The three major ways we create pests in agriculture are -
- By using Chemical Insecticides - Widespread
use of chemical insecticides may seem very effective at first as a
large number of pests can be killed. However, there are always a
few individuals which are immune to a certain insecticide, when
they reproduce and increase in numbers over time, the checmical
insecticide previously used becomes redundant. This leads to the
use of a new chemical insecticide and the cycle continues. A better
alternative is to use biocontrol methods to control the insect
population.
- Crop Sowing Times - To gain high yields, the
crops have to be sown on time so that they mature and yield fruits
in the right season. If the crops are sowed sooner or later than
the designated ideal sowing times, the crops may be attacked by
pests depending upon the changing climatic conditions. Some pests
only affect mature crops, some affect seedlings and some attack
only the fruits. Different seasons have different pests, so if the
time of sowing of crops is not regulated, we may undergo losses in
yields.
- Crop Storage Practices - The yield should be
stored hygienically under low moisture conditions to prevent
disease. They should be kept in steel silos or a sealed warehouse
to prevent damage by rats. However, if stored in dark moist places,
in gunny bags, the crops may rot or there may be a rat infestation
in the warehouse, proper elevated areas with pest repelling agents
should be used.