Pesticide application in Malaysian paddy field - a review

Abstract

Pesticides are widely used in agricultural production to control pests, diseases, weeds and other plant pathogens in an effort to reduce or eliminate yield losses and maintain high produce quality. In a tropical country like Malaysia, the exploitation of pesticides in paddy feld is subjected to indiscriminate and intense use. Crops such as rice and vegetables are particularly susceptible to the negative impacts of pesticide. The objective of this review paper was to examine various aspects of pesticide application in Malaysia, including pesticide classification, current trends, pesticides in paddy fields, as well as impacts of pesticide use. The use of pesticides, particularly insecticides and herbicides, were required for successful cultivation of rice. Pesticides such as BPMC, carbofuran, endosulfan and lindane were commonly used insecticides while 2,4-D, paraquat and molinate were some of the commonly used herbicides.