Knowledge and Extension needs in Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero Control of Farmers in Ban Bueng District, Chonburi Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study 1) social and economic conditions 2) cassava production conditions 3) knowledge of Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero control 4) extension needs of Phenacoccus manihoti  Matile-Ferrero  control and 5) problems about extension of Phenacoccus manihoti  Matile-Ferrero control of farmers. The sample was 164 cassava farmers in Ban Bueng district, Chonburi province who registered with the Department of Agricultural Extension in the production year of 2020/21. Structured interviews were used for data collection. Statistics used were frequency, percentage, mean, minimum, maximum, standard deviation and ranking. The results indicated that 1) most of the farmers were male, average age of 50.67 years old and graduated from primary school. The average cassava production experience was 22.2 years. Average number of cassava production areas was 24.54 rai. The average income from cassava production per rai was 8,205.37 baht. The average productivity was 3,500.49 kilogram per rai, 2) about 47.0% of farmers prefer to grow cassava during May - August, 73.2% of farmers use their own cassava stem cuttings between 10 -12 months of age. And almost all farmers, 84.8%, did not soak the cassava stem cuttings before planting, 3) farmers' knowledge of Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero control was classified at the high level, 4) The extension needs of Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero control in supporting and knowledge were at high level, 5) The problems in extension of Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero control in extension and support on control pest were at the moderate level. There were suggestions that on extension officer should provide field of support good cassava production for farmers to have a source of study and exchange of knowledge about technology regarding the use of biological agents to pest control, and alternative to reduce the cost of using chemicals for farmers and to conserve natural enemies