Control of Pests and crop Disease
- agriculture is the single largest sector of India that provides the principal means of livelihood for over 58.4% of country’s Population. It contributes approximately one-fifth of the total gross domestic product (GDP).
- Agriculture accounts for about 10% of the total export earnings and provides raw material to a large number of industries, however, low and volatile Growth rates and the recent escalation of agrarian crisis in several parts of the Indian countryside are a threat not only to national Food Security but also to economic wellbeing of the nation as a whole.
- To satisfy the growing demand of fruits and vegetables, farmers in the country utilize pesticides to boost production and to prevent insect-pests and diseases, which pose great threats to vegetable and fruit production.
- It has also been reported that pesticides are commonly used on periodic basis throughout the growing season at very high concentration. Such a use of pesticides during production often leads to the presence of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables after harvest.
- In addition, the usage of these chemicals has occasionally been accompanied by serious risks to both human Health and the Environment because of their toxic potential, high persistence, bio-concentration, and especially, due to their nonspecific toxicity. Some of the pesticides are persistent, and hence, they remain in the body causing long term exposure.
Pesticide residues
- Pesticides residues have been defined as any specified substance in food, agricultural commodities, animal feed, Soil, or water, resulting from the use of pesticide.
- The term includes any Derivatives of a pesticide such as conversion products, metabolites, reaction products and impurities that are of toxicological significance.
Effects of Pesticides
The health effects of pesticides may be acute or delayed in workers who are exposed to pesticides.
Acute effects
- A large number of reports are available on acute effects associated with occupational exposure to pesticides. These exposures may be accidental, occupational, or intentional. A review on unintentional pesticide poisoning in 35 countries has been already published.
- The acute health problems, such as dizziness, headaches, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, as well as skin and eye problems, skin conditions, seizures, coma and even death may occur in workers that handle pesticides. Mild to moderate pesticide poisoning mimics intrinsic bronchitis, asthma, and gastroenritis.
Long-term Health Effects
- Neurological problems: Strong evidence links pesticide exposure to worsened neurological outcomes. The risk of developing Parkinson’s disease is 70% greater in those exposed to even low levels of pesticides. People with Parkinson’s were 61% more likely to report direct pesticide application.
- Fertility: A number of pesticides like2,4-D and dibromochlorophane has been associated with impaired fertility in males.
- Reproductive effects: Pesticides, lethal to dividing cells of genitalia, may cause abnormalities in sperms leading to decrease their ability for fertilization. On the other hand, the ova become defective and not able to implant on the uterine surface, leading to early abortion or miscarriage. Hormone disruption: Some substances cause physical birth defects and others can cause subtle hormonal effects on the developing fetus or can affect a child’s functional capacities.
- Hormone disruptors have been linked to many health problems including reproductive cancers. The drug diethylstilbestrol (DES), which was given to pregnant Women to prevent miscarriage between 1941 and 1971 worked as an endocrine disrupting chemical on the developing fetus. Decades later, many of these DES exposed daughters developed cervical cancer.
- Twenty-four pesticides still in the market, including 2, 4-D, lindane and atrazine, are known endocrine-disrupters. Steroid HORMONES, such as oestrogens, androgens (e.g., testosterone) and progesterone, are crucial for primary sex determination, foetal development and acquisition and maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics in adults.
- Chemicals, including many pesticides, with similar structures to these hormones can interfere with their function and lead to a variety of developmental and reproductive anomalies.
What is natural pest and disease control?
- Pests and diseases are part of the natural environmental system. In this system there is a balance between predators and pests. This is nature’s way of controlling populations.
- The creatures that we call pests and the organisms that cause disease only become ‘pest and diseases’ when their activities start to damage crops and affect yields.
- If the natural environmental system is imbalanced then one population can become dominant because it is not being preyed upon.
- The aim of natural control is to restore a balance between pest and predator and to keep pests and diseases down to an acceptable level.
- The aim is not to eradicate them altogether, as they also have a role to play in the natural system.
- Once a pest or disease has started to attack a crop, the damage cannot be repaired and control becomes increasingly difficult. Where possible, use techniques to avoid or prevent pest and disease attack in the first place.
Methods of Pest and Disease Control
- A healthy soil
- parasites
- Barriers
- Traps
- Light traps
- Fly traps
- Hand picking
- Biological control
- Natural pesticides
- Social prevention
Alternatives to pesticides
- Alternatives to pesticides are available and include methods of cultivation, use of biological pest controls (such as pheromones and microbial pesticides), Genetic engineering and methods of interfering with insect breeding.
- Application of composted yard waste has also been used as a way of controlling pests. These methods are becoming increasingly popular and are often safer than traditional chemical pesticides. In addition, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is registering reduced-risk conventional pesticides in increasing numbers.
- Cultivation practices include polyculture (growing multiple types of plant), Crop Rotation, planting crops in areas where the pests that damage them do not live, change in planting time according to when the pests will be least problematic and use of trap crops that attract pests away from the real crop.
- In the United States, the farmers control the insects successfully by spraying hot water at a cost, which is about the same as the pesticide spraying. Release of other organisms that fight the pest is another example of an alternative to pesticide use.
- These organisms can include natural predators or parasites of the pests. The bio-pesticides based on entomo-pathogenic Fungi, bacteria and viruses causing diseases in pest species can also be used for controlling the diseases in Vegetable Crops.
- Interfering with insects’ Reproduction can be accomplished by sterilizing males of the target species and releasing them so that they mate with females but may not produce offspring. This technique was first time used on the screwworm fly in 1958 and since then it has been used with the medfly, the tsetse fly and the gypsy moth.
- However, this can be a costly and time-consuming approach, which works only on few types of insect. Another alternative to pesticides is the thermal treatment of soil through steam.
- Raising soil temperature by passing steam through the steel pipes laid down into the soil 45 cm below the surface kills the pests and improves the soil health.
- In India, traditional pest control methods include Panchakavya (the mixture of 5 products). The method has recently experienced resurgence in popularity due in part to use by the Organic Farming community.
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Control of Pests and Crop Disease
Pests and crop diseases can cause significant damage to crops, reducing yields and quality. There are a number of methods that can be used to control pests and diseases, including biological control, chemical control, cultural control, genetic control, integrated pest management, mechanical control, physical control, regulatory control, and resistant varieties.
Biological control uses natural enemies, such as predators, parasites, and pathogens, to control pests. This method is often considered to be the most environmentally friendly way to control pests, as it does not use synthetic chemicals. However, biological control can be difficult to implement and manage, and it may not be effective against all pests.
Chemical control uses synthetic pesticides to kill pests. This method is often the most effective way to control pests, but it can be harmful to the environment and to human health. Pesticides can also select for resistant pests, making them more difficult to control in the future.
Cultural control uses practices such as crop rotation, sanitation, and planting resistant varieties to reduce pest populations. This method is often the most sustainable way to control pests, as it does not rely on synthetic chemicals. However, cultural control can be labor-intensive and may not be effective against all pests.
Genetic control uses genetic engineering to create crops that are resistant to pests. This method is often considered to be the most environmentally friendly way to control pests, as it does not use synthetic chemicals. However, genetic engineering is a controversial topic, and there are concerns about the potential risks of this technology.
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a holistic approach to pest control that uses a combination of methods, including biological control, chemical control, cultural control, and genetic control. IPM is designed to be sustainable and to minimize the use of synthetic chemicals.
Mechanical control uses physical methods, such as traps, barriers, and hand-picking, to control pests. This method is often the most environmentally friendly way to control pests, as it does not use synthetic chemicals. However, mechanical control can be labor-intensive and may not be effective against all pests.
Physical control uses physical methods, such as heat, cold, and radiation, to control pests. This method is often the most environmentally friendly way to control pests, as it does not use synthetic chemicals. However, physical control can be expensive and may not be effective against all pests.
Regulatory control uses laws and regulations to control pests. This method can be used to prevent the introduction of new pests, to regulate the use of pesticides, and to require the use of resistant varieties. Regulatory control can be effective in reducing pest populations, but it can be difficult to enforce.
Resistant varieties are crops that have been bred to be resistant to pests. This method is often the most environmentally friendly way to control pests, as it does not use synthetic chemicals. However, resistant varieties may not be effective against all pests, and they may be susceptible to new pests that evolve.
The best method for controlling pests and crop diseases will vary depending on the specific pest, crop, and environment. A combination of methods is often the most effective way to control pests and diseases.
What are the different types of pests?
Pests can be classified into three main categories: insects, mites, and rodents. Insects are the most common type of pest, and they include beetles, butterflies, moths, flies, mosquitoes, and ants. Mites are small, spider-like creatures that can cause damage to plants and animals. Rodents are mammals that include rats, mice, and squirrels.
What are the different types of crop diseases?
Crop diseases can be caused by a variety of factors, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. Fungal diseases are the most common type of crop disease, and they include blight, mildew, and rot. Bacterial diseases can also cause significant damage to crops, and they include wilt, canker, and scab. Viral diseases are less common than fungal and bacterial diseases, but they can be very destructive. Nematodes are small, worm-like creatures that can cause damage to roots and other plant parts.
What are the different methods of controlling pests and crop diseases?
There are a variety of methods that can be used to control pests and crop diseases, including chemical, biological, and cultural methods. Chemical methods involve the use of pesticides, which are substances that kill or control pests. Biological methods involve the use of natural enemies, such as predators or parasites, to control pests. Cultural methods involve practices that make it more difficult for pests to survive or reproduce, such as crop rotation or sanitation.
What are the benefits of controlling pests and crop diseases?
Controlling pests and crop diseases can have a number of benefits, including:
- Increased crop yields
- Improved crop quality
- Reduced costs associated with pest and disease control
- Protection of human health and the environment
What are the risks associated with controlling pests and crop diseases?
The use of pesticides can have a number of risks, including:
- Harm to human health
- Harm to the environment
- Development of resistance in pests
- Secondary pest outbreaks
The use of biological control agents can also have risks, including:
- Inadvertent release of non-target organisms
- Competition with native organisms
- Impact on non-target organisms
Cultural methods can also have risks, such as:
- Increased risk of pest outbreaks
- Reduced crop yields
- Increased costs
What are the best practices for controlling pests and crop diseases?
The best practices for controlling pests and crop diseases vary depending on the specific pest or disease, the crop being grown, and the environment. However, some general best practices include:
- Using integrated pest management (IPM), which is a holistic approach to pest control that uses a variety of methods, including chemical, biological, and cultural methods.
- Using pesticides only when necessary and following all label instructions carefully.
- Using biological control agents only when necessary and following all label instructions carefully.
- Implementing cultural practices that make it more difficult for pests to survive or reproduce.
- Monitoring pests and diseases regularly to detect problems early.
- Cooperating with other growers and pest control professionals to share information and best practices.
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Which of the following is not a type of pest?
(A) Insects
(B) Bacteria
(C) Fungi
(D) Weeds -
Which of the following is not a type of crop disease?
(A) Viruses
(B) Bacteria
(C) Fungi
(D) Insects -
Which of the following is a type of pesticide?
(A) Insecticide
(B) Herbicide
(C) Fungicide
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a type of biological control agent?
(A) Predator
(B) Parasite
(C) Pathogen
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a type of cultural control method?
(A) Crop rotation
(B) Tillage
(C) Sanitation
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a type of physical control method?
(A) Heat
(B) Cold
(C) Light
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a type of chemical control method?
(A) Insecticide
(B) Herbicide
(C) Fungicide
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a type of integrated pest management (IPM) strategy?
(A) Cultural control
(B) Biological control
(C) Chemical control
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a benefit of IPM?
(A) It can reduce the use of pesticides.
(B) It can protect beneficial insects.
(C) It can improve crop yields.
(D) All of the above -
Which of the following is a challenge of IPM?
(A) It can be difficult to implement.
(B) It can be expensive.
(C) It can be time-consuming.
(D) All of the above