INSECT PEST RISK ANAYLISIS OF CUT FLOWERS IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

The study was conducted in the 20 upazilla of 10 selected major flower growing districts of Bangladesh during the period from December 2016 to February 2017 to find out the present status and diversity of insect pests of cutflowers, their risks and management options. The data were collected through interview of 500 cutflower farmers considering 25 cutflower farmers from each upazilla and 60 field level officers of DAE including one UAO, one AEO and one SAAO from each upazilla. The data were analyzed using computer program SPSS 20.0 version. The major sources of flowers seeds were the self produced seeds, seed retailer and local nursery. Most of the flowers farmers (90.20%) faced problems with diseases infection of the produced flowers. Other majors problems faced during flowers cultivation were insect pest, lack of propagating materials and weed attack. The rose and marigold were the most susceptible flowers types to insect pest and diseases. Most of the flowers (94.82%) was infested in field by aphid. Among these insect pests, aphid and red mite were identified as major pests in field and caused damage with high infestation intensity, respectively. Other was identified as minor insect pests of flowers caused damaged with low infestation intensity. Leaves and flowers are the most vulnerable parts of flower plants which were infested by aphid, whitefly, red mite and thrips. To control insect pests in flower fields, 99.80% farmers used to apply insecticides. Additionally, other control options like application of irrigation, hand picking and IPM in the fields were observed specially for controlling insect and mite pests. So for, 95% flower farmers got assistance and advices from pesticides dealers while controlling these pests. Moreover, DAE, NGO’s and neighboring experienced and skill farmers were also helped in flower production.