Bringing science to farmers: experiences in integrated diamondback moth management

There are five discernible phases in the evolution of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme for the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) in Malaysia, namely: 1) Initial phase; 2) Intensification phase; 3) Crisis phase; 4) Disaster phase; and 5) IPM phase. This outline enables an understanding of the genesis of a farmer first approach to IPM. All five phases will be discussed and weaknesses of dominant approaches at each stage will be highlighted. As the evolution of a season long programme emerges, the similarity in development of IPM in other crops in the wet tropics will be discussed. Of particular interest to many national programmes are the similarities and differences between the two current approaches to implementing integrated diamondback moth management – one based on top down classroom lectures and messages and the other based on helping farmers understand ecology and getting farmers to make better pest management decisions. In support of a scientific approach, suggestions on bringing concepts of plant compensation (crop physiology), parasitism and predation to farmers are discussed. Concepts that are familiar to farmers, such as life cycle and microbial control are revisited. Experiences in Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam have shown that a season long training of trainers is an important prerequisite to work with farmers. Farmers who learn about biological control of the diamondback moth are less likely to spray insecticides on cabbages in order to conserve the effective parasitoid Diadegma semiclausum.