264 Facilitator’s Handbook for Permaculture Workshops
Field activity : Observation and hand control
Method : Garden/farm field visit and exercise
Tools : See preparation below
References : PC Book MOD 9 – Integrated Pest Management
Objective : Participants identify pests and diseases and determine control methods
Preparation
- Identify large garden or farm where the participants can walk around and
identify pest or disease problem. - Arrange transport and snacks if necessary.
- Old rags.
- Pens, paper, and clipboards for the participants.
Running this exercise
Step 1 - Take the participants to the site and ask them to walk around the garden and
identify any pest or disease problems.
Step 2 - Ask the participants to create a list by answering the following questions:
- What is the type of pest or disease? They can describe the pest or disease if the
name isn’t known. - What plants are being attacked/damaged?
- How many pests are there?
- How many plants are damaged?
- Are there any pest predators?
- Does the damage/pest population require a spray or other control method?
- If so, what is a good method that could be used?
Step 3 - Have the participants use the old rags and practice hand pest control on any
pest populations that can be controlled with this method.
Step 4 - Once you are back in the class space, use the results of the pests and diseases
identified on the field visit to create a list with the participants so that everyone can
contribute ideas and comment on what they have learned.
Place the list in the training space so that it can be referenced during the rest
of the workshop.
See PC Book MOD 9 – Integrated Pest Management for more information about
these techniques.
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