There are numerous
ways that farmers can always use in order to control pests and diseases. Howver,
the two major methods many farmers have always employed are chemical and
biological methods. Nevertheless, between the chemical and biological methods,
there are immense differences that should not go unmentioned.
Chemical control
Farmers use chemical
pesticides in controlling weeds, diseases and pests. The chemical pesticides
are known to contain poisonous or toxic substances. For instance, when one applies
the chemical substances to protect their crops from weed overgrowth, diseases
and pests, a bumper harvest is always spoken of. On the other hand, as you endeavor
to protect the crops by use of chemicals, it is important to observe that your
plant does not equally suffer from such toxic effects caused by protection
products.
Biological control
versus chemical
The ploy to protect
crops from the pest destruction commenced long time ago. For instance, there
are farmers who could apply wood ash and/or lime to kill the parasites. Others across
the globe would also use Sulphur as well as bitumen from crude oil. This is
with no exception of nicotine derived from tobacco.
Following the rate at
which the chemicals have been produced by various industries for use in the
agriculture industry, today, there are five major categories of pesticides. This
category is arranged based on the intended purpose of the pesticide. These include
v
Fungicides
– to control fungi
v
Herbicides
– to control weeds
v
Acaricides
– to control mites
v
Insecticides
– to destroy harmful insects and
v
Nematicides
– to control nematode attacks.
Pros of using
chemical pesticides
·
They cost
less money
·
They are
effective and easy to apply
·
They are
always available and stable
·
They are
fast-acting thus can limit the damage that might be caused by pests.
Cons of using
chemical pesticides
§
Chemical pesticides
can be fatal if not properly handled. Other than the intended purposes of
killing pests, weeds and diseases, the chemical also may kill other organisms including
human beings
§
Some of
them are resistant. Pesticides are known to be effective for a given time span
on a specific organism. However, it is undoubtedly true that the organisms may
become immune to a chemical, thus ineffectiveness.
§
Some pesticides
accumulate on plants or crops. The continuity in use of such crops by different
organisms human included can cause dangerous diseases to the users due to their
toxic nature.
It is thus important
to note that the biological control of pests is categorized into three parts
namely:
ü
Microbials
ü
Biochemical
ü
Macrobials
Conclusion
A grower ought to
choose what works best for him. The bottom line is your action supporting the well-being
of other creatures. For instance, there are incidences of birds falling ill
around the sky. This is subsequent to the sprayed chemicals they feed on at the
fields. This means that if you are intending to control pests and diseases from
your field, it is imperative to have a clear understanding of how this is done.
For example, you should be able to identify the pest, know how it spreads and
the damages it causes to your crops.