Overview
On May 17, 2023, a practical training session was held at Yai Phan Farm in the Ang Thong Sub-district of Koh Samui District, Surat Thani Province. The event focused on using biological agents as a means for controlling, preventing, and eradicating plant diseases and pests. The initiative was part of a broader project aimed at managing various plant diseases and pests throughout the fiscal year 2023.
Opening Ceremony
Mr. Nuttaphon Rattanarak, Deputy Mayor of Koh Samui Municipality, presided over the opening ceremony. Participants included heads of government departments, municipal employees, members of the social welfare corps, Koh Samui Municipality, farmer groups, and interested local residents. In total, 60 individuals from the Koh Samui District attended the event.
Key Topics
Lecturers from the Agricultural Research and Development Center Region 7 provided valuable information on two main topics:
Fresh Trichoderma Inoculum Production
One key area of focus was the production of fresh Trichoderma inoculum mixed with organic fertilizer. Participants received both theoretical content lectures and hands-on practical training. This biological agent is effective in preventing plant diseases, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical treatments.
Bioluminescent Mushrooms for Disease Management
Another subject covered during the training was the use of bioluminescent mushrooms (Sirindhornia) to prevent and control rotting diseases in durian trees. Participants learned how these mushrooms could be used to protect farmers’ plots, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable agricultural industry.
Training Objectives
The primary objective of the practical training was to equip participants with the knowledge and understanding required to prevent and control the spread of plant diseases and pests in the Koh Samui area. By fostering cooperation between the government, private organizations, and local communities, the initiative aims to reduce the spread of plant diseases and pests to a level that does not cause economic damage or harm the agricultural production of farmers in the future.
