Objectives: Pesticides are systematically applied in vegetable crops at Nkolo (in Kongo Central province in the western DR Congo) in order to provide crop protection and improve the yield. This study aimed at assessing the knowledges and practices of gardeners in relation to of pesticides use. Methodology and Results : Forty-six gardeners were interviewed. The questionnaire focused on the pesticides types, solution procedures, application rate and frequency, gardener protective equipment, and the pre-harvest intervals. Socio-professional traits of gardeners were also recorded. Majority of gardeners was male (93% vs 7% of women). Pesticides, especially fungicides and insecticides are systematically applied, based on preventive application and generally in 7 (dry season) and 14 (rain season) days of intervals. Depending on the gardener, 1 to 9 pesticides are used per crop cycle. All the pesticides are generally mixed and applied together on the crops using a manual sprayer. Application rate and pre-harvest intervals varied with gardeners. Most of them do not have been trained on pesticide use (83%), do not use protective equipment (72%) and abandon pesticide containers in the field (46%). Conclusion and application of results : Gardeners in Nkolo and surroundings have poor knowledges on pesticides use and do not use it properly. Systematically application of pesticides without proper protective equipment result in regular contact of gardener with pesticides and exposes them to pesticide poisoning. Furthermore, improper pesticides use should increase the risk of pest resistance in the long term use. In order to mitigate the risk of poisoning for gardeners and consumers, and environmental pollution in Nkolo and surroundings, there is an urgent need to promote proper use of pesticides.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.