Qualification Level: TESDA NC I – Sustainable Plantation Management
Crop Focus: Aquilaria spp. (Agarwood)
Objective: Minimize pest and pathogen damage using environmentally safe, low-impact methods
I. PRINCIPLES OF LOW-IMPACT CONTROL
- Preventive is better than reactive – Healthy trees are less susceptible to pests and diseases.
- Enhance natural enemies – Encourage predators and beneficial microorganisms.
- Avoid soil and water contamination – Minimize chemical residues to protect soil biology.
- Integrate with overall farm management – Include biofertilizers, irrigation, pruning, and mulching.
- Monitor regularly – Early detection reduces intervention intensity.
II. CULTURAL AND AGRONOMIC STRATEGIES
| Strategy | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Proper spacing and pruning | Maintain airflow and sunlight penetration | Reduces fungal diseases and pest infestation |
| Sanitation | Remove dead leaves, infested branches, and debris | Reduces pest breeding sites |
| Mulching | Use organic mulch around trees | Conserves moisture, improves soil biology, suppresses weeds |
| Water management | Avoid waterlogging, maintain moderate moisture | Reduces root rot, Fusarium, and Phytophthora infections |
| Crop rotation / intercropping | Plant compatible crops or nitrogen-fixing cover crops | Breaks pest cycles, improves soil fertility |
| Healthy seedlings | Use disease-free and strong nursery plants | Reduces early pest/pathogen establishment |
III. BIOLOGICAL CONTROL STRATEGIES
| Threat | Biological Control | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stem borers / wood borers | Parasitic wasps, birds | Monitor adult emergence; provide perches |
| Aphids, scales, mealybugs | Ladybugs, lacewings, predatory mites | Introduce in nursery or early field stage |
| Fungal pathogens | Beneficial microbes (Trichoderma, Bacillus spp.) | Use products like VitaSoil, EcoZyme to suppress pathogens |
| Termites | Beneficial nematodes | Apply to soil in infested areas; enhance soil organic matter |
IV. MECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL CONTROL
- Handpicking and pruning – Effective for small infestations of caterpillars or scales.
- Sticky traps / pheromone traps – Monitor and reduce adult insect populations.
- Barrier methods – Apply protective wraps around stems for young trees.
- Solarization of soil or compost – Heat treatment to reduce pathogen load before planting.
V. ORGANIC INPUTS AND ENHANCERS
- Biofertilizers: Biogrow, Mycoboost, VitaSoil, EcoZyme, BioKelp – improve tree vigor, microbial competition against pathogens
- Neem oil / botanical extracts: Foliar application against aphids, caterpillars, and powdery mildew
- Compost teas: Enhance beneficial microbial populations and suppress soil pathogens
Key Principle: Healthy soil and strong trees are the first line of defense, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
VI. MONITORING AND DECISION-MAKING
- Regular scouting – Check seedlings and trees weekly for signs of pests or disease.
- Record observations – Track pest incidence and severity to guide interventions.
- Threshold-based action – Intervene only when pest or disease levels exceed tolerable thresholds.
- Adjust management practices – Combine cultural, biological, and organic methods before resorting to chemical options.
VII. TESDA NC I PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Learner must demonstrate ability to:
- Identify low-impact pest and pathogen control strategies
- Apply cultural, biological, and organic methods safely
- Monitor pests and diseases and take timely action
- Integrate soil and plant management practices to reduce pest incidence
VIII. FARMER-FRIENDLY CHECKLIST
☐ Inspect plants weekly for pests and disease
☐ Maintain proper spacing, pruning, and sanitation
☐ Apply biofertilizers and organic amendments
☐ Introduce beneficial insects or nematodes as needed
☐ Use mechanical or physical methods for localized infestations
☐ Minimize chemical pesticide use; reserve only for severe outbreaks
These strategies ensure Agarwood plantations remain healthy, soil biology is preserved, and resin quality is optimized, while supporting sustainable and low-impact farming practices.