Knowledge and Practices in Pesticide Use of Onion Growers, Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

The purposes of this research were 1) to study anti-pesticide chemicals used by the onion growers in Mae Wang district, Chiang Mai province. 2) to study knowledge and practices on using anti-pesticide chemicals. 3) to study problems and recommendations on the use of anti-pesticide chemicals by onion growers in Mae Wang district, Chiang Mai province. The questionnaires were used as an instrument for interviewing the onion growers in Mae Wang district, Chiang Mai province. The sample size was 100 growers. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The research found that most onion growers used onion seed trade name Superex. Most common plant disease was an anthracnose and common insect pest was beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua Hubner). Most onion growers apply correct pesticides regarding the recommendation on pest species however, there were some growers applied pesticides higher than the label rates. This study revealed that the onion growers had knowledge of anti-pesticide chemicals used in high level. The study of onion growers' practicing found that growers had a high level of accuracy in the use of anti-pesticide chemicals. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that factors that had statistically significant related to the level of correct used of anti-pesticide chemicals by the onion growers were the experience of training and getting information about anti-pesticide chemicals utilization. In part of problems and suggestions of pesticides using by onion growers, it was founded that the pesticide was expensive, also there were weather issues including natural disasters such as strong winds, heavy rains that affect the efficiency of chemical pesticides. The onion growers had provided suggestions on the use of pesticides that the relevant organization should support and promote more knowledge about chemicals using to onion growers.