Types Of Pests
What are the 4 major categories of pests?
Weeds, Pathogens, Vertebrates, Invertebrates.
What is biological control?
The use of natural predators and pathogens to control pests
What is mechanical control?
Using physical methods to control pests.
What is cultural control?
Manipulating growing conditions and practices to reduce pest problems and promote healthy plant growth
What is chemical control?
The use of chemicals to reduce pests.
How can insects be both pests and beneficial?
Answers will vary
True or False - Natural predators like ladybugs and praying mantises help control pest populations.
True
Describe one example of a mechanical control method and explain how it works.
Answers may vary
True or False - Clean culture involves removing weeds and plant debris to reduce pest habitats.
True
What is pesticide resistance?
When pests survive pesticide treatments and pass on resistance traits
What is an example of a pest acting as a vector for a plant disease?
Aphids can transmit plant viruses by feeding on infected plants and then spreading the disease to healthy plants as they move and feed.
Describe how pathogens like fungi or bacteria can be used in biological control.
Some fungi and bacteria infect and kill pests.
True or False - Tilling soil to disrupt pest life cycles is an example of mechanical control in Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
True
What is one benefit of cultural control methods?
They provide long-term pest prevention by modifying farming practices.
True or False - Pesticides should be the first line of defense in an IPM program.
False
How do parasitoids control pest populations?
They lay eggs inside or on pests, leading to their death
What are 2 benefits of Biological Control?
Reduces chemical pesticide use.
Sustainable and environmentally friendly.
How do traps work in pest management, and what types of pests can they target?
Capture or kill pests using attractants (pheromone traps for insects, rodent traps).
Why is cultural control an important part of an IPM program?
Cultural control modifies farming practices to prevent pest problems before they start.
What is the difference between pest resurgence and pesticide resistance?
Pest resurgence happens when natural predators are killed by pesticides, allowing pest populations to rebound stronger.
Pesticide resistance occurs when pests survive pesticide treatments and pass on resistance traits to future generations.
What are two characteristics that make weeds difficult to control?
High seed production, which allows them to spread quickly.
Deep or spreading root systems, making them hard to remove
What are the benefits of biological control compared to chemical control?
Reduces chemical pesticide use.Sustainable and environmentally friendly.
How does tillage affect insect and weed populations in the field?
Disrupts insect and weed life cycles.
What role does adjusting planting or harvest times play in pest management?
Avoids peak pest activity periods.
Plants can be harvested before major infestations occur.
Why should pesticides be considered a last resort in a well-managed IPM program?
Can harm beneficial organisms.
Risk of environmental contamination.
Long-term reliance leads to resistance problems.