Effective pest and disease diagnosis in crops is critical in ensuring proper management and achieving high yields. However, problems with pests and diseases are most often wrongly identified, hence providing an incorrect treatment and control program.
Realizing the importance that Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) as field extensionists should be competent and step up to specialize in this area, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center I (ATI-RTC I) conducted a Training of Trainers on Pest and Disease Diagnosis and Management on April 24-28, 2023 at ATI-RTC I, Tebag East, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan.
Twenty-six (26) AEWs from different municipalities in Region I completed the training and were equipped with knowledge, skills, and attitude to properly diagnose and provide the right treatment and management of pests and diseases of vegetables. Specifically, the participants were trained to identify common pests and diseases in fruits and vegetables, their causes, symptoms, and management options.
Alongside with lecture-discussion, a field practicum on identifying different pests and diseases was conducted at the vegetable farm of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) - Pangasinan. The use of monitoring tools, such as trap counts and crop scouting, was demonstrated to assess the effectiveness of pest and disease management programs. Moreover, a practical exam was administered to the participants to assess the extent of their learning.
Subject matter specialists from the National Crop Protection Center of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) were invited as resource persons to the training. The training program was highly effective in equipping trainers with the knowledge and skills necessary to train farmers on pest and disease diagnosis and management. The program emphasized the importance of using a holistic and integrated approach to pest and disease management, which is essential for ensuring healthy crops and sustainable agriculture. The five-day training was accredited by the Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC) for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) with 6 points.
