The failure farmers in panti district to control tungro disease which endemic in 2014-2019

Tungro disease in rice plants is transmitted by green leafhoppers (Nephotettix virescens) in a semi-persistent manner. This disease has spread in Panti District from 2014-2019, especially at the beginning and the end of rainy season. This paper wanted to explain why farmers in Panti failed to overcome the endemic tungro disease. The study was conducted by questionnaire and direct observation in the field. Actually farmers in this district had received integrated pest control (IPM) information, but they have not implemented properly. In 2018-2019, based on respondents at Kemuning Lor, Glagahwero and Pakis, most farmers planted rice along the year because of a good irrigation system. Although the plant was infected, the rice yield was still ± 40-60%, except for some field in Pakis (≤ 30%). The farmers in Pakis let their plants infected without hope, but they still grew rice continuously. A few farmers in Kemuning Lor controlled the vector mechanically by yellow light trap, other farmers used pesticides. The failure farmers to control tungro disease caused by several factors, i.e (1) continuous rice planting throughout the year, (2) the varieties grown were mostly remained, it was IR 64 which has good taste, and the selling price was more expensive than other varieties, (3) improper pesticide selection. Although they grew rice almost in the same time, but because of they planted continuously a year, the tungro disease still present there. Therefore, to reduce this damage, further education is needed on IPM and farmers' awareness is needed to work together to implement IPM properly.