Chapter 3 Weed and

Pest Control
 Learning Objectives
 The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the
student to the basic principles of pest and weed
control and to present a few alternatives. After
studying this chapter, the student should be able
to:
 Choose the most appropriate way of pest control.
 Select the most suitable application technique for
the pesticide to be used.
 Apply the relevant safety measures when working
with pesticides.
 Apply the necessary first aid treatment in case of
Pest Management
1.1 Introduction
Good pest management practices should be maintained at
reducing risks related to both pest and pesticide damage for
pesticide users, foodstuffs, consumers and the environment.
Guiding principles
 Try to manage pests in order to keep them from reaching
damaging levels, instead of killing pests as well as natural
enemies.
 Try to apply pesticides in a way that will avoid pesticide
resistance developing in the pest population.
This can be achieved by:
 Changing between pesticide products of different groups or
combining biological control methods with chemical control
methods.
Misuse of pesticides
 Elimination of beneficial natural enemies.
As a result of this, problems will increase
continuously.
 Resistance to pesticides.
 Increased expenditure.
 Illness or death.
1.2 Integrated Pest
Management

Main features of IPM

 Cropping, cultivation and plant breeding methods
(Cultural method)
 Mechanical and physical control methods.
 Biological plant protection methods.
 Botanical control or natural pesticides.
 Chemical methods.
1.2.1 Cropping, Cultivation and plant Breeding Methods

 The right crop for the right site

Favorable environmental conditions like soil, climate and locality will
promote healthy crop development and a lower sensitivity to insect pests.

 Soil tillage
Soil tillage is a highly effective measure against soil- borne pests and
pathogens. For instance , eggs of locusts and grasshoppers as well as a
large variety of caterpillars are destroyed through tillage.

 Choice of resistance varieties

It is important to choose crop varieties that are resistant to some of the
local pests and diseases. Each variety has advantage and disadvantages.
For risk reduction, choose a combination of different varieties.
Cont…
 Application of fertilizer to promote plant
resistance
In general, well-nourished plants can more quickly
pass through growing stages during which they are
vulnerable to pests. Availability of potassium,
especially, will enhance plant resistance.
 Crop rotation
Since different crops are sensitive to different pests, a
properly designed crop rotation system contribute to
prevent the build up of soil –borne pathogens. The
greater the variety, the greater the stability of the
field.
 Harvesting date and method
Harvest as early as possible and shorten the time
 Below is an example, showing a crop rotation plan for tomatoes,
cabbage, carrots and cow peas. The crops in this example are rotated
in anticlockwise.
 Trap and border crops
Insects show preferences for certain plants to hide or live in. this
knowledge is used to control insect pests selectively with “trap plants”
and to promote natural enemies. For example maize acts as a trap for
African ballworms.

 Phytosanitary measures to reduce pest infestation

Crop residues help pests to survive unfavorable climatic conditions. By
destroying crop residues, pests are reduced. By putting the crop residues
together in heaps as feed for animals and by ploughing the leftovers after
harvesting one destroys those niches. In vegetable production areas, the
compost heap should be at least 30m away from the fields to avoid “air-
borne” fungi contamination through the wind. Check major wind direction
before determining the compost-making spot. In order to avoid early
contamination, never use residues of tomatoes, potatoes and cabbage to
make compost. Never use home-harvested seeds. They may already be
contaminated with pathogens.
1.2.2 Mechanical and physical control methods
 For resource-poor farmers and those whose crops
are affected by low levels, mechanical methods are
as rule most effective. However, these are very
labor-intensive and are recommended for small-
scale farming only.
 Physical collection and destroying of
caterpillars, armyworms, and creeping locusts are
relatively easy and should be done as soon as they
are observed. Furthermore, the cutting and removal
of afflicted plant parts can help to temporarily
mitigate the infestation.
1.2.3 Biological Control Method
 Living organisms
Under biological control we understand the use of living
organisms to reduce certain pests. Successful biological
control has the following basic advantages over chemical
methods:
 It is specific. The control measure is directly against
only one pest.
 It is non-toxic.
 It is permanent where natural enemies are introduced.
 It is a financially attractive option. Only the initial costs
are high.
 It is compatible even with chemical ones.
1.2.4. Botanical Control
 Natural Pesticides
The most common natural pesticide, a plant extract,
can be made from the Neem tree. In small
vegetation, neem plant extracts are highly efficient.
1.2.5 Chemical control
The following steps should be taken before
the application of pesticides
 Select the pesticide (or active ingredient).
 Selectthe formulation (liquid or granule)
and place of the plant to be used (on leaf. In
the fruit, in the stem, in the soil).
 Selectthe application method (Water
application rate “High volume spraying” and
Oil application”ultra-low volume spraying).
 Select the time of spraying.
2. Criteria for choosing pesticides
 Pesticides are classified by:
1. Toxic level (Toxicity)
2. Formulation
2.1 Classification of pesticide by
Hazard (Toxic level)
2.2 Classification of pesticide by
FORMULATION
 Factors to consider when choosing
formulations
When choosing a formulation, consider the following;
 The plant or surface to be protected. High pesticide concentration may
lead to injuries on vegetation. This is specific to different types of plants.
 Application equipment available and best suited for the job.
 Hazard or drift and run off.
 Safety to applicator, helpers or other humans or animals to be exposed.
 Habits and growth patterns of the pest (bait versus broadcast spray,
granular versus foliar spray).
 Type of environment in which the application must be made (plant
production, pasture, aquatic, forest, urban, etc).
3. Application technique
With the term application;
 Reference is made to the techniques.
 The exact dosages and distribution of the spray
mixtures are important.
Mixing and application instructions are always written on
the label of the product container and should be followed
with great care.

Water as a vehicle
Water serves as a vehicle. Successful spraying depends on
the ratio of water to the pesticide. Hence, if too much
water is used, a large percentage of the product runs off
the plant. New technologies allow the reduction of the
need of large volumes of water per hectare effectively.
Ultra-low volume equipment is quite effective. With this
HAND SPRAYERS
4. SAFETY MEASURES FOR PESTICIDE APPLICATION
 4.1 Protective Clothing
 Maintenance and storage of
protective clothing
Maintenance and storage of
protective clothing
 Wash items with soap
after each preparation of
spray mixture or
application round.
 Have a spare set of
cotton overalls available
if the spraying takes
longer than a day.
 Store the clothing well
away from pesticides and
application equipment.
 4.2 HYGIENE AND FIRST AID
TREATMENT
 There is only one simple requirement that a farmer
must offer if working with pesticides is intended.
Fresh water and soap!
 Excellent personal hygiene includes washing all
parts of the body or protective clothing that have
been exposed to the pesticide immediately after
work, and not eating, drinking or smoking while
working.
 Emergence measures in Case of pesticide poisoning.
FIRST AID TREATMENT
The Following are the EVENTS which require FIRST AID
ACTIONS.
1. Pesticide has been swallowed.
2. Pesticide on the skin.
3. Pesticide splashes in the eye.
4. Pesticide has been handled.
5. WEED CONTROL
 5.1 Effects of Weed
A weed is any plant that is undesirable, or that is
growing in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 Weeds have the following negative effects:

 Weeds complete with crops for water, nutrients
and sunlight.
 Weeds can lower the quality of crops, for example
by seed contamination.
 Some weeds are poisonous.
 Sometimes it is expensive to control weeds.
 Weeds have the following positive effects
 Weeds provide shelter for beneficial insects/
animals.
 Some weeds are sources of food for man.
5.2 Controlling techniques
Since chemical weed control is rather expensive and
demands expert advice it is considered to be too
elaborate for the purpose. It is recommended that
specialist advice be used before using any kind of
chemical weed control.
1. Ploughing (primary tillage)
2. Harrowing (secondary tillage)
3. Manual weeding