Documentation of pest management practices among banana growers in major banana growing districts of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

A survey was conducted during the year 2014-2015 in major banana growing district of\rTamil Nadu to study the pest management practices against major pests of banana.\rThe studies revealed low responses on knowledge about eco-friendly pest management\rpractices except following the clean cultivation practices (61.25 %) and use of plant\rproducts (54.17 %). Awareness about the recommended pesticides for banana was low\r(17.50 % respondents) and many of the banana growers (42.5 %) use monocrotophos\ragainst banana pests. Around 46.25 per cent of farmers get their plant protection\radvice from pesticide dealers. Interventions for eco–friendly pest management with\rthe rational and sustainable use of pesticides in banana is necessary among the banana\rgrowers.