 |
| The biggest advantage of using pheromone traps is that they are non-toxic to humans and protect natural predators. |
According to the agricultural sector, the biggest advantage of using pheromone traps is that they are non-toxic to humans, protect beneficial natural enemies and the ecological environment, yet still effectively control pest populations in the fields, helping to reduce the number of times pesticides are used per season while still ensuring effective pest control.
With the goal of replacing toxic chemical compounds by developing and applying pheromone technology in rice fields, the Phero Rice Green Field project was implemented in Vinh Long during the Summer-Autumn 2024 crop season.
According to the agricultural industry, pheromones are chemical compounds with biological activity similar to insect hormones, used to attract adult insects into traps for killing. Pheromones are the name given to a mixture of sex hormones. This mixture produces the characteristic female scent of some insect species.
Male insects are then lured and trapped in the traps using an adhesive mixture similar to that used in color traps. The Phero Rice Green Fields project, implemented in the fields, relies on distracting and disabling the mating ability of harmful insects using pheromones. This allows farmers to control the insect population and reduce the damage they cause to their crops.
Ms. Manon Avignon, Technical Director of M2i Life Sciences, France, stated: “For the project in Vietnam, we focused on three main pheromones: two species of rice stem borers and one species of rice leaf roller. We expect an 85% reduction in damage compared to other pheromones in other countries. For rice stem borers and rice leaf rollers, we expect similar results.”
In Vinh Long province, during this year's Summer-Autumn crop season, the Phero Rice Green Field Project is being implemented in Vung Liem and Tam Binh districts, covering a total area of approximately 10 hectares across 10 demonstration sites. At each demonstration site, the project will train farmers and issue certificates on integrated pest management using pheromone technology, supporting farmers in reducing losses caused by stem borers and leaf-rolling caterpillars through the use of pheromones, thereby increasing farmers' income.
Participating in the project, Mr. Duong Thanh Thoi (Hamlet 11, My Loc Commune, Tam Binh District) said: “I was introduced to pheromones, their principles of action and uses in pest management, and instructed on how to hang pheromone traps in the fields. I see the biggest benefit of pheromone traps as protecting natural predators, protecting the environment, and importantly, ensuring product safety. I also experimented on my fields to reduce pests and diseases, thereby saving costs.”
Mr. Tran Van Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Farmers' Association of My Loc commune (Tam Binh district), said: "The biggest benefit of pheromone traps is protecting beneficial insects, protecting the environment, and ensuring the health safety of farmers. Six households in the commune participated in the demonstration model of pest control using pheromones, with each household covering 1 hectare. Farmers showed great interest and enthusiasm in implementing the model. The effectiveness of the model will be evaluated after the summer-autumn harvest, assessing the reduction in damage caused by stem borers and leaf rollers."
Mr. Nguyen Van Liem, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated: "The implementation of the project is an effective solution in production towards safe, circular, and green agriculture. Especially in the 'Restructuring the agricultural sector of Vinh Long province towards increasing added value and sustainable development by 2025 and vision to 2030' project, by 2025, the province will have 1.5% of its area under organic production, and by 2030, this will reach 3%. The successful completion of the project will contribute to increased productivity, efficiency, environmental protection, and health protection, resulting in cleaner and safer products and increased production value for farmers."
According to the agricultural sector, in the past, farmers mainly used chemical pesticides to control pests in the fields (including stem borers and leaf rollers). While effective, this method also poses a risk of pesticide resistance in insects, affecting farmers' health and the field environment. Using pheromones to manage pests in the fields is a safer solution for farmers and the environment, while also supporting farmers in producing safe and organic rice, thereby increasing their profits.
Mr. Aru David, Director of ASSIST Mekong Region, said: “The project will continue to be implemented in Dong Thap and Long An provinces. Our expectation after this project is that we will train farmers and select about 30 core farmers to guide other farmers. Specifically, farmers will be trained and certified in integrated pest management using pheromone technology through field training (FFS); reducing pest damage by 85% through the use of pheromone technology and increasing farmers' income by 10%… We also hope that farmers will increase their income by raising selling prices, reducing costs in using chemical pesticides, and moving towards a more sustainable agricultural development.” |
Text and photos: NGUYEN KHANG
Source
Comment (0)