Bagworm (Psychidae) and nettle caterpillars (Limacodidae) are among the major insect pests of oil palm in Malaysia. Bagworm from the species Metisa plana is the most destructive insect pests compared to nettle caterpillar in oil palm plantations. Outbreaks of bagworms were frequently occurred in various areas own by independent oil palm smallholders in Johor. At present, no scientific study has been conducted to indicate the level of knowledge among the independent oil palm smallholders on bagworm and its control, especially using the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine knowledge level on bagworm and its control using IPM among 313 independent smallholders in three infestation areas in Johor, which are Mukim Chaah Bahru, Mukim Chaah, Mukim Paloh and Mukim Chamek. Data were collected by interview guided with a questionnaire consisting 23 questions regarding bagworm and its IPM practices. Most of the respondents are more than 51 years (61.1%), with 77.7% males and 22.3% females. They are mostly having primary (47.1%) and secondary (47.5%) school qualifications. This study found that most of the respondents have a basic understanding of bagworm in oil palm and its control measures using IPM practices, but their knowledge is still at a low level. Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between the level of knowledge on bagworm and its control methods with race, education level and field management experience among the respondents. Therefore, more focus should be given by extension agents to enhance smallholder knowledge on bagworm management, especially in the potential and affected areas in Johor.
Knowledge Level on Bagworm in Oil Palm and its Control Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Practices Among Independent Oil Palm Smallholders in Johor
