Economic thresholds for insecticide application to rice: profitability and risk analysis to Filipino farmers

Smith J., . and Litsinger J.A., . and Bandong J.P., . and Lumaban M.D., . and Dela Cruz C.G., . Economic thresholds for insecticide application to rice: profitability and risk analysis to Filipino farmers. pp. 67-87. ISSN 0127-6883

These insecticide application decision strategies to control rice insects - untreated prophylactic and economic thresholds (ET) - were compared from farmers field trials in Neuva Ecija Philippines from six 1978-84 wet season crops on the basis of profit and risk. Economic injury levels were calculated for rice whorl maggot Hydrelliaphilippina Ferino and rice leaffolder Cnaphalocronis medinalis (Guenee) from pest damage and control functions derived from Nueva Ecija. The values are continually being revised with greater experience. The ET treatment had higher marginal net benefits than the prophylactic and untreated if the typhoon destroyed crop was excluded from analysis otherwise the untreated produced the highest marginal net benefits. In years with low insect pressure or typhoons the untreated will be the most profitable option but in years with high pressure the ET or prophylactic insecticide scheduling would be favoured. Given the high cost of insecticides and low rice price the risk averse farmer would not apply insecticides unless an outbreak were imminent. The prophylactic treatment was most risky. Newer ET values should improve on the 74 correct insecticide application decisions made with preliminary ETs. The ETs are relatively insensitive to labour costs and can be up dated each crop.

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Abstract

These insecticide application decision strategies to control rice insects - untreated prophylactic and economic thresholds (ET) - were compared from farmers field trials in Neuva Ecija Philippines from six 1978-84 wet season crops on the basis of profit and risk. Economic injury levels were calculated for rice whorl maggot Hydrelliaphilippina Ferino and rice leaffolder Cnaphalocronis medinalis (Guenee) from pest damage and control functions derived from Nueva Ecija. The values are continually being revised with greater experience. The ET treatment had higher marginal net benefits than the prophylactic and untreated if the typhoon destroyed crop was excluded from analysis otherwise the untreated produced the highest marginal net benefits. In years with low insect pressure or typhoons the untreated will be the most profitable option but in years with high pressure the ET or prophylactic insecticide scheduling would be favoured. Given the high cost of insecticides and low rice price the risk averse farmer would not apply insecticides unless an outbreak were imminent. The prophylactic treatment was most risky. Newer ET values should improve on the 74 correct insecticide application decisions made with preliminary ETs. The ETs are relatively insensitive to labour costs and can be up dated each crop.

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Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	1 ill.; 10 tables; 18 ref. Summary (En Malay)
AGROVOC Term:	ORYZA SATIVA
AGROVOC Term:	INSECTICIDAS
AGROVOC Term:	HYDRELLIA
AGROVOC Term:	FILIPINAS/ CNAPHALOCROCIS
AGROVOC Term:	UMBRAL ECONOMICO
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:55
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/19869

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