
Garlic Oil Emulsion
(Vijayalakshmi; et.al,
1999: pp. 1-23)
50 ml of garlic oil Add soap to oil. To prevent oil from American bollworm
950 ml of water Blend well by stirring floating, Potato tuber moth
1 ml of soap thoroughly. immediately spray Rice blast
Add water. extract on infested Rice brown leaf
Stir. plants and shake sprayer spot
from time to time. Root knot
Spray early in the nematode
morning
or late afternoon.

extracts
them.
one.
107 | P a g e
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None

Garlic oil spray has a broad-spectrum effect. It is non-selective so it can kill beneficial insects as
well. This is not recommended for aphid control since it kills the natural enemies of aphids. It
should be limited to home and garden applications where natural controls are rarely present
(Olkowski; Daar; Olkowski, 1995: pp. 92-93).
EXTERNAL LINKS
FAO. Garlic. http://www.fao.org/docrep/x2230e/x2230e10.htm
pest-spray.pdf
CalPhotos. Plants. http://elib.cs.berkeley.edu/photos/flora/
REFERENCES
NY.
Vijayalakshmi, K.; Subhashini, B.; Koul, S. (1999): Plants in Pest Control: Garlic and onion.
108 | P a g e
GIANT KNOTWEED
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Reynoutria sachalinensis
Family: Buckwheat Family (Polygonaceae)
Plant Parts Used

Leaves
Mode Of Action
Induced resistance, plant strengthener
FORMULATIONS
Preparation
Giant Knotweed
Leaf Extract
Giant knotweed Collect the upper Generally, the extract is Powdery mildew on
leaves ground parts sprayed tomato,
Water of the plant especially as a plant strengthener at pepper, cucumber,
Grinder the leaves. 1 week interval. grape, begonia
Pail Dry the leaves. Grind Botrytis on young
them. For example; tomato,
Add 10 grams of the on tomato, 2 weeks; pepper, and
grounded on cucumber, 1 week; ornamentals
leaves into 1 liter of and on grape, 10 days
water. interval.
Let it stand for 1 hour
or
a little bit longer. Spray the plants at the
Strain to get a clear latest
extract. immediately when you
see the first spot
or lesion on the leaves,
Use the plant extract otherwise the
immediately, extract is no longer
never set it aside for effective when
the future use. the infection has widely
spread.

Extracts
109 | P a g e
using them.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None

None
EXTERNAL LINKS
US EPA. Extract of Reynoutria sachalinensis (Giant knotweed) (055809) Fact Sheet.
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides/ingredients/factsheets/factsheet_055809.htm
CDFA. Japanese knotweed. http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/ipc/weedinfo/polygonum-
knotweeds.htm
Scottish Crop Research Institute. Plant extracts. Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, Scotland.
http://www.scri.sari.ac.uk/TiPP/sar/sar6.htm
BIOCOMBI. Results. http://www.biocombi.net/Start.html
REFERENCES
Schmitt, A. (2005): Reynoutria sachalinensis plant extract. BBA. Institut fuer biologishen
Pflanzenschutz, Darmstadt, Germany.
110 | P a g e
GINGER
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Zingiber officinali
Family: Zingiberaceae
Plant Parts Used

Rhizome
Mode Of Action
Repellent, insecticidal (Prakash; Rao, 1997: pp. 297-298)
FORMULATIONS
Ginger rhizome
extract
(Sridhar; et. al. 2002: p.
33) Grind ginger and make Spray on infested American bollworm
into paste. plants Aphids
50 grams of ginger Mix with water. thoroughly. Plant hoppers
12 ml of soap Add soap. If there is no sprayer, Thrips
3 liters of water Stir and strain. make soft brushes Whitefly
Grinder out of Root knot nematode
Strainer plant straw or twigs. Brown leaf spot of
Pail Make sure to wet all rice
the infested plant Mango anthracnose
4 kg of ginger are parts. Yellow vein mosaic
needed
to spray 0.4 ha
Ginger, Garlic, And
Chilli
Extract
(Sridhar; et. al. 2002: p.
33) Soak garlic in kerosene Spray on infested Aphids
overnight. plants Armyworm
25 grams of ginger Grind and make into a thoroughly. Bollworm
50 grams of garlic paste. Caterpillars
25 grams of green chili Add 50 ml water to chili, Fruit borer
10 ml of kerosene grind, make into a paste. Leaf miner
12 ml of soap Grind ginger and make Shoot borer
3 liters of water into a Thrips
Grinder paste as well. Whiteflies
Pail Mix all ingredients into
the water.
Add soap.
1 kg garlic ½ kg ginger, Filter the extract.
and ½ chili are needed Stir well before spraying.
for 0.4 ha
111 | P a g e
Ginger Powder
Extract
(Stoll, 2002: p. 223)
Add powder to water. Spray on infested Powdery mildew
20 grams of ginger Mix well. plants Root rot
powder thoroughly. Fungal leaf blight
1 liter of water
Pail

Extracts
them.
one.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
Ginger has no side effects on human beings; however, chili is irritating to the skin and causes
pain when it comes in contact with eyes.

None
EXTERNAL LINKS
FAO. Vitex negundo; Tumeric; Ginger. http://www.fao.org/docrep/x2230e/x2230e13.htm
Hiroshima's Photo Lab. Ginger. http://home.hiroshima-
u.ac.jp/shoyaku/photo/Japan/Kouchi/010513Shoga.jpg
REFERENCES
112 | P a g e
GLIRICIDIA
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common names: Kakawate, Madriado, Madre de cacao
Scientific name: Gliricidia sepium
Family: Leguminosae
Plant Part Used

Leaves and bark
Mode of action
Insecticidal, repellent, and rodenticidal
FORMULATIONS
Madre De Cacao Leaf
Extract
(DOST, 1998)
Grind or pound leaves. Add 20 liters of water Armyworm
½ kg of leaves Soak overnight in water. to the filtrate. Cabbage looper
Grinder or mortar and Strain. Spray on infested plant Caseworm
pestle thoroughly. Tobacco budworm
Pail or basin Whorl maggots
Strainer
Madre De Cacao &
Neem
(Stoll, 2000: pp. 124-
125)
Shred the leaves. Add water to make up Aphids
1 kg of Madre de cacao Soak leaves in 5 liters of 20 liters of filtrate. Blister beetles
leaves water Spray on infested Fall armyworm
1 kg of neem leaves for 3 days. plants. Termites
Knife Strain. Spraying interval is 4-5 Whitefly
Pail days. White grubs
Strainer
Water
Madre De Cacao &
Chili
(Stoll, 2000: pp. 124-
125)
Grind Madre de cacao Add water to make up Bean pod weevil
2 kg of Madre de cacao leaves and chilies. 20 liters of filtrate. Various insect
leaves Soak in water overnight. Spray on infested pests
12 pieces of chilies Strain. plants. in tomato seedlings
Grinder
Pail
Strainer
113 | P a g e
Madre De Cacao,
Chili & Onion
(Stoll, 2000: pp. 124-
125)
Grind all the ingredients. Add water to make up Caterpillars in
½ kg of Madre de cacao Soak overnight in water. 20 liters of filtrate. tomatoes
leaves Strain. Spray on infested and pepper
7 pieces of chili plants.
3 onion bulbs
Grinder
Pail
Strainer

Extracts
using them.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None

None; foliage is used as feed for livestock and as fertilizer.
EXTERNAL LINKS
TAMU. Gliricidia sepium.
http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/cgi/gallery_query?q=Gliricidia+sepium+
HEAR/PIER. Gliricidia sepium. http://www.hear.org/pier/species/gliricidia_sepium.htm
Purdue University. Gliricidia sepium.
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Gliricidia_sepium.html
REFERENCES
DOST. (1998): Madre de cacao. Department of Science and Trade. Manila, Philippines.
114 | P a g e
GUINEA HEN WEED
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common name: Anamu
Scientific name: Petiveria alliacea
Family: Phytolaccaceae
Plant Parts Used

Roots
Mode Of Action
Antifeedant (Prakash; Rao, 1997: p. 237)
FORMULATION
Materials Method Of How To Use Target Pests
Preparation
Root Extract
(Stoll, 2000: p. 166)
10 kg of roots Grind roots. Mix 1 liter of the filtrate Fall armyworm

3 cowpats Add cowpat and salt. with 20 liters of water. Leaf-cutting
3 dessertspoonfuls of Soak in 30 gallons Spray on infested plants ants
salt of water for 8 days. thoroughly. Whiteflies
Grinder Strain. Spray early in the
Pail morning
Strainer or late in the afternoon.

Extracts
using them.
115 | P a g e
EFFECT ON HUMANS
Pure root extract is abortive and toxic once taken internally in high doses (Duke, undated).

None
EXTERNAL LINKS
USDA. Petiveria alliacea. http://www.pr.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/plants/tp13.html
The Rainforest Database. Anamu (Petiveria alliacea). http://rain-tree.com/anamu.htm
REFERENCES
116 | P a g e
HORSE RADISH SPRAY
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Maringa oleifera
Plant Part Used

leaves
Mode Of Action
Fungicidal
FORMULATION
Materials Method Of Preparation How To Use Target
Pests
Horse Radish
Spray
Wash and clean the plants. Spray early morning on Anthracnose
5 kg of horse radish Chop them into small pieces infested plant parts. Early blight
leaves until juicy. Fruit rot
15 liters of water Add to water. Leaf spot
Knife Let it stay overnight.
Pail Strain.
Strainer
Mortar and pestle

Extracts
direct sunlight and moisture. Make sure that they are free from molds before
using them.
and for drinking and cooking water containers. Clean properly all the utensils
every time after using them.
5. Make sure that you place the plant extract out of reach of children and house
pets while leaving it overnight.
6. Always test the plant extract formulation on a few infested plants first before
going into large scale spraying. When adding soap as an emulsifier, use a
potash-based one.
117 | P a g e
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None

None
REFERENCES
118 | P a g e
HORSETAIL
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Equisetum arvense
Family: Equisetaceae
Plant Parts Used

Leaves (Prakash; Rao, 1997: p. 171-172)
Mode Of Action
Insecticidal (Prakash; Rao, 1997: p. 171-172)
FORMULATION
Preparation
Horsetail Spray
(Ellis; Bradley, 1996: pp.
475-476)
½ cup finely crushed dried Put ingredients in a Spray on infested Plant insect pests
horsetail leaves. cooking pan. plants thoroughly. and diseases
4 gallons of rain water Boil in water for 30 Spray early in the
Cooking pan minutes. morning
Strainer Cool. or late in the afternoon.
Strain.

Extracts
them.
one.
119 | P a g e
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None

Plant is poisonous to horses (CBIF, 2003).
EXTERNAL LINKS
Flora of Northern Ireland. Horsetail. http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?item=2022
The Modern Herbal. Horsetails. http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/h/hortai39.html
CBIF, Government of Canada. Notes in poisoning.
http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/ppack.info?p_null=Equisetum+arvense&p_x=px&p_type=all&p_
sci=comm
REFERENCES
Prakash, A.; Rao, J. (1997): Botanical pesticides in agriculture. CRC Press. USA
120 | P a g e
LANSONES
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Lansium domesticum
Family: Meliaceae
Plant parts used

Seeds (Stoll, 2000: p. 171)
Mode of action
Insecticidal (Stoll, 2000: p. 171)
FORMULATION
Preparation
Lansones Seed
Extract
(Stoll, 2000: p. 171)
Finely pound seeds. Spray early in the Armyworm and other
500 grams of seeds Soak in water for 1 morning leaf
20 liters of water day. on infested plants. eating caterpillars
Mortar and pestle Strain.
Pail

Extracts
them.
one.
121 | P a g e
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None

None
EXTERNAL LINKS
Purdue University. Langsat. http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/langsat.html
REFERENCES
122 | P a g e
LEMONGRASS
Photo courtesy of Les Bohm
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common names: Citronella, Citronella grass, Lemongrass
Scientific name: Cymbopogon marginatus, C. nardus, C. citratus
Family: Gramineae
Plant Parts Used

Leaves, roots
Mode of action
FORMULATIONS
Lemongrass Extract (Stoll,
2000: P. 171)
50 g of ground lemongrass Soak the ground Spray onto lettuce, Leaf blight
2 liters of water lemongrass into water for tomatoes, Bacticidal
few hours. and carrots
Strain.
Lemongrass, Chili,
Bitterwood Extract (Stoll,
2000: P. 176)
Whole plant of lemongrass Pound required amount of Dilute the mixture of Rice pests
Chili pods each plant to get the plant
Bitterwood leaves extract. juices with 4 liters of
4 ml of soap 5-7 tbsp of plant juices water.
Mortar and pestle are needed from each Spray on infested
Strainer plant. plants
Basin Mix the all the plant juices. thoroughly
preferably early
in the morning or
late in the afternoon.
Citronella Grass, Madre
De Cacao, Chili, Tobacco
And Tinospora Extract
(Stoll, 2000: P. 176)
25 kg of citronella grass Chop these plant materials. Dilute 1 liter of stock Most
25 kg of fresh Madre de Put into a drum full of solution agricultural
cacao leaves water. with 10-12 liters of pests
1 kg of chilies Set aside for 1 month to water.
123 | P a g e
10 kg of tobacco leaves allow fermentation. Add soap.
5 kg of Tinospora Stir well.
Drum Spray on infested
Soap plants
Bolo or knife thoroughly.

extracts
them.
one.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
Extracts are possible irritants to sensitive skins or when used in strong dilution. Do not use on
damaged skin. Be careful, leaves have sharp edges and can inflict razor cuts in the skin.

None
EXTERNAL LINKS
Herb. Lemongrass. http://www2q.biglobe.ne.jp/~sakai/lemongrassphoto.html
REFERENCES
Prakash, A.; Rao, J. (1997): Botanical pesticides in agriculture. CRC Press. USA
124 | P a g e
LEUCAS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Leucas aspera
Plant Parts Used

Whole plant
Mode Of Action
Insecticidal
FORMULATIONS
Materials Methods Of Preparation How To Use Target
Pests
Leucas Extract
(CIKS, 2002: p.28)
3 Leucas plants (entire Cut the plants into small Dilute with 50-60 liters of Cotton
plant) pieces. water. stainers
Water Soak overnight in 10 liters of Spray early in the
8-12 ml of soap water. morning on
Grinder Grind. infested plant parts.
Strainer Strain.
Pail Add soap.
Stir well.

Extracts
using them.
125 | P a g e
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None

None
EXTERNAL LINKS
Photo gallery. Leucas aspera. http://www.celestine-india.com/pankajoudhia/po_gall.htm
REFERENCES
CIKS. (1997): Plants in pest control: Tobacco, papaya, thumbai. Center for Indian Knowledge
Systems.
126 | P a g e
MALABAR NUT
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Adathoda vasica
Family: Acanthaceae
Plant Parts Used

Leaves
Mode Of Action
Antifeedant, insecticidal, repellent, fungal
FORMULATIONS
Malabar Extract
(CIKS, 1997)
1 kg of leaves Boil leaves in 10 liters Dilute filtrate with 60-70 Rice blast
10 liters of water of water for 30 min. liters of water.
Pot Strain. Spray on infested plants
Strainer thoroughly.
Pail

Extracts
using them.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None
127 | P a g e
None
EXTERNAL LINKS
FAO. Adhatoda vasica. http://www.fao.org/docrep/x2230e/x2230e06.htm
A Modern Herbal. Malabar nut. http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/m/malaba05.html
REFERENCES
CIKS. (1997): Plants in pest control. Pesticide Post, Vol.6, No. 5 & 6.
128 | P a g e
MAMMEY
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common names: Mammey, Mammey Apple
Scientific name: Mammea americana
Family: Clusiaceae
Plant Part Used

Root, bark, branch, leaves, and fruits
Mode Of Action
FORMULATIONS
Materials Methods Of How To Use Plant Pests
Preparation
Mammey Spray
(Stoll, 2000: p. 130)
1kg of mammey seeds Pound ripe mammey Spray on infested plants Worms in
100 liters of water seeds. thoroughly including the cabbage
100 ml of soap Add powder in soapy undersides of the
Mortar and pestle water. leaves.
Pail Stir well.
Mammey Seed Powder

Dust (HDRA, 2000)
Mammey seeds Grind or pound seeds. Dust into cabbage Aphids

Grinder or mortar and Mix with sawdust plants Armyworm
pestle or ground dried leaves. early in the morning Bean beetle
Sawdust or ground dried when Cabbage worms
leaves the dew is on the plants Melon worm
Basin or pail for the powder to stick
well.
Approximately 8-9
grams
are needed for each
plant.

Extracts
129 | P a g e
using them.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
Proper handling of the extracts is advised as they may irritate skin and eyes.

None
EXTERNAL LINKS
IPGRI. Mammea americana.
http://www.ciat.cgiar.org/ipgri/fruits_from_americas/frutales/Ficha%20Mammea%20americana.ht
m
Purdue University. Mamey. http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/mamey.html
REFERENCES
HDRA. (2000): Diamondback moth, Plutella xylostela. Pest Control No. TPC3, (June 2000). Tropical
Advisory Service, HDRA. UK.
130 | P a g e
MINT
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Mentha spp.
Family: Lamiaceae
Plant Parts Used

Leaves
Mode Of Action
Against bacterial diseases
FORMULATIONS
Mint Extract
250 grams of Grind the leaves to make Spray on infected plants Bacterial leaf spots
leaves into a paste thoroughly using water can and other bacterial
2 liters of Add water or sprinkler diseases
water Stir well and ready for use
Grinder or strain it to have a clear
Strainer extract
Pail

Extracts
them.
one.
10.
131 | P a g e
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None

None
EXTERNAL LINKS
Purdue University. Mint spp. http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/nexus/Mentha_nex.html
FAO. Lamiaceae. http://www.fao.org/docrep/x2230e/x2230e09.htm
REFERENCES
gardening. Center for Indian Knowledge Systems. Chennai
132 | P a g e
NEEM
Photo by Manuel Parami
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common names: Neem, Margosa tree
Scientific name: Azadirachta indica
Family: Meliaceae
Plant Parts Used

Leaves and seeds
Mode Of Action
Repellent, insecticidal, antibacterial, antifungal,
antifeedant, oviposition and growth inhibiting, and crop and grain protectant (Prakash; Rao,
1997: pp. 35-103)
FORMULATIONS
Neem Leaf Extract
(Sridhar;
Vijayalakshmi, 2002:
pp. 24-25)
Pound neem leaves gently. Dilute 1 liter of neem leaf Aphids
1-2 kg of neem Place in a pot. extract with 9 liters of Colorado
leaves Add 2-4 liters of water. water. beetles
Mortar and pestle Cover the mouth of the pot Add 100 ml of soap. Grasshoppers
Used cotton cloth securely with the cloth and Stir well. Grubs
Pot leave it as such for 3 days. Spray on the infested Japanese
Soap Strain to get clear extract. plants. beetles
Strainer Leafhoppers
String Locusts
Planthoppers
Scales
10-12 kg of neem Snails
leaves are needed Thrips
for 0.4 ha Weevils
Whiteflies
Neem Seed Extract

(Sridhar;
Vijayalakshmi, 2002:
pp. 24)
Remove the shells. Dilute 1 liter of this extract Aphids
3-5 kg of neem Pound seeds gently. with 9 liters of water. Beetles
seeds Place in a pot. Add 100 ml of soap. Bugs
Mortar and pestle Add 10 liters of water. Stir well. Grasshoppers
133 | P a g e
Used cotton cloth Cover the mouth of the pot Spray on the infested Grubs
Earthen pot securely with the cloth and plants. Flies
Soap leave it as such for 3 days. Leafhoppers
Strainer Strain to get clear extract. Locusts
String Moths
Nematodes
Planthoppers
Scales
Snails
Thrips
Weevils
Whiteflies
Neem Seed Powder

Extract (Singh;
Singh, 2000: Pp. 5-
7)
Remove shells and pulps Refer to Table 1 for the Cotton
Matured, dried neem from seeds in the desired neem powder and water bollworm
seeds amount. Then pound seeds ratio for the control of Aphids
Mortar and pestle gently in such a way that no specific pest Colorado
Basin, pail oil comes out. beetles
Muslin pouch Once done, put the desired Cotton leaf
Strainer amount of powder in a pail of Spray on the infested roller
Soap (5 ml/10 l of water. plants thoroughly. Cutworm
water) Stir well for about 10 minutes Spray early in the Diamondback
Water and steep for at least 6 hours morning or late afternoon. moth
but not more than 16 hrs. Stir Fall armyworm
it again for another 10 Grasshopper
minutes. Japanese
Strain. beetles
Add soap. Stir well. Leaf miner
Leaf hopper
Locust
Mexican bean
beetle
Whiteflies
Neem Seed Oil
Suspension In
Water
(Singh; Singh, 2000:
pp. 5-7)
Put the finely ground seeds Refer to Table 2 for the Aphids
5 kg of finely ground into a basin. oil and water ratio Brown
neem seeds Add hot water little by little planthopper
1/2 liter of hot water until it is possible to knead the Take desired amount of Flea beetle
Soap mixture. neem oil and mix with Leafhopper
Basin Knead and press the mixture soap before adding water. Potato tuber
134 | P a g e
to get the oil. Stir thoroughly to prevent moth
Approximately 650-750 ml oil oil separation. Psyllid
is extracted from this mixture. Scale insects
Fill-in the knapsack Whitefly
sprayer. Whorl maggot
Spray thoroughly on
infested plants.
Neem As Prophylactic
1. Pound neem leaves or seeds or neem cake. Put it in a clay pot. Add twice the volume of
water, then cover securely the opening of the pot. Let it stand for 3 nights.
To use, divide the filtrate into 4 (or more) and put these separately in opened containers.
Place containers in strategic areas in the field at night time to repel nocturnal pests. The
smell repels the insects from coming into the field.
2. Fill in jute sacks with neem cake. Place the sacks along the water canals. The dissolved
neem cake carried into the field prevents the attack of pests and diseases affecting the roots
and tillers.
Notes:
1. Neem seed extract should be milky white in color and not brownish. If pounded with the
seed coat on, 1 ½ times the amount of seeds are required.
2. It is very important to add the soap with the oil before adding water. It should be used
immediately otherwise oil droplets will start floating. A knapsack sprayer is better for
neem oil spraying because it has the tendency to mix the extract while in the process of
spraying.
3. The 3 extract formulations can also be used for fungal diseases control including those
that are soilborne. Neem cake can be used as soil manure- to improve the soil condition
and to control various species of nematodes.
Table 1. Recommended Powdered Kernels And Water Ratio For Various Pests
(Singh; Singh, 2000: pp. 5-7)
Pests Powdered Kernels In Powdered Kernels In Kilograms (Kg)
Grams (G) Per Liter (L) Of Per 600 Liters (L) Of Water Per
Water Hectare (Ha)
Dessert locust 5 3
Hairy caterpillar 10 6
Giant looper
Gypsy moth
Migratory locust
Leaf miners 15 9
Cabbage aphid 20 12
135 | P a g e
Cutworm
Japanese beetle
Chafer beetle 30 18
Colorado potato beetle
Flea beetle
Corn earworm 40 24
American bollworm 50 30
Aphids
Cotton leaf roller
Diamondback moth
Grasshopper
Leaf hopper
Leaf miner
Red locust
Mexican bean beetle
Mustard aphid
Whiteflies
Fall armyworm 60 36
Pod fly 80 48
Citrus leafminer 100 60
Table 2. Recommended Neem Oil In Water Suspension For Various Pests

(Singh; Singh, 2000: Pp. 5-7)
Pests Neem Oil In Milliliter (Ml) Neem Oil In Liter (L) Per 600 Liters (L) Of
Per Liter Water Water Per Hectare (Ha)
Potato tuber moth 10 6
Red and yellow
scales
Tortoise beetle
Psyllid 15 9
Whitefly
Midge 20 12
Whorl maggot
Cotton aphids 30 18
Flea beetle
Gall midge
Leafhopper
Brown 100 60
planthopper
Precaution: Oil maybe phytotoxic at a ratio of 10 ml oil/liter of water on sensitive plants. Wait for
2 days for the effects (symptoms) to appear before going into large scale application.
136 | P a g e
Extracts
are stored in an airy container (never use plastic container), away from direct sunlight and
moisture. Make sure that they are free from molds before using them.
using them.
4. Do not have a direct contact with the crude extract while in the process of the preparation
and during the application.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None; the proper use of neem has not been associated with any side effects.

Azadirachtin is relatively harmless to butterflies, bees, ladybugs, and wasps since these
beneficials feed on nectar and pollen. Azadirachtin must be ingested to be effective so that
pests which feed on plants are affected by its content. However, constant spraying of flowering
plants with highly concentrated neem products affect bees since they carry contaminated pollen
and nectar to the hives (National Research Council, 1992).
A study was conducted on neem products and their effects on mortality, growth, and
reproduction of 7 species of earthworms. Various neem products were incorporated in the upper
10cm soil layer of tomato plots. None of the materials had negative side effects on earthworms.
Positive effects on weight and survival were found in soil treated with ground neem leaves and
ground seed kernels under greenhouse conditions. Reproduction was slightly favored over a
period of 13 weeks in a neem-enriched substrate in rearing cages (Rossner; Zebitz, 1986: pp.
627-632).
Azadirachtin has no side effects on birds and other animals (Martineau, 1994). There is no toxic
residue left to contaminate the environment and insects do not develop resistance to neem
(Prakash; Rao, 1997: pp. 35-103).
EXTERNAL LINKS
HEAR/PIER. Azadirachta indica.
http://www.hear.org/pier/imagepages/thumbnails/azadirachta_indica.htm
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. Friendly pesticides for home gardens.
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/Garden/02945.html
Hiroshima's Photo Lab. Meliacea: Azadirachta indica. http://home.hiroshima-
u.ac.jp/shoyaku/photo/Thai/020305Aza.jpg
137 | P a g e
REFERENCES
Martineau, J. (1994): MSDS for Azatin-EC biological insecticide. AgriDyne Technologies, Inc.
National Research Council. (1992): Neem: A tree for solving global problems. National Academy
Press. Washington, DC.
Rossner, J.; Zebitz, C. (1986): Effect of soil treatment with neem products on earthworms
(Lumbricidae). A paper presented at the Proceedings of the 3rd International Neem Conference,
Nairobi, 1986.
Schmutterer, H. Editor. (1995): The neem tree. VHC Verlagsgesellschaft, Weinheim, Germany.
Singh, R.; Singh, S. (2000): Neem for pest management: How to grow and use. Division of
Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute. New Delhi, India.
Sridhar, S.; Vijayalakshmi, K. (2002): Neem: A user’s manual. CIKS, Chennai.
138 | P a g e
ONION
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common names: Onion, Shallot
Scientific name: Allium sepa
Family: Alliaceae
Plant Parts Used

Bulbs
Mode Of Action
Insecticidal and repellent
FORMULATIONS
Materials Methods Of Preparation How To Use Plant Pests
Onion Bulb Extract
1
(Vijayalakshmi,
et.al.,
1999: pp. 30-32) Add chopped onion to Dilute 1 part of the Whiteflies
kerosene. emulsion
85 grams of Allow this mixture to stand with 19 parts of water
chopped for 24 hours. (for example, 50 ml of
onion Add water and stir-in the emulsion to 950 ml of
50 ml of mineral oil soap. water).
(kerosene) Store in bottle container. Shake well before
10 ml of soap spraying.
450 ml of water Spray thoroughly on the
Strainer infested
Bottle container plant, preferably early in
the
morning.
Onion Bulb Extract
2
(Stoll, 2000: p. 172)
In a pot, bring 1 liter Dilute the 1 liter extract Ants
1 kg of bulb onions of water to boil. with 10 liters of water. Scales
1 liter of water Chop the onions, then place Spray thoroughly on the Spider mites
Cooking pot in a covered container. infested Thrips
Pail Pour the boiling water into plant, preferably early in
Strainer the container. the
Let it stand for 24 hours. morning or late afternoon.
Onion Bulb Extract
3
(Stoll, 2000: p. 223)
Finely chop the onion. Spray thoroughly on the Alternaria
50 g of bulb onion Add to water. infested Anthracnose
139 | P a g e
1 liter distilled water Mix well. plant, preferably early in Fusarium wilt
Pail Strain. the Fungal leaf
Strainer morning or late afternoon. blight

Extracts
them.
one.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None

None
REFERENCES
Vijayalakshmi, K.; Subhashini, B.; Koul, S. (1999): Plants in Pest Control: Garlic and onion.
140 | P a g e
PAPAYA
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Carica papaya
Family: Caricaceae
Plant Parts Used

Leaves, seeds, unripe fruit
Mode of action
Repellent, insecticidal, rodenticidal, fungicidal
(Sridhar; et. al., 2002: p. 34)
FORMULATION
Papaya Leaf Extract
(Sridhar; et. al., 2002:
p. 34)
50 grams of finely Soak shredded leaves Dilute the extract with Leafy
shredded papaya in 100 ml of water. 2-3 liters of water. caterpillars
leaves Stir vigorously. Add soap.
8-12 ml of soap Let it stand overnight. Stir well. Coffee rust
Muslin cloth Squeeze the extract using Spray thoroughly on Leaf rust
Pail the muslin cloth. infested plant parts. Mosaic virus
Water Powdery
mildew
Papaya Water
Extract
(Stoll: p. 143)
Pound the leaves. Spray on the target pests. Grass looper
1 kg of papaya Add pounded leaves into White grub
leaves the water.
10 liters of water Leave to stand for 2 days.
Mortar and pestle Strain.
Soap
Strainer
Pail
Papaya Water
Extract
(Stoll: p. 143)
Finely shred the leaves. Dilute the filtrate with 4 liters Flower thrips
1 kg of papaya Shake vigorously in a liter of water. Fruit flies
leaves of water. Spray on the target pests.
Water Squeeze through a cloth
141 | P a g e
Knife sack.
Soap
Cotton sack
Pail

Extracts
them.
one.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None

None
EXTERNAL LINKS
Beech - Forest Photos. Papaya. http://www003.upp.so-net.ne.jp/beech-
forest/plant/papaya1.jpg
California Rare Fruit Growers. Papaya. http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/papaya.html
REFERENCES
CIKS. (1997): Plants in pest control: Tobacco, papaya, thumbai. Center for Indian Knowledge
Systems.
142 | P a g e
PEPPER TREE
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common names: Brazilian pepper tree, Christmas berry tree
Scientific name: Schinus molle, S. terebinthifolius
Family: Anacardiaceae
Plant Parts Used

Leaves, fruits
Mode Of Action
Repellent
FORMULATION
Water extract
3 kg of leaves Soak leaves in water for 3 days. Spray on infested plants Aphids
15 ml of soap Strain. thoroughly.
15 liters of water Add soap. Spray early in the morning
Pail Stir well. or late in the afternoon.

Extracts
using them.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None

None
143 | P a g e
EXTERNAL LINKS
University of Arizona Pima County Cooperative Extension. Schinus molle
http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/aridplants/Schinus_molle.html
Cuyumaca College. Pepper tree.
http://www.cuyamaca.net/oh170/Thumbnail_Pages/Schinus_molle.asp
REFERENCES
144 | P a g e
PONGAM
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common names: Pongam, Pongamia, Puna oil tree
Scientific name: Pongamia pinnata, P. glabra
Family: Leguminiceae
Plant Parts Used

Roots, leaf, flower, seeds, fruit
Mode Of Action
Insecticidal, antifeedant, repellent
FORMULATIONS
Preparation
Pongam Leaf Extract
1 kg of Pongam leaves Soak shredded leaves Dilute extract with 5 Leaf eating
5 ml of soap overnight in water liters of water. caterpillars
Grinder (enough to cover the Add soap.
Pail leaves). Stir well.
Strainer The following day, Spray on infested
Water put filtrate in grinder. plants
Grind. early in the morning or
Strain. late
in the afternoon.
Pongam Seed Extract
50 grams of pongam seed De-pulp seeds. Spray on infested Aphid

powder Pound seeds gently in plants. Armyworm
1 liter of water a way that no oil will Brown
Few drops of soap come out. planthopper
Mortar and pestle Put powder in muslin Citrus leafminer
Muslin cloth cloth and soak overnight Corn stem borer
Pail in water. Green
Strainer Squeeze pouch. leafhopper
Filter. Potato tuber
Add soap. moth
Stir well. Rice caseworm
5 kg pongam seed powder Whitefly
are required for 100 liters
of extract which can
be used for 0.4 ha area.
Pongam Cake Extract
145 | P a g e
100 grams of seed cake Powder pongam cake. Spray on infected Aphid
1 liter of water Put in muslin cloth and plants. Armyworm
Few drops of soap soak overnight in water. Brown
Mortar and pestle The following day, planthopper
Pail squeeze out the extract. Corn stem borer
Muslin cloth Strain. Citrus leafminer
Strainer Add soap. Green
Stir well. leafhopper
Potato tuber
moth
10 kg of pongam cake Rice caseworm
are needed for 100 liters Whitefly
of spray which can be
used for 0.4 ha
Pongam Cake
50-60 kg of pongam cake Pound seeds to have Use powder cake as Bacteria
cake powder soil manure. Fungi
The amount is good for Nematodes
~ 1/2 ha area. Soil pests
Pongam Oil Spray
3 ml pongam seed oil Mix soap and oil before Spray on infected Armyworm
1 liter of water adding soapy water. plants Brown
Few drops of soap Stir vigorously. immediately. planthopper
Shake container from Citrus aphid
time to Citrus leafminer
time to prevent oil from Corn stem borer
floating. Green
leafhopper
Potato tuber
moth
Pulse beetle
Rice caseworm
Scales
Whitefly
Pongam, Neem Oil
Extract
10 ml pongam oil Mix soap to oil. Spray immediately on Aphid

40 ml neem oil Blend well. infested plants. Leafminer
1 liter of water Add water, then soap. Whitefly
A few drops of soap Stir well.
Basin
Pongam, Aloe, Neem
Extract
1 kg of pounded pongam Put together the first Dilute 1 liter of the Cotton pests
146 | P a g e
cake three filtrate
1 kg of pounded neem ingredients in a muslin with 10 liters of water.
cake pouch. Add soap.
250 grams of pounded Soak overnight in a Stir well.
poison nut seeds bucket of Spray on infested
½ liter of Aloe vera leaf water. Squeeze the plants.
juice extract the
2-3 liters cow urine following day.
Muslin pouch Mix-in the Aloe vera
Soap (1 ml/liter of water) juice.
Add 15 liters of water,
then
the cow urine.

Extracts
using them.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
When mixed with other plants, take extra precaution as the extract could be poisonous. Poison
nut trees (Strychnos nux-vomica) are poisonous.

Seed extracts are found to be toxic to fish.
EXTERNAL LINKS
Purdue University. Pongamia pinnata.
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Pongamia_pinnata.html
Image Library. Pongamia pinnata.
http://163.17.36.1/moth/chplant/plant_w/Pongamia%20pinnata%2001.jpg
REFERENCES
Vijayalakshmi, K.; Subhashini, B.; Koul, S. (1999): Plants in Pest Control: Pongam, tulasi and aloe.
147 | P a g e
QUASSIA
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Quassia amara
Family: Simarubaceae
Plant Parts Used

Wood and bark
Mode Of Action
Insecticidal
FORMULATIONS
Preparation
Quassia Spray
4 tbsp of bark 1. Grind the bark chips. Spray on pests infected Aphids
chips Add powder to 2 liters plants. Caterpillars
Water of boiling water. Colorado potato beetles'
Grinder Cool. larvae
Pail Strain. Sawflies
Strainer Several species of flies
2. Soak overnight bark
chips
in 1-2 liters of cold
water.
Strain.

Extracts
using them.
148 | P a g e
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None; in fact, Quassia is used as hops substitute for making beer and has been long used as
medicinal herb.

None; it goes easy with bees and ladybugs.
EXTERNAL LINKS
Quassia africana; Pepper. http://www.fao.org/docrep/x2230e/x2230e12.htm
Raintree Nutrition, Inc. Quassia amara. http://rain-tree.com/Plant-Images/amargo-pic.htm
Raintree Nutrition, Inc. Quassia amara. http://www.rain-tree.com/amargo.htm
REFERENCES
Ellis, B.; Bradley, F. (1996): The organic gardener's handbook of natural insect and disease control.
Rodale Press. Emmaus, Pennsylvania.
149 | P a g e
RED CEDAR
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Toona ciliata
Family: Meliaceae
Plant Parts Used

Leaves
Mode Of Action
Insecticidal
FORMULATION
Leaf Extract For
Seed Treatment
1 kg of fresh leaves Pound leaves. 100 ml of filtrate is Pod borer of

Water Soak overnight in equal good enough to treat a groundnuts
Mortar and pestle amount of water. kilo of seeds. Termites
Basin Plant seeds Wireworms
immediately. White grubs

Extracts
using them.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None
150 | P a g e
None
EXTERNAL LINKS
BRAIN. Toona ciliata. http://www.brisrain.webcentral.com.au/database/Toona_ciliata.htm
HEAR/PIER. Red cedar. http://www.hear.org/pier/species/toona_ciliata.htm
REFERENCES
151 | P a g e
SENSITIVE PLANT SPRAY
GENERAL INFORMATION
Local Name : Makahiya
Scientific name: Mimosa pudica
Family: Fabaceae
Plant Part Used

whole plant
Mode Of Action
Fungicidal
FORMULATION
Sensitive Plant
Spray
10 kg whole plants Wash and clean the Spray early morning on infested Leaf spot
5 liters of water plants. plant parts. Stem and fruit
Knife Chop them into small rot
Pail pieces.
Strainer Pound until the juice
Mortar and pestle comes out.
Add to water.
Let it stay overnight.
Strain.

Extracts
using them.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None.
152 | P a g e
None.
REFERENCES
153 | P a g e
SPANISH NEEDLE
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common name: Farmer's friend, Black Jack, Hairy beggarsticks
Scientific name: Bidens pilosa
Family: Asteraceae
Plant parts used

Seeds, whole plant
Mode of action
Insecticidal
FORMULATIONS
Seed Extract
1 teacup of mature Pour seeds in a cooking Dilute filtrate with 1 Aphids

seeds pot with water. liter of water. Cutworm
Water Bring to boil for 5 minutes. Add a small piece of soap. Termites
Soap Strain. Stir well.
Cooking pot Spray on infested plants.
Pail Pour on termite infested
Strainer soil.
Plant Extract
1 whole plant Pound plant. Spray on infested plants. Aphids

2 liters of water Soak in water overnight. Pour on termite infested Cutworm
Soap Squeeze out the plant sap. soil. Termites
Strain.
Add a small piece of soap.
Stir well.
Standard Procedures For The Preparation And Application Of The Plant Extracts
using them.
154 | P a g e
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None

None
EXTERNAL LINKS
Raintree Nutrition, Inc. Bidens pilosa. http://www.rain-tree.com/Plant-Images/picaopreto-pic.htm
HEAR. Bidens pilosa.
http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/images/thumbnails/html/bidens_pilosa.htm
Weed Science. Hairy beggarsticks (Bidens pilosa).
http://www.weedscience.org/Case/Case.asp?ResistID=381
REFERENCES
155 | P a g e
STEMONA
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Stemona tuberosa
Family: Roxburghiaceae
Plant Parts Used

Tubers
Mode Of Action
Insecticidal
FORMULATION
Materials Methods of preparation How to use Target
pests
Tuber Extract
200 grams of dried Pound roots. Spray on infested plants Caterpillars

roots Soak pounded roots thoroughly. Crickets
1 liter of tap water overnight Spray early in the Flies
or coconut water in water. morning Screw worm
Mortar and pestle Strain. or late in the afternoon. Weevils
Pail
Strainer

Extracts
using them.
156 | P a g e
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None

None
EXTERNAL LINKS
Flora of China. Stemona tuberosa.
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200027430
Dweck, A. Stemona. http://www.dweckdata.com/Published_papers/Stemona_tuberosa.pdf
International Society for Horticultural Science. The effects of Acorus calamus Linn. and Stemona
tuberosa... http://www.actahort.org/members/showpdf?booknrarnr=597_32
REFERENCES
157 | P a g e
SWEET FLAG
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Acorus calamus
Family: Araceae
Plant Parts Used

Rhizome
Mode Of Action
Insecticidal, oviposition inhibiting
FORMULATIONS
Rhizome Extract
(Sridhar; et. al., 2002: p.
23)
Pound rhizome. Spray early the Aphids
Sweet flag rhizome, dried Take 20 grams of rhizome following morning Armyworm
2 liters of water powder and add to water. on infested plant Cotton stainer
8 ml of soap Let it stand for 1 day. parts. Housefly
Mortar and pestle Strain. Large cabbage
Pail Stir in soap. worm
Mosquito
Mustard sawfly
Wolly bear
½ kg of powder is Stored grain
needed for 0.4 ha pests
Rhizome Powder And
Cow's Urine For Seed
Treatment
(Vijayalakshmi; et. al.,
1998: p. 23)
50 grams of powdered In a pot, bring water to boil. Add seeds to this Pests on seeds
rhizome Cool. solution. and seed
2.5 liters of water Mix the cow's urine with Discard seeds that pathogens
1 liter of cow's urine water. float.
Cooking pot Add the rhizome powder. Let it stand for 15
Basin Stir well. minutes.
Seeds are ready
for sowing.
This amount is good for

treating 1 kg of seeds.
158 | P a g e
Extracts
using them.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None

None
EXTERNAL LINKS
Purdue University. Acorus calamus L.
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/nexus/Acorus_calamus_nex.html
USDA. Acorus calamus L.
http://plants.usda.gov/cgi_bin/large_image_rpt.cgi?imageID=acca4_002_ahp.tif
Flora of Northern Ireland. Sweet flag. http://www.habitas.org.uk/flora/species.asp?Item=2348
Stoeber, K. Sweet flag. http://caliban.mpiz-
koeln.mpg.de/~stueber/thome/band1/tafel_042_small.jpg
International Society for Horticultural Science. The effects of Acorus calamus Linn. and Stemona
tuberosa... http://www.actahort.org/members/showpdf?booknrarnr=597_32
REFERENCES
Vijayalakshmi, K.; Subshashini, B.; Koul, S. (1998): Plants in pest control: Custard apple, vitex, sweet
flag, and poison nut. CIKS. Chennai, India.
159 | P a g e
THUNDERGOD VINE
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Tripterygium wilfordii
Family: Celestraceae
Plant parts used

Roots
Mode of action
Insecticidal
FORMULATION
Root Extract
1 kg powdered Dissolve powdered roots Spray on infested plants European corn

roots in thoroughly. borer
200 liters of water water. Spray early in the
Strain. morning
or late in the afternoon.

Extracts
using them.
160 | P a g e
EFFECT ON HUMANS
The leaves and flowers are highly toxic when eaten. The roots have been used medicinally in
China for over 400 years. A root extract of this plant was shown to safely and effectively reduce
pain and inflammation in a small group of people with treatment-resistant rheumatoid arthritis.

None known
EXTERNAL LINKS
Tournay, F. Tripterygium wilfordii. http://www.biologie.uni-
ulm.de/systax/dendrologie/Triptwilffw.htm
REFERENCES
161 | P a g e
TINOSPORA
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common names: Tinospora, Makabuhay, Boraphet
Scientific name: Tinospora rumphii
Family: Menispermaceae
Plant Parts Used

Roots and stem
Mode Of Action
Insecticidal
FORMULATIONS
Makabuhay Water
Extract
(PCARRD, 2000)
200 grams of mature Chop vines into small Soak rice seedlings Diamondback
vines pieces. in the water extract moth
1 liter of water Pound thoroughly. overnight before Rice blackbug
Mortar and pestle Add 1 liter of water. transplanting Rice green
Knife Stir with bamboo or or spray seedlings leafhopper
Pail wooden before transplanting. Rice stemborer
Tap water stick.
10-15 kg chopped
vines are
sufficient to treat rice
seedlings needed to
plant 1 ha
Makabuhay, Madre
De
Cacao, Hot Red
Pepper Extract
(Stoer, P. 1997)
Pound the first 3 For every liter of the Rice pests
1 kg of Makabuhay ingredients. extract,
vines Add 4 liters of water. add enough water to fill
5 kg of Kakawate Soak and strain. up
2 cups of hot red Add the alcohol, coconut a 20-liter calibrated
pepper milk, and soap sprayer.
Soap as sticker. Spray on rice plants at
1 tbsp of alcohol Stir thoroughly. weekly interval.
162 | P a g e
3 glasses of coconut Spray early in the
milk morning or
Knife late in the afternoon.
Pail
Strainer

Extracts
using them.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None known. Makabuhay is very bitter.

None known
EXTERNAL LINKS
Hiroshima's Photo Lab. Makabuhay. http://home.hiroshima-
u.ac.jp/shoyaku/photo/Phil/MAKABUHAY.jpg
REFERENCES
PCARRD. (2000): The state of the art vegetables. Philippines control Arthropod pests of your
Anthuriums the environment-friendly way. PCARRD and Department of Science and Technology.
Press Release No. 70 July 18, Series of 2002.
Stoer, P. (1997): Biological pesticide on rice. Low-external Input Rice Production Technology
Information Kit. IIRR. Cavite, Philippines.
163 | P a g e
TOMATO
GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific name: Lycopersicon esculentum
Family: Solanaceae
Plant Parts Used

Leaves, branches, stems
Mode Of Action
FORMULATIONS
Preparation
Tomato Leaf Spray
(Ellis; Bradley, 1996: p.
485)
Finely chop tomato Spray to cover Aphids
1-2 cups of tomato leaves leaves. infested Corn earworm
2 cups of water Soak overnight in 2 plant parts thoroughly
Basin or pail cups of water. .
Knife Strain and add 2 more
Strainer cups of water.
Tomato Leaf Spray

(Stoll, 2000: p. 174)
1kg of tomato leaves Pound leaves. Start application Diamondback

17 liters of water Mix with water. when larvae start to moth
Few drops of soap Allow to stand for infest plants.
Mortar and pestle some time.
Pail Filter.
Strainer Stir-in soap.
This quantity is good

for 1000 plants.

Extracts
164 | P a g e
them.
one.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None known

Avoid using spray on other nightshade crops (tobacco, pepper, eggplant, potato) because of the
risk of spreading mosaic virus.
EXTERNAL LINKS
pest-spray.pdf
REFERENCES
165 | P a g e
TURMERIC
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common names: Indian saffron, Tumeric, Yellow ginger
Scientific name: Curcuma domestica
Family: Zingiberaceae
Plant parts used

Rhizome
Mode Of Action
Repellent, insecticidal, antifungal
FORMULATION
Preparation
Turmeric
Rhizome Extract
20 grams of Soak shredded rhizome Dilute mixture with 2-3 Aphids

shredded rhizome in the cow's urine. liters of water. Armyworm
200 ml cow's Strain. Add soap. Cotton semi-
urine Stir well. looper
2-3 liters of water Spray on infested plant Green
8-12 ml of soap parts thoroughly, either early in leafhopper
Pail the morning or late in the Mites
afternoon Rice leaf
roller
. Rice stem
borer
Powdery
mildew

Extracts
them.
166 | P a g e
one.
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None

None
EXTERNAL LINKS
Purdue University. Turmeric, Tumeric.
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/Crops/Tumeric.html
REFERENCES
Vijayalakshmi, K.; Subhashini, B.; Koul, S. (1997): Plants in pest control: Turmeric and ginger.
CIKS.
167 | P a g e
VITEX
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common names: Chinese chaste tree, Indian privet tree, Lagundi
Scientific name: Vitex negundo
Family:Verbenaceae
Plant parts used

Leaves
Mode of action
Antifeedant, repellent (Litsinger; Price; Herrera, 1978: pp. 15-16)
FORMULATIONS
Materials Methods of preparation How to use Target pests
Vitex Leaf Extract
(Vijayalakshmi, et.al.,
1998: p. 15)
2 kg of vitex leaves Soak leaves overnight in 5 Add 10 liters of water, Armyworm

15 liters of water liters of water. then the soap to the Diamondback
10 ml of soap The next day, boil the filtrate. moth
Cooking pot mixture for 30 minutes. Stir well. Hairy caterpillar
Strainer Cool then strain. Spray thoroughly on Rice leaf folder
Pail infested plants. Rice stem borer
Semi-looper

Extracts
using them.
168 | P a g e
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None

None
EXTERNAL LINKS
University of Georgia. Vitex. http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=1203106
Hiroshima's Photo Lab. Vitex. http://home.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/shoyaku/photo/Phil/Vitex.jpg
REFERENCES
Litsinger, J.; Price, E.; Herrera, G. (1978): Filipino farmers’ use of plant parts to control rice insect
pests. International Rice Research Newsletter. Vol. 3. No. 5.
Vijayalakshmi, K.; Subshashini, B.; Koul, S. (1998): Plants in pest control: Custard apple, vitex, sweet
flag, and poison nut. CIKS. Chennai, India.
169 | P a g e
WORMSEED
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common names: Epazote, Mexican tea, Skunkweed
Scientific name: Chenopodium ambrosioides
Family: Chenopodiaceae
Plant Parts Used

Leaves
Mode Of Action
Repellent
FORMULATIONS
Leaf Extract
1-6 kg of Grind leaves. Dilute filtrate with 20 liters of General

leaves Soak in sufficient amount of water. pesticide
Water water Spray on infested plants
Grinder for 24 hours. thoroughly.
Pail Strain. Spray early in the morning or
late
in the afternoon.

Extracts
using them.
170 | P a g e
EFFECT ON HUMANS
Seed oil is highly toxic when taken orally.

None
EXTERNAL LINKS
US Deparment of Agriculture. Chenopodium ambrosioides L.
http://plants.usda.gov/cgi_bin/plant_profile.cgi?symbol=CHAM
The Rainforest Plant Database. Epazote. http://www.rain-tree.com/epazote.htm
Purdue University. Wormseed. http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/herbhunters/wormseed.html
REFERENCES
171 | P a g e
YAM BEAN
GENERAL INFORMATION
Common names: Jicama, Mexican Potato, Yam Bean
Scientific name: Pachyrhizus erosus
Family: Leguminosae
Plant Parts Used

Seeds
Mode Of Action
Insecticidal, antifeedant
FORMULATION
Seed Extract
500 grams of Grind seeds. Spray early in the Aphids

seeds Soak in water for 1-2 morning Flea beetles
20 liters of water days. on infested plant parts. Stink bugs
Grinder Strain. Leaf eating
Pail caterpillars

Extracts
them.
one.
172 | P a g e
EFFECT ON HUMANS
None

None
EXTERNAL LINKS
CIDICCO. Cover crops / Green manure species used in Central America.
http://cidicco.hn/newcidiccoenglish/images/jicama2.jpg
Purdue University. Yam bean.
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/nexus/Pachyrhizus_erosus_nex.html
REFERENCES
173 | P a g e
OTHER METHODS OF PEST CONTROL
ANIMAL MANURE
Animal manure has antiseptic and mild anti-fungal properties. Healthy animals and those that
are feed solely with grasses and or fodders are said to be a good source of manure for disease
control.
CHICKEN MANURE AND NEEM CAKE

(Vijayalakshmi, et.al, 1998); pp. 30-31)
1. Mix 40 kg of chicken manure and 25 kg of neem cake
2. Top dress to rice field 25-30 days after transplanting
PEST CONTROLLED
Rice diseases
COWDUNG EXTRACT
(Sridhar, et. al, 2002; p. 39)
1. Add 1 kg of dried cowdung into 10 liters of water.
2. Filter the solution.
3. Add another 5 liters of water to the extract.
4. Filter it again.
5. Put in water can or sprinkler and apply the solution on plants early in the morning.
PEST CONTROLLED
Bacterial diseases
REMINDERS
 Apply extract with animal manures at least 60 days prior to harvest.
 Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly before use.
Standard Procedures For The Preparation And Application Of Homemade

Extracts
5. Always test the extract formulation on a few infected plants first before going into
174 | P a g e
EXTERNAL LINKS
IIRR. Urine-manure slurry as fertilizer. http://www.iirr.org/saem/page159-163.htm
REFERENCES
Vijayalakshmi, K.; Sridhar, S.; Damodharan, E. (1998): Rice: Non-chemical pest control. CIKS
175 | P a g e
ANIMAL URINE
Animal urine has antiseptic and mild anti-fungal properties. Healthy animals and those that are
feed solely with grasses and or fodders are said to be a good source of urine for disease
control.
COW URINE
(Sridhar, et. Al, 2002; p. 39)
1. Mix 50 ml of cow's urine and 500 ml of water.
2. Put in water can or sprinkler and apply solution on plants early in the morning.
PEST CONTROLLED
Plant diseases caused by virus, fungus, and bacterium
REMINDERS
 Apply extract with animal urine at least 60 days prior to harvest.
 Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly before use.

Extracts
EXTERNAL LINKS
REFERENCES
176 | P a g e
COMPOST TEA
Matured compost has plenty of beneficial microorganisms that help control fungal diseases on
plants. Compost ingredients should include animal manure and tree bark if it is intended for
disease control.
METHOD 1
(Ellis; Bradley, 1996; pp. 426-427)
1. Put a gallon (4 liters) of well-matured compost into a 5 gallon (20 liters) container.
2. Add water until the container is full.
3. Stir well.
4. Place in warm place for 3 days to ferment.
5. Strain.
PEST CONTROLLED
Fungal diseases
METHOD 2
(Brooklyn Botanical Garden, 2000; pp. 101)
1. Mix well-matured compost with water at a ratio of 1:6
2. Leave the mixture to ferment for 1 week
3. Filter the solution using a cotton flour sack
4. Add water to the solution until it has a tea-like color or you can also use it undiluted
5. Spray on plants every 14 days
PEST CONTROLLED
1. Powdery mildew
2. Botrytis gray mold
METHOD 3
(Green, 1999)
1. Mix compost with water at a ratio of 1:5 or 1:8 (1 part of compost by volume to 5-8
parts of water by volume).
2. Leave the solution to ferment for 3-7 days.
3. Filter using a cotton flour sack.
4. Place the compost tea in watering can or sprinkler.
5. Spray early morning or late afternoon.
PEST CONTROLLED
1. Late blight is controlled by horse compost tea
2. Botrytis, downy and powdery mildew are controlled by cattle/straw compost extract
3. Fusarium wilt on tomato is controlled by bark compost tea.
How To Apply?
1. Remove first the diseased plant parts and dispose them properly.
2. Place the compost tea in watering can or sprinkler.
3. Spray early morning or late afternoon.
4. Repeat application after 3-4 days.
177 | P a g e
Extracts
EXTERNAL LINKS
Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania. Compost tea as easy as 1 2 3.
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/wm/recycle/Tea/tea1.htm
Doug Green. Compost tea. http://www.simplegiftsfarm.com/Articles/Artcomp3.html
ATTRA. Manures for organic crop production. http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-
pub/PDF/manures.pdf
REFERENCES
NY.
178 | P a g e
MILK SPRAY
Milk diluted in water is used as fungicide by some gardeners because of its active substances
and microorganisms that prevent pathogen-causing-disease to multiply. Sour milk and goat's
milk are found to encourage the growth of stronger protective coatings on crucifers.
HOW TO PREPARE
Mix ½ liter of milk to 4.5 liters of water (Milk and water ratio is 1 part milk to 9 parts water).
Spray at weekly interval as a preventive control measure.
PEST CONTROLLED
1. Red spider mites
2. Mildew
3. Mosaic virus
4. Blights
5. and other fungal diseases
6.
Extracts
EXTERNAL LINKS
ATTRA. Manures for organic crop production. http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-
pub/PDF/manures.pdf
REFERENCES
179 | P a g e
PLANT ASH
Ash is the residue of burned plant parts like; bark, wood, sawdust, leaves, woody debris, pulp,
husk, hulls, fronds, and other plant debris. Ash has been used for soil liming (Risse, 2002) and
for traditional pest control to some crawling pests (HDRA, 2002; Stoll, 2000).
FORMULATIONS
1. Ash - Chili Powder (KARI, 2003)
Sieve ash to remove the big particles. Grind finely dried pepper fruits. Mix 2 kg of
ash with 50 g of powdered pepper. Apply a pinch of pepper powder and ash mixture
to the funnel of the plant when pinholes on the corn leaves are found. This
formulation is good enough for a 0.4 ha area.
Pest controlled: Corn stalk borer
2. Corn Cob Ash (Stoll, 2000: p. 188)
Place ash around the base of a young bean plant. A teacup full of ash is good
enough for 5 plants.
Pest controlled: Ants
3. Rice Hull Ash Or Eucalyptus/Cypress Wood Ash (Katembwe, 2003)
Sprinkle ash around the young plants or surround the whole plot with a shallow
trench (8-10 cm wide) and fill it up with ash.
Pest controlled: Cutworm, snail, slug, and turnip moth.
4. Plant Ash (HDRA, 2002)
Lay a thick layer of ash around the plants. This will prevent flies and moths laying
their eggs near the stems.
Pest controlled: Cutworm and fly maggot
5. Wood Ash – Lime (Stoll, 2000: p. 188)
Add ½ cup of wood ash and ½ cup of lime into 4 liters of water. Leave to stand for
some hours. Strain to have a clear filtrate. Make a test on few infested plants first to
make adjustment of the strength before going into large scale spraying.
Pest controlled: Cucumber beetle and maggots on cucurbits
180 | P a g e
Extracts
EXTERNAL LINKS
KARI. Kill maize stalk borer. http://www.kari.org/InfoBrochures/MaizeStalkBorer.htm
REFERENCES
Katembwe, M. (2003): Natural control of pests and diseases. PRTC. Kumba, Cameroon,
Democratic Republic of Congo.
181 | P a g e
SEED TREATMENTS
GLIRICIDIA BARK EXTRACT
(Stoll; p.125)
HOW TO PREPARE?
1. Chop 1 kg of Gliricidia bark.
2. Add enough water.
3. Soak 13 kg of corn seeds for 12-14 hours.
4. Discard seeds that float.
5. Immediately sow the seeds in a well prepared field.
Pest controlled: Seedborne pathogens on corn
SWEETFLAG RHIZOME EXTRACT

(Sridhar, et. al; p. 40)
HOW TO PREPARE?
1. Pound or grind dried sweetflag rhizome.
2. Take 10 g sweetflag rhizome powder and add 60 ml of water.
3. Mix properly.
4. Strain.
5. Soak the seeds into the filtrate for 30 minutes before sowing.
6. Discard seeds that float.
7. Sow seeds on well prepared soil.
Pests controlled: Seedborne pathogens
SWEETFLAG RHIZOME AND COW'S URINE EXTRACT

(Sridhar, et. al; p. 40)
HOW TO PREPARE?
1. Boil 1 l of water and let it cool.
2. Mix 50 ml of cow's urine, 50 ml of sweetflag powder extract, and 1 l of water.
3. Add the seeds into the filtrate.
4. Soak seeds for 15 minutes before sowing.
Pest controlled: Seedborne pathogens
VINEGAR SOLUTION
1. Mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 4 cups of water
2. Place the seeds on a small cotton bag
3. Dip the bag into the vinegar and water solution
4. Dry dipped seeds on old newspapers and make sure that seeds are completely dry
before storing
182 | P a g e
BLEACH SOLUTION
1. Mix 1 part of bleach to 9 parts of water
2. Place the seeds on a small cotton bag
3. Dip the bag into the bleach solution
4. Dry dipped seeds on old newspapers and make sure that seeds are completely dry
before storing
HOT WATER TREATMENT

Hot water treatment on seeds helps reduce the seedborne pathogens that cause diseases on
plants. However, the specified temperature and time interval should be strictly followed in order
to keep the effectiveness of the seeds to germinate. Use a good thermometer or better ask for
assistance from qualified personnel from your local agriculturist office.
PROCEDURE
1. In a large pot put plenty of water.
2. Heat the water following the required temperature.
3. Place seeds in loose cotton bag and submerge it in water. Follow strictly the
recommended temperature and the time interval required. It is important that the
water is maintained at a uniform temperature throughout the container.
4. Constantly stir the water while soaking the bag.
5. Suspend the bag- do not let it touch the bottom of the pot.
6. Remove the bag and emerge it in cold water to quickly stop the heating.
7. Spread the seeds to cool and dry.
8. Do not store treated seeds. Sow them on well-prepared seedbeds.
HEAT TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Brussels sprout, cabbage, eggplant, tomato, spinach - 122°F/50°C: 25 minutes
(Nesmith,1994)
2. Broccoli, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, cucumber, carrot, collards, kale, kohlrabi,
turnips - 122°F/50°C: 20 minutes (Nesmith,1994)
3. Pepper - 125°F/51.6°C: 30 minutes (Nesmith,1994)
4. Tomato - 125°F/51.6°C: 30 minutes (CABI, 2004)
5. Eggplant - 122°F/50°C: 30 minutes (Ellis; Bradley, 1996 p.423)
6. Carrots - 118°F/47.7°C: 20 minutes (Ellis; Bradley, 1996 p.423)
EXTERNAL LINKS
Kaufman, E. Organic seed treatment notes. http://www.growseed.org/seedtreatments.html
Boucher, T.; Hazzard, R.; Wick, R. Preventing bacterial diseases of vegetables with hot-
water seed treatment. IPM, University of Connecticut.
http://www.hort.uconn.edu/ipm/veg/htms/blsponpeps.htm
University of Connecticut. Preventing diseases of vegetables with hot water seed treatment.
http://www.hort.uconn.edu/ipm/homegrnd/htms/54sedtrt.htm
University of Kentucky. Seed treatment for commercial vegetables in Kentucky.
http://www.ca.uky.edu/agcollege/plantpathology/PPAExten/PPFShtml/ppfsvg9.htm
REFERENCES
183 | P a g e
OTHER SUBSTANCES
ALCOHOL
Rubbing alcohol that contains 75% isopropyl can control several plant pests that are having
waxy covering.
To control mealybugs and scales on a few infested plants, soak a cotton ball or dip a cotton
swab in rubbing alcohol to wipe-off and kill the pests. Alcohol dissolves the wax that is covering
the insect's body and its egg masses. Regularly monitor the plants to control the newly hatched
nymphs and adults that you initially failed to control.
RUBBING ALCOHOL SPRAY

1. Dilute 1 cup of rubbing alcohol with 4 cups of water.
2. Make a test on a few infested plants first. Wait for 3 days for damage symptom to
appear, such as burnt leaves. Make adjustment and do some experimentations on the
alcohol and water ratio. When all goes well, proceed with the spot application- only treat
the infested plants.
PEST CONTROLLED
1. Aphids
2. Flea beetles
3. Mealybugs
4. Scale insects
5. Thrips
6. Whiteflies

Extracts
EXTERNAL LINKS
Pagewise Inc. Homemade pesticide. http://wiwi.essortment.com/homemadeorgani_renu.htm
184 | P a g e
REFERENCES
USA.
185 | P a g e
AMMONIA
Ammonia is a common household cleansing product that can also used in home gardens for the
control of plant pests.
AMMONIA SPRAY
HOW TO PREPARE?
Mix 1 part ammonia with 7 parts water.
HOW TO USE?
1. Spray on few infested plants first. Some plants have leaves that are sensitive to
ammonia solution.
2. Do not apply on hot weather.
3. Do not apply on drought stressed plants.
PESTS CONTROLLED
1. Aphid
2. Flea beetle
3. Scales
4. Thrips
5. Whitefly

Extracts
1. Spray in the early morning or late afternoon.
EXTERNAL LINKS
Home and Garden. Homemade pesticides.
http://www.ivillage.com/home/howtoguide/garden/articles/0,,191453_245420,00.html
REFERENCES
control. Rodale Press. Emmaus, Pennsylvania
186 | P a g e
BAKING SODA
(Sodium bicarbonate)
Baking soda is a white soluble compound that has fungicidal properties when used as spray on
diseased plants. It also serves as protectant (on plants) from disease-causing pathogens.
METHOD 1
 Mix 1 tbsp of baking soda and 1 tbsp of dormant oil or vegetable oil
 Add 4 liters of water
 Stir well
 Add ½ tbsp of dish washing liquid soap
 Stir it again
METHOD 2
 Dissolve 1 tbsp of baking soda in 4 cups of warm water
 Add 1 tsp of liquid soap
 Stir well
METHOD 3
 Mix 1 tbsp of baking soda and 2 1/2 tbsp of vegetable oil
 Add 4 liters of water
 Stir well
HOW TO APPLY?
1. Fill-in water can or sprinkler
2. Stir or shake the container from time to time to prevent soda from separating
3. Repeat application every after 2 weeks.
4. Apply baking soda spray as soon as the symptoms appear. Be sure to include the
undersides of the plants' foliage.
PEST CONTROLLED
1. Powdery mildew
2. Black spot
3. and other fungal diseases

Extracts
187 | P a g e
EXTERNAL LINKS
Pallensmith.com. Baking soda solution.
http://www.pallensmith.com/report_library/archive/347_baking-soda.html
ATTRA. Use of baking soda as fungicide. http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/bakingsoda.html
REFERENCES
NY.
Kuepper, G.; Thomas, R.; Earles, R. (2001): Use of baking soda as fungicide. ATTRA.
http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/bakingsoda.html
188 | P a g e
BLEACH
(Sodium/Calcium hypochlorite)
Bleach is commonly used in household to whiten clothes and a disinfectant. It also serves as a
fungicide in home gardens. In diluted form, bleach is safe for human use. Prevent self from
direct contact while mixing the solution because it is irritating to the eyes and skin. Take note
that bleach is an alkaline, thus it increases the soil pH.
METHOD 1
1. Mix 1 part of bleach to 9 parts of water
2. Deep plant cuttings before planting
PEST CONTROLLED
Gall causing bacteria
OTHER USES
1. Seed disinfectant. Dry dipped seeds on newspapers. Make sure that seeds are
completely dry before storing
2. Seedbed disinfectant
3. Farm tools disinfectant
METHOD 2
1. Mix 2 ½ tbsp of bleach with 4 liters of water (1 gallon)
2. Stir well
PEST CONTROLLED
Damping-off

Extracts
REFERENCES
USA.
189 | P a g e
190 | P a g e
BORIC ACID (BORAX)
Boric acid is a low-toxicity mineral with insecticidal, fungicidal, and herbicidal properties. It does
not evaporate into the air and poses no danger to the human health and the environment. A
dilute water solution of boric acid is commonly used as a mild antiseptic and eyewash. Boric
acid is also used in leather manufacture, electroplating, and cosmetics.
BORAX SOLUTION
(Olkowski; et. al. 1991 : pp.238-239 ; 1995 : pp. 224-225)
MATERIALS NEEDED
 4 tsp of Borax
 1 cup of sugar
 3 cups of water
 3-6 screw-top containers
 Cotton balls
 Adhesive tape
HOW TO PREPARE?
1. Dissolve sugar and borax into the water.
2. Loosely pack half of the container with the cotton balls.
3. Pour bait into the containers.
4. Make 2-3 small holes in the center of the lid (cover), large enough for ants to enter.
5. Cover the container and seal it with an adhesive tape.
HOW TO USE?
1. Look for the ant hill or its nesting place. Place several baits around the mound.
2. Place bait in a strategic area to divert ants' attention to go to your plants.
PESTS CONTROLLED
1. Ants
REMINDERS
 Try to experiment on the strength of your bait. When a great number of ants die near your
bait, the mixture is too strong, and when they keep coming in for more than a week, the mixture
is weak. It is important that the worker ants are able to come back to their colony to share the
bait to their younger brood. In this way, the ant population is decreased.
 Always keep your bait moist.

Extracts
191 | P a g e
EXTERNAL LINKS
National Pesticide Telecommunications Network. Boric acid.
http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/boricgen.pdf
Beyond Pesticides. Boric Acid/ Borates/ Borax.
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/infoservices/pesticidefactsheets/leasttoxic/boricacid_borat
es_borax.htm
TAMU. Homemade boric acid mint-apple jelly bait for indoor ant control.
http://fireant.tamu.edu/materials/factsheets/FAPFS024_2002rev.pdf
REFERENCES
USA.
192 | P a g e
COPPER
There are many copper compounds that are used as fungicides. The most common is Bordeaux
mix which is a combination of copper sulphate and hydrated lime. It is accepted in organic
farming provided that the number of applications is strictly followed and a proper soil
amendment is observed to prevent copper accumulation in the soil.
BORDEAUX MIX SPRAY
MATERIALS NEEDED TO MAKE A GALLON MIXTURE

 3 ½ tbsp of copper sulphate
 10 tbsp of hydrated lime
 1 gallon of water (4 liters of water)
 Wooden stick
 Plastic bucket
HOW TO PREPARE?
1. Add copper sulphate and hydrated lime in water. Make sure to use plastic container
2. Stir well using a wooden sick or ladle
3. Protect self from direct contact with the solution
HOW TO USE?
1. Spray plants thoroughly preferably early in the morning, in a dry and sunny day. In
this way, the plants have the time to dry and the solution can not penetrate into the
leaves' tissues
2. Constantly shake the sprayer while in the process of application to prevent the
solution from clogging
PEST CONTROLLED
1. Flea beetles on tomatoes and potatoes
2. Anthracnose
3. Bacterial blight
4. Bacterial wilt
5. Black spot
6. Downy mildew
7. Late blight on solanaceous crops
8. Powdery mildew
9. Rust
10. and many other disease causing pathogens

Extracts
1. Read and follow the label instructions carefully. Ask for assistance from your local
agriculturist office when using copper for the first time.
2. Monitor plants regularly and spray only when necessary as copper can accumulate
into the soil.
193 | P a g e
EXTERNAL LINKS
The Shawnee New-Star. Bordeaux mix arrests diseases. http://www.news-
star.com/stories/091504/goo_4.shtml
UC Davis. Bordeaux mixture.
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PDF/PESTNOTES/pnbordeauxmixture.pdf
UC Davis. Bordeaux mixture. http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7481.html
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension. Choosing a soil amendment.
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07235.html
REFERENCES
NY.
USA.
Aschach / Donau.
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DIATOMACEOUS EARTH
WHAT IS DIATOMACEOUS EARTH?
Diatomaceous earth (D.E.) is made from the mineral remains of diatom, a single-celled aquatic
plant found in the ocean. A diatom extracts silica from the water to form a shell-liked protection.
As it dies, its microscopic shell is deposited into the ocean's floor. Through centuries, the
diatoms' deposit accumulates up to a thickness of more than a thousand feet. In the process,
the deposit fossilizes and compresses into a soft chalk-liked rock called diatomaceous earth. A
processed D.E. is a fine talc-liked powder. It is non-toxic, inert material that contains minerals
like silicon, magnesium, iron, etc (Dept. of Environmental Protection, Maryland; 2004).
HOW IT KILLS THE PESTS?

The microscopic shells in D.E. are covered with sharp needle-liked projections. Upon contact,
these will penetrate into the pest's body, destroy its waxy covering, and make the vital fluids to
leak out. The actions will cause the pest to die of dehydration.
HOW TO APPLY?
1. Dust on soil to control the crawling pests.
2. Dust on foliage to control the chewing and sucking pests but avoid dusting the
flowers.
3. Apply around the base of each seedling to control root maggots and grubs.
4. Be selective. Apply only to problem areas, as D.E. will also kill the beneficials.
5. Apply early in the morning, when plants are wet from dews to help keep D.E.
adhere to the leaves. Another option is to mix D.E. with soapy water.
PESTS CONTROLLED
1. Ants
2. Aphids
3. Bedbugs
4. Beetles
5. Caterpillars
6. Leafhoppers
7. Grubs
8. House fleas
9. Louse
10. Mites
11. Root maggots/ root flies
12. Thrips
13. Slugs and snails
14. Storage pests
15. Vine borers
16. Internal parasites of livestock
REMINDERS
 Wear a dust mask when applying to avoid inhaling the particles. D.E. irritates the mucous
membranes in the mouth and nose.
 Use a hand duster, powder duster or any suitable means, when applying D.E.
 D.E. is non-selective, it also kills the beneficials. Apply only to areas where pests are found.
 Reapply after a heavy rain.
195 | P a g e
 Avoid using near electric home appliances, for most desiccants can destroy their motors.
 Read the label and follow instruction carefully.
 Ask for assistance from your local agriculturist office when using D.E. for the first time.

Extracts
EXTERNAL LINKS
Department of Environmental Protection, Maryland. Controlling pests naturally:
Diatomaceous earth & dessicants.
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/dep/ipm/diatom.pdf
REFERENCES
USA.
196 | P a g e
FLOUR SPRAY
Flour, like soap, has been used as an old remedy for pest control. It has a sticky substance
called 'dextrin', which is a sugar extracted from the plant starch by the action of heat. When
applied as spray, dextrin adheres to the leaf surface and traps the pests until they die. It is
important not to apply the filtrate during a cloudy day and/or when rain is expected.
METHOD 1
(Stoll, 2000: p. 189)
 Add 2 cups of fine white flour into 5 -10 liters of water.
 Stir well.
 Apply on the infested plants early in the morning, during sunny weather.
PESTS CONTROLLED
1. Aphid
2. Spider mite
METHOD 2
(Ellis; Bradley, 1996 p. 484)
 Add 2 - 4 tbsp of wheat or potato or any baking flour into 4 cups of warm water.
 Stir well.
 Add 1 tsp of soap as sticker.
 Stir the filtrate again prior to application.
PESTS CONTROLLED
1. Aphid
2. Spider mite
3. Thrips
4. Whitefly
METHOD 3
(Stoll, 2000: p. 189)
 Add 4 cups of white flour and 1/2 cup of buttermilk into 25 liters of water.
 Stir vigorously to mix the filtrate.
 Apply immediately on the infested plants, preferably in the morning.
PESTS CONTROLLED
1. Spider mite

Extracts
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EXTERNAL LINKS
pest-spray.pdf
REFERENCES
198 | P a g e
HORTICULTURAL OIL
Horticultural oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons containing traces of nitrogen and sulfur-
linked compounds that is used to control plant pests. It is an acceptable alternative to control
pests in organic farming (Olkowski; et.al., 1995: pp. 54, 84-87, 252). However, horticultural oil
usage is poorly understood since the product labels give little information on the content.
TYPES OF HORTICULTURAL OIL

1. Dormant Oil - used for woody plants during the dormant season. Dormant oil now refers
to the time of application rather than to any characteristic type of oil.
2. Mineral Oil - any oil found in the rock strata of the earth. The white mineral oil is the
tasteless petroleum used for pharmaceuticals or medicinal purposes.
To control powdery mildew, add 3 tbsp of kerosene to 1 gallon of water containing 1/2
tsp of detergent soap. Mix well and stir or shake constantly your extract container while
in the process of application.
3. Narrow-Range Oil - highly refined that has a narrow range of distillation.
4. Petroleum Oil - synonymous to horticultural oil and a more common term of reference.
5. Spray Oil - designed to be mixed with water and applied to plants as a spray for pest
control.
6. Summer Oil/Foliar Oil - used on plants when foliage is present.
7. Supreme Oil - highly refined and distilled oil.
8. Vegetable Oil - derived from the seeds of some oil seed crop.
To control powdery mildew, add 3 tbsp of oil to 1 gallon of water containing 1/2 tsp of
detergent soap. Mix well and stir or shake constantly your extract container while in the
process of application.
9. Botanical Plant Oil - derived from parts of the plant known to have insecticidal
properties.
Botanical Plant/Vegetable Oil

1. Garlic oil spray
2. Chinaberry oil spray
3. Citrus oil
4. Custard apple seed oil extract
5. Garlic oil spray
6. Neem oil spray
7. Pongam oil spray
PESTS CONTROLLED
1. Aphids
2. Corn earworm
3. Fall armyworm
4. Leafminers
199 | P a g e
5. Leafrollers
6. Mealybugs
7. Spider mites
8. Scales
9. Whiteflies
10. Fungal diseases
11. Algae growing on fruit and fruit trees
PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING HORTICULTURAL OIL

(Smith-Fiola, 1997)
1. Do not apply on sensitive plants and avoid drift onto them.
2. Do not apply on drought-stressed plants. Plants that are under-stress may be damaged.
3. Do not apply during freezing weather or when humidity is above 90% for longer than 36
hours.
4. Do not apply when plant foliage is wet or when rain is expected.
5. Do not spray during shoot elongation and when buds are fully-opened.
6. Do not apply in combination with sulfur or sulfur-containing pesticides.
7. Do not use spray tank that previously contained a sulfur-based fungicide.
8. Do not mix oil with fungicide and do not spray oil within 2 weeks after fungicide
treatment.

Extracts
1. Read and follow the label instructions carefully. Ask for assistance from your local
agriculturist office when using horticulture oil for the first time.
using them.
7. Always test the extract formulation on a few infected plants first before going into large
scale spraying. When adding soap as an emulsifier, use a potash-based one.
EXTERNAL LINKS
IPM, University of Connecticut. Horticultural oils.
http://www.hort.uconn.edu/ipm/homegrnd/htms/33hoils.htm
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Horticulture oils as insecticides.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Other/not45.html
http://www.sierraclub.ca/national/programs/health-environment/pesticides/non-commercial-pest-
spray.pdf
200 | P a g e
Department of Entomology, Iowa State University. Using horticultural oil sprays for pest control.
http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1999/2-19-1999/oilsprays.html
REFERENCES
Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (2000): Natural disease control: A common-sense approach to plant first
aid. Handbook # 164. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Inc. 1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY.
Gilberg, L. editor. (1993): Garden pests and diseases. Sunset books. Sunset Publishing Corporation,
California.
Olkowski, W.; Daar, S.; Olkowski, H. (1991): Common sense - pest control. The Taunton Press. USA.
Olkowski, W.; Daar, S.; Olkowski, H. (1995): The gardener’s guide to common-sense pest control.
The Taunton Press. USA.
201 | P a g e
SOAP SPRAY
Soap has been used as an old remedy to control pests. Salts and fatty acids are found in many
soaps which act as selective pesticides.
METHOD 1
Mix 1 tablespoon of dishwashing soap with 4 liters of water (Schalau, 1999).
METHOD 2
Mix 2 teaspoons mild detergent with 4 liters of water (Barrett, 2001).
METHOD 3
Mix 3 tablespoons of soap flakes (not detergent) with 4 liters of water (Evans, 2000).
METHOD 4
Mix 1 tablespoon of dishwashing detergent with 1 cup of cooking oil, to make a stock solution.
For a gallon of spray, add 5 to 8 tablespoons of stock solution to a gallon of water.
METHOD 5
Mix 2 1/2 tablespoons of liquid soap to a gallon of water. Stir well (Brooklyn Botanical Garden,
2000).
HOW TO USE?
1. Add soap to water. Use mild soap or potash-based soap.
2. Start with a lower concentration and make adjustments of the strength after testing
on few infested plants.
3. Always try on few infested plants before going into full scale spraying. Soaps can
cause burnt leaves on sensitive plants, like cole crops and certain ornamentals.
Several applications in short periods can aggravate drying of leaves.
4. Apply on the infested plants thoroughly, including the undersides of the leaves.
Spray early in the morning or late afternoon.
PESTS CONTROLLED
1. Ants
2. Aphid
3. Fruit fly
4. Leafhoppers
5. Mealybug
6. Psyllids
7. Scales
8. Spider mite
9. Thrips
10. Whitefly
11. Black spot
12. Canker
13. Leaf spot
14. Powdery mildew
15. Rust
202 | P a g e
Extracts
EXTERNAL LINKS
Schalau, J. Aphids. http://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/archive/aphids.html
Evans, E. Homemade insect control.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/quickref/pest%20management/homemade_in
sect_control.html
Home and Garden. Homemade pesticides.
http://www.ivillage.com/home/howtoguide/garden/articles/0,,191453_245420,00.html
Colorado State University. Insect control: Soaps and detergents.
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05547.html
Penn State. Insecticidal soaps. http://paipm.cas.psu.edu/pdf/POP/insectsoap.pdf
Barret, B. Least-toxic control methods to manage indoor plant pests.
http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/pests/g07273.htm
pest-spray.pdf
REFERENCES
NY.
203 | P a g e
SULFUR
Sulfur without additives is accepted in organic farming. Sulfur disrupts the metabolic process of
fungi and insect pests. It is found in nature as a yellow powder crystal. It has a low toxicity to
humans. It can be purchased as sulfur dust, wettable sulfur, and colloidal sulfur.
Sulfur dust is mixed with 1%-5% clay or talc to enhance the spread and adhesion (sticking) of
the dust on plants. Wettable sulfur easily breaks-up in water. It is made of finely ground sulfur
particles and a wetting agent. Colloidal sulfur is a wet paste and also soluble in water. These
formulations are available in your local agricultural suppliers.
PEST CONTROLLED
1. Arthropods
2. Mites
3. Powdery mildew
4. Rusts
5. Apple scab
6. Rose black spot
7. and other plant diseases
REMINDER
1. Read the label and follow the instructions carefully or better ask for assistance from your
local agriculturist office when using sulfur for the first time.
2. Avoid using horticulture oils for at least 1 month after using sulfur or vice versa.
3. Shake sprayer or sprinkler while in the process of application to prevent sulfur to settle
down.
4. Use plastic containers as sulfur wears down (corrodes) metals.

Extracts
EXTERNAL LINKS
204 | P a g e
REFERENCES
NY.
USA.
205 | P a g e

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3. MICROBIAL IN PEST CONTROL - - - - 61

5. PLANTS IN PEST CONTROL - - - - - 84

6. OTHER METHODS - - - - - - 174

7. OTHER SUBSTANCES - - - - - - 184

CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

Pupa is brownish black, small and found in the soil.

Some important mantids species

3. Grass spiders are moderately sized, brownish-gray weavers of funnel-shaped

5. Long-jawed spiders (Tetragnatha maxillosa) have long legs and bodies,

CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

Ask for assistance from your local agriculturist office.

PILE OR HEAP COMPOSTING

3. Garden fork or shovel

Step By Step Procedure

3. Top this with a thin layer of garden soil.

3. Long, sharp, pointed stick/s

4. Farm implements such as wheelbarrow, watering can, hoe, machete/bolo

Step By Step Procedure

Tips For Better Composting

Advantages Of Crop Rotation

Useful Tips In Planning Crop Rotation

Table 1. Crop groups

3. Grow legumes before grains or cereals

Advantages Of Green Manuring

GREEN MANURE CROPS

Criteria For The Selection Of Green Manure Crops

TYPES OF INTERCROPPING PRACTICES

6. Utilizes the farm area more efficiently.

TYPES OF SOIL TILLAGE

Advantages Of Trap Cropping

Table 1. Examples Of Trap Cropping Practices

Tips For Successful Trap Cropping

Standard procedures for the preparation and application of homemade

6. Wear protective clothing while applying the extract.

7. Wash your hands after handling the extract.

How To Make An Ant Barrier?

3. Coat the undersides of the pan with sticky materials.

HOW TO MAKE A BAG?

HOW TO BAG A FRUIT?

Source: University of Kentucky

FRUIT FLY PLASTIC BOTTLE TRAP

FRUIT FLY BAITS

How to make a light trap?

1. Improve soil condition

Amount to apply (thickness)

 When mulching to control weeds, apply mulch immediately after soil

Reminders While Using Pheromone Traps

1. Makes the plant less dense

Pruning For Pest Control

2. Prune leaves with egg masses.

4. Prune webbed leaves.

Source: Marlin Rice

Potatoes/Carrots Soil Bait (Ellis; Bradley, 1996: P. 435)

Source: The University of Wisconsin

7. YELLOW PAN TRAPS

Pests Monitored And Controlled

BLUE STICKY TRAPS

WHITE STICKY TRAPS

Plant parts used

This formulation is good

Standard Procedures For The Preparation And Application Of The Plant

Pests Prenvention & Control

Pests Prenvention & Control