ABSTRACT
The use of pesticide to control insects and other pest that destroy plants and crops have been practiced. This ensure quality products that demanded high paying sales. The ill and hazardous effects of pesticides both to man and to the environment have not been given much importance. It is but high time that this issue be considered. This study determined the extent of pesticide utilization by the ornamental plant gardeners in terms of profile of respondents, level of knowledge of pesticide use, health practices observed during pesticides application, the effects of pesticides on their health and measures to minimize its effects. This study used the descriptive research design utilizing a structured questionnaire. Fifty-five gardeners working in eleven gardens in the Municipality of Daraga, Albay, Philippines were taken as respondents. Simple statistical tools utilized in the analysis and interpretation of data. The gardeners working in the ornamental nurseries were generally male, single with average educational attainment and they possess average level of knowledge about pesticide utilization. Thus, extent of pesticide utilization among them varies they were not totally practicing all necessary preventive measure against the ill effects of pesticide use. They experience health problems secondary to pesticide use. Precautionary and safety measures were given to assist the gardeners in minimizing the ill effects of pesticide use.
KEYWORDS: Pesticide Utilization, Ornamental Plant Gardeners, Ill Effects, Health Education
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