Integrated Pest Management KU 2023 | เกษตรศาสตร์เพื่อการพัฒนาที่ยั่งยืน

Integrated Pest Management with Natural Enemies

Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus

Details

This project tackled the overuse of agricultural chemicals in peri-campus farms. The Faculty of Agriculture partnered with farmers to pilot integrated pest management using natural enemies such as parasitoid wasps and lady beetles, alongside planting insect-repellent herbs as buffer strips. Data were collected to build a pest density and outbreak risk database, enabling early warnings and context-fit decisions while reducing chemical reliance.

A 30-acre demonstration area was established, and workshops trained farmers and students in rearing natural enemies, monitoring plant symptoms, and assessing infestation thresholds before applying pesticides. Students conducted research linking insect biodiversity to crop quality and farm incomes.

First-year results showed chemical pesticide use decreased by 38% on average, yields were maintained, and crop quality improved in some sites. Over 120 households adopted and scaled the methods. The project aligns with SDG 2 and SDG 15, and fulfills 2023 indicators 34 and 96.