Putting a picture to the puzzle

On the sloping mountainsides of the four volcanic islands that make up Western Samoa, vegetable crops such as tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, onions and sweet potato are grown. In recent years, studies on growing asparagus have proved encouraging. Experts agree that the crop has a good potential to supply local and niche export markets but its continuing success would depend on ensuring that the country remains free of the diseases and pests which cause such serious problems for the crop in other countries. But for a temperate crop, introduced into tropical areas, how does an agricultural officer from the islands of Samoa get the advice that he needs? The answer may lie in learning online.

Asparagus may be not be one of the crops specifically covered in a new agLe@rn online course, which has recently been piloted on the "Basics of Vegetable IPM" but some of the approaches put forward for pest control will be applicable. Clear requirements for the learning programme include an interest in the subject and a connection to the Internet. But students also need a good understanding of English, basic computer skills and to be able to devote at least five hours per week for participatory study. The course is co-ordinated by the Asia-Pacific Regional Technology Centre (APRTC) based in Bangkok and is just one of seven online courses now available to agricultural professionals within the region.

The course for vegetable IPM is designed to build on concepts presented in "Introduction to IPM" but with a focus on the application of IPM techniques specific to vegetable crops. The aim is that the course can be used as either a reference tool, making use of the information and links to other sources on vegetable IPM, or as part of a structured learning exercise. During the six-week course, registered students are presented with ways to prevent pests becoming a problem, to learn how to identify the causes and severity of problems and to analyse various interventions that are effective in controlling pests and how to maximize their effectiveness. Nine case studies are used for analysis and discussion, which are facilitated by the course experts.

The Vegetable IPM course has only recently been piloted but two more courses are planned for 2003 and initial reactions, as with other agLe@rn courses, have proved favourable. For many, it is their first experience of online learning. However, feedback demonstrates that it is unlikely to be the last and that although the virtual experience has been enjoyable, many would welcome an opportunity to put a face to facilitators and fellow participants. Students agree that they have to work hard but that the rewards are worthwhile and that their knowledge and perspectives on pest control and IPM have been broadened and enhanced. As a student from Samoa concluded, "Before this course, my knowledge of practical IPM was like a box of puzzle pieces, with no picture on the box cover to guide me as to how the pieces should fit together or whether any of the pieces were missing. Now this course has guided me through the steps involved in IPM and I hope to interact with you again."

For further information email info@aprtc.org

The core material for the vegetable IPM course was developed by Jerry Cooper and Hans Dobson of the Natural Resources Institute, UK - authors of several manuals, including Integrated Vegetable Pest Management which can be downloaded free of charge, along with other horticultural materials from the DFID Crop Protection Programme website.