There are animals that destroy the crop before it is harvested. Farmers find it difficult to protect the crops from these animals, insects and microorganisms. Provide information to your classmates by answering the questions.
(a) What are these animals/insects called? Name few that ruin the standing crops.
(b) What methods do the farmers employ to protect their crops?
(c) Name some common insecticides used to protect crops.
(d) Write the difference between insecticide, pesticide, fungicide and rodenticide.
Answers
Answer:
Explanation:
(a) These animals and insects that damage standing crops are often referred to as pests. Some common pests that can ruin crops include:
- Birds: Birds like crows, sparrows, and pigeons can feed on seeds, grains, and fruits.
- Insects: Various insects can damage crops, such as aphids, caterpillars, grasshoppers, locusts, beetles, and weevils.
- Rodents: Rodents like rats and mice can eat and contaminate crops.
- Deer: In some regions, deer can be a significant threat to crops, especially during certain seasons.
(b) Farmers employ various methods to protect their crops from pests. Here are a few commonly used techniques:
- Physical barriers: Farmers can use fences, nets, or screens to physically prevent animals from accessing the crops.
- Scare tactics: Scarecrows, reflective materials, noise-making devices, or even trained predator animals can be used to deter pests.
- Crop rotation: Planting different crops in a specific order can help disrupt pest lifecycles and reduce infestations.
- Biological control: Farmers introduce natural predators or parasites of the pests to control their populations. For example, ladybugs can be released to control aphids.
- Chemical control: In some cases, farmers use chemical pesticides or insecticides to kill or repel pests. However, this method is often used as a last resort due to potential environmental and health concerns.
(c) Some common insecticides used to protect crops include:
- Pyrethroids: These synthetic chemicals mimic natural insecticides found in chrysanthemum flowers and are effective against a wide range of insects.
- Organophosphates: These chemicals affect the nervous system of insects and are commonly used against aphids, caterpillars, and other pests.
- Neonicotinoids: These insecticides are systemic, meaning they are absorbed by the plant and distributed throughout its tissues. They are effective against sucking insects like aphids and whiteflies.
Please note that the use of insecticides should be regulated and carefully managed to minimize harm to the environment and non-target organisms.
(d) Here's the difference between insecticide, pesticide, fungicide, and rodenticide:
- Insecticide: An insecticide is a type of pesticide specifically designed to target and kill insects.
- Pesticide: Pesticide is a broad term that encompasses chemicals or substances used to control or eliminate pests, including insects, rodents, weeds, and fungi.
- Fungicide: A fungicide is a type of pesticide used to control or kill fungi, which can cause diseases in crops and plants.
- Rodenticide: Rodenticide is a specific type of pesticide formulated to kill rodents, such as rats and mice.
In summary, insecticides target insects, pesticides encompass a broader range of pest control substances, fungicides target fungi, and rodenticides specifically target rodents.