Usage of biopesticides in agriculture practices

Abstract

Using pesticides is the first method to control diseases and kill pests and weeds, which are the most menacing and the biggest problem facing agriculture. It is commonly used by developing since it is the solution to increase yields and solve agriculture problems. A part from big farmers, the majority of peasant farmers are unable to pay for synthetic pesticides because of their high price. Moreover, the small fields cultivated by subsistence farmers making the use of such pesticides uneconomic. In morocco, peasant farmers use even pesticides, which are over dose or they use non-certified products. It is understood that it is very harmful for human health and environment as well. Therefore, pesticide plants do not eliminate all pests, but keep their populations under the threshold of harm, and have more advantages than synthetic pesticides. Moreover, pesticide plant extracts decompose rapidly in the environment; which limits the risk of environmental pollution and improves the sanitary quality of cultivated products; also, it controls insect pests by protecting their natural enemies rather than by spraying crops with synthetic pesticides. The aim of this study is to record all products used by farmers to control Bruchus rufimanus especially the use of bio pesticides around Meknes city (Mejjat and Sebet jahjouhe area). It was established that most of big peasant farmers use synthetic pesticides. While small farmers have only access to traditional methods such as Capsicum frutescent, Urtica dioica, salt and ash wood, if not using non-certified products among which rodenticides.