Theory question 106
Crop Pests(a) Discuss seven economic importance of insect pests in crop production.
(b) Name two hosts of cotton stainer.
(c) List two soil dwelling insect pests of crops and state five general control measures of insect pests of crops.
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(a) Any seven: reduce yield; reduce quality and market value; transmit diseases; kill plants; damage stored produce; increase cost of production (control); create wounds for pathogens; reduce seed viability; cause food shortage and loss of income
(b) Any two: cotton; okra; kenaf; baobab; hibiscus/roselle (Malvaceae plants)
(c) Soil pests (any two): termites; crickets; cutworms; white grubs/beetle larvae; yam beetle; wireworms; ants
Control (any five): cultural – crop rotation, early planting, clean clearing, burning crop residues, resistant varieties; chemical – insecticide sprays, soil and seed dressing; biological – predators and parasites; physical/mechanical – hand picking, trapping; quarantine; integrated pest management
Separate (a), (b) and (c).