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.
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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Pests and diseases can cause significant damage to crops, Livestock, and human health. There are a variety of methods that can be used to control pests and diseases, including biological control, chemical control, cultural control, integrated pest management, mechanical control, physical control, regulatory control, and sanitation.
Biological control is the use of natural enemies to control pests. Natural enemies include predators, parasites, and pathogens. Predators kill pests, while parasites live on or in pests and feed on their blood or Tissues. Pathogens are Microorganisms that cause disease in pests. Biological control can be an effective and environmentally friendly way to control pests.
Chemical control is the use of pesticides to kill pests. Pesticides can be insecticides, herbicides, or fungicides. Insecticides kill insects, herbicides kill plants, and fungicides kill fungi. Chemical control can be effective in controlling pests, but it can also be harmful to the environment and to human health.
Cultural control is the use of practices that make it difficult for pests to survive or reproduce. Cultural control practices include crop rotation, sanitation, and planting resistant varieties of crops. Cultural control can be an effective and environmentally friendly way to control pests.
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a system that uses a combination of methods to control pests. IPM includes biological control, chemical control, cultural control, and other methods. IPM is a more holistic approach to pest control than traditional methods.
Mechanical control is the use of physical methods to kill or remove pests. Mechanical control methods include traps, barriers, and handpicking. Mechanical control can be an effective and environmentally friendly way to control pests.
Physical control is the use of non-chemical methods to kill or remove pests. Physical control methods include heat, cold, and light. Physical control can be an effective and environmentally friendly way to control pests.
Regulatory control is the use of laws and regulations to control pests. Regulatory control methods include quarantines, inspection, and labeling. Regulatory control can be an effective way to prevent the introduction and spread of pests.
Sanitation is the practice of keeping areas clean and free of pests. Sanitation practices include removing food and water sources, repairing cracks and holes, and keeping trash and compost bins covered. Sanitation can be an effective way to prevent pests from entering and infesting homes and businesses.
Pests and diseases can be a major problem for farmers, ranchers, and homeowners. There are a variety of methods that can be used to control pests and diseases, including biological control, chemical control, cultural control, integrated pest management, mechanical control, physical control, regulatory control, and sanitation. The best method to use will vary depending on the type of pest or disease, the environment, and the economic and environmental costs.
Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about the control of pests and diseases:
What are pests?
Pests are organisms that can cause harm to humans, animals, or plants. They can be insects, rodents, fungi, bacteria, or viruses.
What are diseases?
Diseases are conditions that can cause harm to humans, animals, or plants. They can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites.
How can pests and diseases be controlled?
There are a number of ways to control pests and diseases. Some common methods include:
Pesticides: Pesticides are chemicals that can be used to kill pests. However, pesticides can also be harmful to humans and the environment, so they should be used with caution.
Biological control: Biological control is the use of natural enemies to control pests. For example, ladybugs can be used to control aphids.
Cultural control: Cultural control is the use of practices such as crop rotation and sanitation to control pests and diseases.
Integrated pest management (IPM): IPM is a system that uses a combination of methods to control pests and diseases. IPM is designed to be environmentally friendly and sustainable.
What are the benefits of controlling pests and diseases?
There are a number of benefits to controlling pests and diseases. Some of the benefits include:
Reduced crop losses: Pests and diseases can cause significant crop losses. Controlling pests and diseases can help to reduce these losses.
Improved human health: Pests and diseases can also cause human health problems. Controlling pests and diseases can help to improve human health.
Protection of the environment: Pests and diseases can also damage the environment. Controlling pests and diseases can help to protect the environment.
What are the challenges of controlling pests and diseases?
There are a number of challenges to controlling pests and diseases. Some of the challenges include:
The development of resistance: Pests and diseases can develop resistance to pesticides and other control methods. This can make it difficult to control them.
The spread of pests and diseases: Pests and diseases can spread quickly, making it difficult to control them.
The cost of control: Controlling pests and diseases can be expensive. This can make it difficult for some farmers to afford to control them.
What is the future of pest and disease control?
The future of pest and disease control is uncertain. However, there are a number of promising new technologies that could be used to control pests and diseases in the future. Some of these technologies include:
Genetic engineering: Genetic engineering could be used to create crops that are resistant to pests and diseases.
Biotechnology: Biotechnology could be used to develop new pesticides and other control methods.
Integrated pest management (IPM): IPM is a system that uses a combination of methods to control pests and diseases. IPM is designed to be environmentally friendly and sustainable.
It is important to note that the control of pests and diseases is a complex issue. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best way to control pests and diseases will vary depending on the specific situation.
Which of the following is not a type of pest? (A) Insect (B) Rodent (C) Plant (D) Disease
Which of the following is not a type of disease? (A) Virus (B) Bacteria (C) Fungus (D) Animal
Which of the following is not a method of controlling pests? (A) Chemical control (B) Biological control (C) Cultural control (D) Physical control
Which of the following is not a method of controlling diseases? (A) Chemical control (B) Biological control (C) Cultural control (D) Genetic control
Which of the following is not a benefit of controlling pests? (A) Reduced crop losses (B) Increased crop yields (C) Improved human health (D) Reduced environmental damage
Which of the following is not a benefit of controlling diseases? (A) Reduced crop losses (B) Increased crop yields (C) Improved human health (D) Reduced environmental damage
Which of the following is a type of chemical control? (A) Insecticides (B) Herbicides (C) Fungicides (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a type of biological control? (A) Predators (B) Parasites (C) Pathogens (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a type of cultural control? (A) Crop rotation (B) Tillage (C) Sanitation (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a type of physical control? (A) Heat (B) Cold (C) Light (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a benefit of using chemical control? (A) It is effective in killing pests. (B) It is relatively inexpensive. (C) It is easy to use. (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a benefit of using biological control? (A) It is environmentally friendly. (B) It is often more effective than chemical control. (C) It does not harm beneficial insects. (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a benefit of using cultural control? (A) It is environmentally friendly. (B) It is often more effective than chemical control. (C) It does not harm beneficial insects. (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a benefit of using physical control? (A) It is environmentally friendly. (B) It is often more effective than chemical control. (C) It does not harm beneficial insects. (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a risk of using chemical control? (A) It can harm beneficial insects. (B) It can pollute the environment. (C) It can be harmful to humans. (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a risk of using biological control? (A) It can be ineffective. (B) It can harm beneficial insects. (C) It can become a pest itself. (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a risk of using cultural control? (A) It can be labor-intensive. (B) It can be expensive. (C) It can be difficult to implement. (D) All of the above
Which of the following is a risk of using physical control? (A) It can be expensive. (B) It can be difficult to implement. (C) It can be harmful to humans. (D) All of the above
Which of the following is the most important factor to consider when choosing a pest control method? (A) The type of pest (B) The severity of the infestation (C) The cost of the control method (D) The environmental impact of the control method
Which of the following is the best way to prevent pests from becoming a problem? (A) Use a combination of control methods. (B) Monitor your crops for pests. (C) Practice good sanitation. (D) All of the above