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Problems
associated with pesticide usage and application in Nigerian
cocoa production: A review
E. U. Asogwa* and L. N. Dongo
Crop Protection Division, Cocoa Research Institute of
Nigeria, Ibadan, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
ucheasogwa1@yahoo.com.
Accepted 17 February, 2009 |
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The use of pesticides for effective pests control has
generated a lot of concerns relating to public health and
environmental pollution. With the new
European Union (EU) Legislation on Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs)
allowed on cocoa beans and its products, efforts are now
intensified to seek measures towards its reduction. The
Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) has the mandate
to screen and recommend potential cocoa pesticides and
spraying equipment in Nigeria. The Institute has screened
and recommended many of these pesticides and equipment in
the past. However, with the new EU Legislation on MRLs
allowed on cocoa beans and products, some of the pesticides
still undergoing screening and the previously recommended
pesticides were banned. This new regulation, which came into
effect September 1, 2008, has left very few pesticides for
use on cocoa both on farm and post farm activities in
Nigeria.
Key words:
Pests, residue, legislation, equipment, environment, hazard,
pollution. |
