Application of green fungus to prevent brown planthopper

Nowadays, the use of chemical pesticides to prevent and control pests is very common. In addition to protecting crops, the abuse of pesticides causes the environment to become increasingly polluted, greatly affecting human health, and also creating conditions for pests to become resistant to pesticides.

In recent times, there have been many studies on the application of biological products, specifically green fungus (Metarhizium anisopliae) to prevent brown planthoppers from harming rice with high efficiency. This is a solution to limit environmental pollution, preserve natural enemies that are few in the field, contributing to creating clean rice products.

From the above benefits, Long An agricultural sector researched and implemented the topic: "Transfer of technology for producing green mushroom (Metarlizium anisopliae) and applying green mushroom products to manage brown planthoppers in rice in Long An province" from March 2012 to August 2013. This topic was implemented on 70 hectares in 7 districts in the province: Tan Hung, Vinh Hung, Duc Hoa, Duc Hue, Tan Tru, Chau Thanh, Thu Thua.

After a period of applying green fungus to prevent brown planthoppers from harming rice in Vinh Hung district, on July 17, 2013, Long An Agricultural Extension Center organized a workshop on using green fungus to control brown planthoppers harming rice at Mr. Ly Van Chau's house, Choi Moi hamlet, Tuyen Binh commune, Vinh Hung district.

At first, the households participating in the project were hesitant because this was the first time using green mushrooms and they were used to using chemicals. Besides, when spraying chemicals, the aphids usually die immediately, but when using green mushrooms, they have to wait a while to see the effect.

However, the actual results when using green fungus show that the fungus grows well, parasitizes and causes damage to brown planthoppers with high efficiency. After the end of the rice crop, according to initial estimates, using green fungus to prevent brown planthoppers has saved spraying costs from 380,000 - 1,050,000 VND/ha compared to using chemicals in this 2013 summer-autumn crop.

According to the recommendation of Long An Agricultural Extension Center, to achieve high efficiency when using green fungus to prevent brown planthoppers, farmers need to note: Before spraying, green fungus must be mixed with adhesive, sprayed in the cool afternoon or early morning, do not mix with other fungicides and the isolation period with fungicides is 5 - 7 days.

This result has helped farmers eliminate their fear of the effectiveness of green fungus in controlling brown planthoppers and, more importantly, reduce costs, limit environmental pollution, and create safe rice products.

According to (NNVN) - LC