Mat Salam
Mat Salam
Researchers
Chapter 1
1.1 Introduction
Pechay (Brassica rapa chinensis), a commonly grown leafy vegetable in the Philippines, is a
staple in many households due to its affordability and nutritional value. In agricultural
education, particularly in Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) programs specializing in
agriculture, students often engage in hands-on farming practices to develop their skills.
However, the use of pesticides on student-managed farms has raised concerns about their
impact on crop quality and safety.
Pesticides are crucial in managing pests and ensuring crop productivity. However, excessive
or improper use can compromise the quality of pechay, including its physical appearance,
nutritional content, and safety for consumption. This study aims to assess pesticide use on
pechay cultivation in a TVL-Agri-Crop student farm and its effect on the quality of the
harvested crop. The findings aim to provide insights into sustainable pest management
practices and enhance student learning in responsible farming.
This study is guided by the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which
promotes the judicious use of pesticides alongside other control methods to maintain crop
quality while minimizing environmental and health risks.
Key concepts:
1. Pesticide Application Practices: The type, frequency, and method of pesticide use by students.
2. Pechay Quality: Assessed based on physical characteristics (e.g., size, color, and leaf integrity), safety
(pesticide residues), and nutritional value.
3. Knowledge and Awareness: Students’ understanding of pesticide effects and safe handling practices.
Pesticide Practices
GOOD
PECHAY
Quality Indicator QUALITY
Awareness Level
1.3 Statement of the Problem
1. What are the common pesticide application practices in the student farm?
2. How does pesticide use influence the physical, nutritional, and safety quality of pechay?
3. What is the level of awareness among students regarding the proper use of pesticides?
For Students: Enhances their understanding of sustainable pest management practices and its impact
on crop quality.
For Educators: Provides data to improve agricultural training and pesticide safety protocols.
For Policy Makers: Offers insights for developing guidelines on pesticide use in school farms.
For Future Research: Contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable agriculture in
educational settings.
The study focuses on the use of pesticides in pechay cultivation at the TVL-Agri-Crop student
farm of Agusan Del Sur National High School. It covers:
Scope: Evaluation of pesticide types, application practices, and their effects on pechay quality.
Limitations:
Chapter 2
Review of Related Literature
Pesticides have been widely used to manage pests and diseases in crops. According to Silva
et al. (2020), over-reliance on pesticides can result in chemical residues, affecting crop safety
and consumer health. In educational farms, improper pesticide use often stems from limited
knowledge or training (Martinez et al., 2019).
Studies have shown that excessive pesticide use can negatively impact crop appearance,
nutritional content, and safety. For instance, Carillo et al. (2021) found that leafy vegetables
exposed to high levels of pesticides exhibited discoloration and reduced shelf life. Similarly,
Smith et al. (2020) highlighted the importance of residue testing to ensure crop safety.
In the context of student farms, awareness and proper training are essential. A study by Lee
et al. (2018) emphasized that knowledge of IPM and safe pesticide handling significantly
improved crop outcomes and reduced environmental harm.
This study will use a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data
to evaluate pesticide use and its impact on pechay quality.
Hypotheses:
The research will be conducted at the TVL-Agri-Crop farm of Agusan Del Sur Nation High
School, which serves as a hands-on learning site for agriculture students.