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Title: DEVELOPING IPM PACKAGES IN THE CARIBBEAN

Author
item LAWRENCE, J - OHIO STATE UNIV
item TOLIN, S - VIRGINIA TECH UNIV
item EDWARDS, C - OHIO STATE UNIV
item FLEISHER, S - PENN STATE UNIV
item Jackson, D
item CLARKE-HARRIS, D - CARDI JAMAICA
item MCDONALD, S - CARDI JAMAICA
item DALIP, K - CARDI JAMAICA
item CHUNG, P - RADA JAMAICA

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/2/2005
Publication Date: 7/6/2005
Citation: Lawrence, J., Tolin, S., Edwards, C., Fleisher, S., Jackson, D.M., Clarke-Harris, D., Mcdonald, S., Dalip, K., Chung, P. 2005. Developing ipm packages in the Caribbean. Chapter 6, pages 95-119 In G,.W. Norton, E. A. Heinrichs, G.C. Luther, and M.E. Irwin (eds.), Globalizing Integrated Pest Management: A Participatory Research Process. Blackwell Publ., Ames, Iowa, 338 pages.

Interpretive Summary: Not required.

Technical Abstract: This book chapter highlights progress in developing integrated pest management (IPM) packages for vegetables in Jamaica and the eastern Caribbean as part of the IPM CRSP (IPM Cooperative Research Support Program). Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.), hot pepper (Capsicum chinensis Jacq.), and vegetable amaranth (callalo) (Amaranthus viridis L.) were selected based on export importance, levels of pesticide residues, and potential for IPM development. Historically, these crops have been grown predominantly on small farms for household consumption and local markets, but recently their importance as export crops has grown. Development, evaluation, and implementation of these IPM programs involved baseline surveys, technology development, technology transfer, regionalization, and impact assessment phases. Socioeconomic and gender issues were also considered. The sweetpotato IPM program in Jamaica resulted in a 2-3-fold reduction in pest damage. Sweetpotato IPM emphasized cultural controls such as good land preparation, irrigation, drainage, crop rotation, field sanitation, and selection of clean cuttings. The callalo IPM program resulted in a 33-60% reduction in pesticide use in Jamaica. Hot pepper varieties tolerant to viruses and nematodes were developed. IPM implementation utilized efficient distribution of information using books, information bulletins, fact sheets, and internet services. Demonstration plots and farmer participatory workshops were also useful.