Abstract

                                An extensive survey on pests and pesticides usage pattern on exotic vegetables was conducted among the farmers in Kotagiri block, Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu during 2017. A list of pests on exotic vegetables were reported, of which tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura Fab.), cutworm (Spodoptera exigua Hubner), aphids (Myzus persicae Sulzer) and leaf miner (Liriomyza trifoli Burgess) were major pests in lettuce, where as diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.) was a major pest in broccoli and red cabbage. Insecticides like flubendiamide (39.35% SC), spinosad (2.5% SC), chlorantraniliprole (18.5% SC), imidacloprid (70% WG) and acephate (75% SP) were widely used for management of pests of exotic vegetables. Pest management information was obtained from private company as farmers were involved in contract farming. The level of knowledge among the farmers on pesticide residues and practice of measuring, handling pesticides, disposal of pesticide containers and usage of biopesticides and traps was also assessed. The survey led to inference a strict vigil on pesticide usage pattern against crop pests and is highly essential to ensure food safety and safeguard human and environmental health. Study on residue status of flubendiamide in exotic vegetable samples collected from the market and farmgate revealed residues below detectable limit.

Key words : Exotic vegetables, Pests, Pesticides usage pattern, Knowledge and Practice