Knowledge assessment and needs for chemical-safe technology in chili production of chili growers in Muangsamsib district, Ubonratchathani province

Abstract

The purposes of this research were to assess the knowledge and identify the needs for knowledge on chemical-free technology in chili production of farmers in Muang Sam Sip District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. The data were collected from 108 chili growers from five farmer groups who had participated in the chemical-free chili production project during the 2011/2012 cultivating season. The results revealed that the total average knowledge and importance level of chemical-free technology in chili production were low and high, respectively. The farmers with more than 20 years’ chili growing experience had higher chemical-free technology knowledge than those with shorter experience in the topics: bio-organic liquid extract production from animals and its application; crop rotation and integrated plant growing; natural enemy utilization (P<0.05); and using bacteria, virus, and nematode for pest protection and elimination (P<0.01). Borich’s assessment model revealed that the three topics that the chili growers needed knowledge of the most were Trichoderma production and its application; natural enemy utilization; and using bacteria, virus and nematode for pest protection and elimination; respectively.