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Pests, pesticides, pesticide legislation and management in Mauritius

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2011

I. Fagoonee
Affiliation:
School of Agriculture, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius
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Abstract

This paper considers the status of pests and pesticides in Mauritius, including pesticide legislation and flow.

Climatic factors, namely altitude, temperature and rainfall, influence the spatial and seasonal distribution and population dynamics of economically important pests as well as their hosts (crops and livestock). The case histories of a few selected pests (leaf miner, fruit flies, stable flies), their control measures as well as research efforts in this connection are reviewed.

An appraisal is also made on some aspects of pesticide legislation along with the distribution pattern of pesticides, in relation to pesticide management. The setting up of a recent Pesticides Management Advisory Committee is regarded as a move in the right direction to safeguard pesticide misuse and abuse. Food crop production is at the expense of huge pesticides input. A series of recommendations are made with a view to improving pesticide practices in the country.

Résumé

L'auteur fait état de la situation à Murice des ravageurs agricoles et des pesticides, y compris la législation et la distribution des pesticides. La répartition dans le temps et dans l'espace et la dynamique des populations des espèces économiquement nuisibles ainsi que leur hôtes (végétaux et animaux domestiques) sont fonction des conditions climatiques tels que l'altitude, la température et la pluviosité. Des cas spécifiques dont la mineuse des feuilles Liriomyza trifolii, les mouches des fruits et les mouches d'étables (Stomoxys spp.), sont considérés tant sur le plan de leur répartition insectes-hôtes que sur le plan des efforts de recherches entreprises en vue de leur contrôle. Quelques aspects de la législation et de la gestion sont soulevés en relation avec le découlement des pesticides sur le marché. Un comité a récemment été mis sur pied afin de permettre une rationalisation de l'utilisation des pesticides. D'après des données recueillies sur l'importation des pesticides et la production maraîchère, il ressort que celle ci se fait aux dépens d'une utilisation intensive des pesticides chimiques. Des recommendations sont faites afin d'améliorer la pratique courante de l'utilisation de ces produits toxiques.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 1984

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References

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