Green Bridge Learning Resource For Main Pests And Diseases Of Crops

Overview

In crop production, the management of pests and diseases is crucial to ensure optimal yield and quality of crops. Pests and diseases pose significant threats to agricultural production, leading to substantial economic losses if not properly controlled.

Pests of crops are organisms that feed on plants, causing damage that can range from mild to severe. Common field pests include the cotton stainer, yam beetles, and weevils, among others. These pests can attack various parts of the plant, such as the leaves, stems, roots, and fruits, affecting the plant's growth and overall productivity.

Identification of pests is essential in implementing effective control measures. Farmers need to be able to recognize the signs of pest infestation, such as holes in leaves, wilting, discoloration, and presence of insect eggs or larvae. Understanding the damage caused by pests helps farmers make informed decisions on how to manage and control them to minimize losses.

Diseases of crops are caused by pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. These pathogens can infect plants through various means, including contaminated soil, seeds, tools, and insects. The main diseases of crops vary depending on the crop type and environmental conditions but can include leaf spots, blights, rots, and wilts.

Recognizing the symptoms of crop diseases is crucial for early detection and intervention. Symptoms can manifest as leaf discoloration, wilting, lesions, and abnormal growth patterns. By identifying the causal agents of diseases, such as specific fungi or bacteria, farmers can implement targeted prevention and control measures to limit the spread of the disease within the crop.

Prevention and control strategies for pests and diseases in crops include cultural practices, biological control, chemical interventions, and resistant crop varieties. Integrated pest management (IPM) approaches combine multiple strategies to minimize the use of chemicals and promote sustainable agriculture. Farmers need to adopt proactive measures to prevent pest and disease outbreaks, such as crop rotation, proper sanitation, and early detection mechanisms.

In conclusion, effective management of pests and diseases is essential for sustainable crop production. By understanding the main pests and diseases of crops, their causes, symptoms, and control measures, farmers can protect their crops and ensure a bountiful harvest.

Objectives

Understand prevention and control measures for pests and diseases in crops
Understand the damage caused by identified pests to crops
Recognize the main diseases of crops and their causal agents
Identify characteristic symptoms of crop diseases
Identify the main field and storage pests of crops

Lesson Note

Not Available

Lesson Evaluation

Congratulations on completing the lesson on Main Pests And Diseases Of Crops. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.

You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

What are the characteristic symptoms of crop diseases? A. Wilting and yellowing of leaves B. Presence of spots and lesions on leaves C. Abnormal growth patterns and stunted growth D. Buds and flowers not developing properly Answer: A, B, C
Which of the following is a main field pest of crops? A. Cotton stainer B. Mealybugs C. Spider mites D. Root-knot nematodes Answer: A
Which pest is known for causing damage to yam crops? A. Aphids B. Yam beetles C. Thrips D. Cutworms Answer: B
What does weevils typically infest in crops? A. Fruits B. Roots C. Seeds D. Leaves Answer: C
How can crop diseases be best prevented? A. Using chemical pesticides on crops B. Practicing crop rotation C. Over-watering crops D. Ignoring early signs of crop diseases Answer: B
Which of the following is a common disease in tomatoes caused by a fungal pathogen? A. Mosaic virus B. Anthracnose C. Fusarium wilt D. Bacterial blight Answer: C
Which method is effective in controlling storage pests of crops? A. Proper storage facilities B. Leaving harvested crops in open field C. Storing crops with high moisture content D. Mixing infected crops with healthy ones Answer: A
Identify the main causal agent of powdery mildew disease in crops. A. Bacteria B. Fungi C. Virus D. Nematodes Answer: B
What is a key reason for identifying and controlling pests and diseases in crops? A. Improving crop yield and quality B. Promoting the growth of weeds C. Attracting more pests to crops D. Causing harm to beneficial insects Answer: A

Recommended Books

	Pests and Diseases of Tropical Crops Subtitle Identification, Prevention, and Control Publisher Springer Year 2010 ISBN 9783642144300
	Field Guide to Common Diseases and Pests of East African Crops Subtitle A Practical Manual for Farmers Publisher CABI Year 2015 ISBN 9781780643865

Past Questions

Wondering what past questions for this topic looks like? Here are a number of questions about Main Pests And Diseases Of Crops from previous years

JAMB UTME - Agricultural Science - 2023 (Click to take full assessment)

Question 1 Report

Which of the following is a common method of disseminating information to farmers?

All of the above

Social media campaigns

Radio broadcasts

Field demonstrations

Answer Details

Social media campaigns are becoming an increasingly common method of disseminating information to farmers. With the rise in internet and smartphone usage, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are being used to reach out to farmers and provide them with valuable information.

Through social media campaigns, farmers can receive updates, news, and tips related to agriculture. They can learn about new farming techniques, crop varieties, pest control methods, and market information.

These campaigns utilize visual content, videos, infographics, and written posts to deliver the information in an engaging and easily understandable manner.

Radio broadcasts are another traditional method of disseminating information to farmers. Radio stations dedicated to agriculture provide educational programs, news updates, and advice to farmers.

These broadcasts cover various topics related to farming, including weather patterns, soil management, crop diseases, livestock rearing, and market trends. Radio broadcasts are particularly useful in areas with limited internet access or for farmers who do not have access to smartphones or computers. They are a reliable and accessible source of information that can reach a large audience, even in remote areas.

Field demonstrations involve practical demonstrations and hands-on training sessions conducted directly on farms. Agricultural experts and extension workers visit farms and demonstrate various techniques, best practices, and technologies to farmers.

These demonstrations allow farmers to see and experience the methods firsthand, making it easier for them to adopt new practices. Field demonstrations are highly effective in showing farmers how to implement new farming techniques, use modern equipment, or introduce innovative crop varieties. Farmers can ask questions, interact with experts, and gain confidence in adopting these practices after observing successful outcomes on the demonstration farms. In conclusion, all of the options mentioned above are common methods of disseminating information to farmers.

Social media campaigns, radio broadcasts, and field demonstrations each play a significant role in providing farmers with valuable information and resources to enhance their farming practices.

The choice of method depends on factors such as internet availability, technological access, and the specific needs of the farmer community.

View Answer

WAEC SSCE - Agricultural Science - 2022 (Click to take full assessment)

Question 1 Report

(a) ldentify specimens G, H and I.

(b) Give two observable physical properties of each.
(c) State two main nutrients supplied by each of the specimens H and l.
(d) State two methods of application of specimen G on the field.

Answer

View Answer