Worms, bugs and other rice pests are an enigma to many farmers as these are threats to rice production.
To most farmers, commercial insecticides and pesticides are the most effective and readily available pest controls. What they don’t realize is that these cost them added expenses not to mention the bad effects of these chemicals to health and environment.
Dr. Alfredo R. Rabena, head of the Research and Development Office of the University of Northern Philippines in Vigan City, Ilocos, has discovered a solution. He found that the leaves of kakawate tree or Mexican Lilac (Glinicidia sepium) contains coumarins, an effective botanopesticide.