"SEC | S20W3:"Identification and Elimination of Crop Pests"

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Welcome to "SEC S20W3". In our week2 post, we visited various crop fields and learned about the process of sowing seeds and growing crops. Many participants had never been to the fields before, but through this challenge post, they have gained knowledge about crops. It is hoped that those who have posted about agriculture have acquired basic knowledge of crop cultivation. Now it's time to identify and control pests. Hopefully, everyone will learn about this through the upcoming post.

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Types of crop pests:-

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We know that anything that harms crops is considered a pest. Generally, we can identify 7 factors as crop pests, which are: insects, mites, weeds, fungi, viruses, bacteria, and rodents (Note: if humans cause significant damage to crops, they may also be considered rodents). Most of the damage to our crops occurs through these mentioned factors.

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Pest control process:-

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Crop pests can generally be controlled in two ways: one is through biological processes, and the other is through the use of chemicals. If we use biological methods for pest control, they are not long-lasting and often need to be reapplied. This is why chemical control is most commonly used worldwide. For example, if we manually remove weeds from a field, they tend to grow back, but when destroyed with chemicals, the regrowth rate is only 5-10%. Additionally, the cost of manual weed control is significantly higher. While the cost of using biological methods is also substantial, most farmers prefer chemical methods for pest control because they are more cost-effective and efficient.

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Some pesticides and their chemical solutions for crops:-

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Pest	pesticide	per liter
Insects	Imidacloprid	0.5 ml
spiders	Abamectin, Difethiuron	1 ml
Fungus	Difenconazole, propiconazole, tebuconazole	1ml
Virus	Pymetrazine + Niten Pyram	0.5-0.7 ml
Bacteria	Copper oxychloride	4 ml
Rodent/mouse	Aluminum phosphate, phenanthate, acephate,	2ml

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Note: (The amount of pesticide may vary depending on the area. Herbicides are also used depending on the type of weed, which is why it hasn't been specifically mentioned.) When we refer to viral diseases, we generally mean Tungro disease. This disease spreads through whiteflies, so imidacloprid is used to control it.In addition, blast disease is controlled using: tricyclazole, trifloxystrobin, and bismethiozole.

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Biomechanical methods:-

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Another method that is used more in modern times is Biomechanical methods. In this method, insects are caught using some devices and traps on the ground. Eg: Using pheromone lures to attract flies. To suppress certain species of birds and insects, by manipulating the wind or creating noise through free energy so that insects or harmful birds cannot come to the land and wreak havoc. Also encouraging birds and other insects to repel harmful insects.

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Benefits of using bio chemicals.

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The benefits of applying biochemicals to cropland play an important role in several aspects. They are environment friendly and helpful in increasing crop production. Below are some of the benefits of using biochemicals: Biochemicals are made from natural materials, which help in maintaining soil nutrients and biological diversity. Biochemical soil erosion helps in sunlight. Nutrients are good due to less soil erosion. The quality and productivity of the crop increases and the price of the crop is relatively higher in the market. Biochemicals act as natural pesticides, which help in controlling harmful insects and diseases such as: neem leaf. It does not cause harmful effects like chemical pesticides and helps to maintain the balance of the environment. Biochemicals use less chemical fertilizers or pesticides and cost less. Which protects us from the risk of land and pond-river pollution. Biochemicals do not waste oxygen, which has a positive effect on the environment.

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Disadvantages of using chemicals.

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It is well-known that excessive use of chemical fertilizers can harm crops. Using large amounts of carbofuran-based pesticides can lead to the death of fish in water bodies. If dimethoate group pesticides are used, it can cause oxygen-related problems for children within a range of 400-500 meters. Excess nitrogen fertilizer depletes the quality of the soil. If crops are harvested and consumed by humans or animals within 21 days of spraying pesticides, it can cause severe health issues.

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The efficacy or mode of action of the pesticide

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We need to understand how the chemicals we use for pest control in crops work. Generally, the pesticides we use operate in four ways:

1. Contact action: These pesticides work by directly contacting the pest's body.

1. Systemic action: These pesticides are absorbed by the plant and move through its system, affecting pests that feed on the plant.

1. Stomach action: These pesticides are ingested by the pest when they consume the treated plant material.

1. Fumigant: Aerobic pesticides destroy the oxygen in the area where they are sprayed by reaction. That is, as the oxygen is lost there, the insect suffers from lack of oxygen.

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What agricultural students need to do to answer questions correctly and gain agricultural knowledge.

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Now all you have to do is visit a particular crop field. Write down what problem you see in that crop and think how to solve that problem and share it with us. For your convenience I have listed above the crop pests and their possible solutions. Special Note: Those who are not currently able to visit the crop field will answer using their previous knowledge or skills.

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Home work

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• When you visited the crop field, what pests did you observe there? How did you identify that it was a pest?

• Which pesticides do you think are suitable for controlling the pests you observed in the field? Please express your own opinion. (Note: For your convenience, the names of the pesticide groups are mentioned above.)

• Describe the method of trapping insects by creating a pest trap using various natural materials (such as containers, adhesive substances).

• Discuss in detail which crops you think the use of bio-chemicals is beneficial and cost-effective.

• Make a chart of which pesticides are used for which pest in your area and discuss with us. Special Note: If not aware of this, a permanent farmer or anyone involved in agriculture can take help.

Guidelines and Rules:

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• The title will be: "SEC | S20W3:"Identification and Elimination of Crop Pests"

• The post must contain a minimum of 350 words, be free from plagiarism, and not use Artificial Intelligence (AI).

• In your first three tags, use #agro-s20w3, #pesticide #country (eg. #nigeria or #bangladesh), and #steemesclusive.

• If using the hashtag #burnsteem25 make sure you give 25% of the reward to @null

• Invite at least 3 friends to participate.

• Use copyright-free images with proper sourcing.(Self-taken photos will be preferred.)

• "All entries should be made in the steem-agro community or on your blog"

• Paste your post link in the comment section, and don't forget to Vote and Resteem this post.

• This contest starts on Monday, 23th September 2024, at 00:00 UTC and ends on Sunday, 29th September 2024, at 23:59 UTC.

Rewards/Prizes

Note that students with outstanding and quality publications would be selected for each week while considering adherence to all stipulated guidelines and post-presentation. However, five (5) students would be presented for support as required by the steemit team for their prizes.

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Kind regards
Cc: @mainuna
For:Team-Agro
Cc: @xkool24