Pests are the organisms that cause physical damage to man, animals and crops. In other words, pests can be described as any organism capable of causing damage to crop plant. Pest insects can have adverse and damaging impacts on agricultural production and market access, the natural environment and our lifestyle.Cultural controls are one of the most common and effective ways to control pests and diseases in the garden. This involves using practices such as crop rotation, mulching, and companion planting to create an unfavorable environment for pests and diseases.

Generally, insect pests attack the plants in three ways: (i) they cut the root, stem, and leaf, (ii) they suck the cell sap from various parts of the plant, and (iii) they bore into stem and fruits. They thus affect the health of the crop and reduce yields. The crop protection techniques are tillage, crop rotation, organic and synthetic pesticide use, field monitoring, etc. Introducing efficient farming methods requires growers' appropriate plant protection strategy and training. For example, they must know how to process seeds and prepare fields for planting. Pests are the organisms that cause physical damage to man, animals and crops. In other words, pests can be described as any organism capable of causing damage to crop plant. Pest insects can have adverse and damaging impacts on agricultural production and market access, the natural environment and our lifestyle. Without crop protection, including pesticides, more than half of the world's crops would be lost to insects, diseases and weeds. Pesticides are important. They help farmers grow more food on less land by protecting crops from pests, diseases and weeds as well as raising productivity per hectare.

Pests are organisms that cause harm or damage to crops. They can include insects, mites, rodents, birds, and other animals, as well as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Pests can have a significant impact on crop production by reducing yields, lowering crop quality, and increasing production costs.

Insects and mites can cause direct damage to crops by feeding on plant tissues, while rodents and birds can damage crops by feeding on fruits, seeds, and other plant parts. Fungal and bacterial pathogens can cause diseases in crops, which can reduce yields and quality.

Controlling pests and diseases in crops is essential to ensure high-quality crop yields. There are several methods for controlling pests and diseases in crops, including:

1. Mechanical control: This involves the use of physical barriers, traps, or other physical means to prevent or reduce pest populations. These methods can be effective in controlling pests without the use of pesticides, which can be harmful to the environment and non-target organisms.

2. Cultural control: This involves using cultural practices, such as crop rotation, planting resistant varieties, and maintaining proper crop nutrition and irrigation, to reduce pest and disease pressure.

3. Biological control: This involves using natural enemies of pests, such as predators and parasitoids, to control pest populations. This can include introducing beneficial insects or using microbial pesticides.

4. Chemical control: This involves using chemical pesticides to control pests and diseases. However, this method should be used judiciously, as it can have negative impacts on the environment and non-target organisms.

5. Integrated pest management (IPM): This involves combining multiple control methods, including cultural, biological, and chemical control, to manage pests and diseases in crops while minimizing environmental impact.

It is important to note that each pest and disease may require a different approach, and the choice of control method should be based on a thorough understanding of the pest or disease and its life cycle, as well as the potential risks and benefits of different control methods.

Dear Sudip Ghimire thank you for your contribution to the discussion

Pests and diseases cannot be prevented or controlled by cultural and physical means, it may be necessary to use natural pesticides. Many growers have developed ways of making their own sprays from plants such as garlic, chillies, marigolds and many others. These are inexpensive and have proved to be very effective. Among the crop protection techniques are tillage, crop rotation, organic and synthetic pesticide use, field monitoring, etc. Introducing efficient farming methods requires growers' appropriate plant protection strategy. Pest control in agricultural crops is generally achieved by chemical pesticides which are effective and have a 'knock-down' effect on life stages of insects and mites. Pest and disease management consists of a range of activities that support each other. Most management practices are long-term activities that aim at preventing pests and diseases from affecting a crop. Management focuses on keeping existing pest populations and diseases low.Pests are the organisms that cause physical damage to man, animals and crops. In other words, pests can be described as any organism capable of causing damage to crop plant. Pest insects can have adverse and damaging impacts on agricultural production and market access, the natural environment and our lifestyle. The damage to plants caused by competition from weeds and by other pests including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and insects greatly impairs their productivity and in some instances can totally destroy a crop.

pest are organisms which may be animal or plants that attack or compete with crop plants in the field and in storage and cause harm to the crop plant. Over 50% of crop losses in storage are caused by pest attack, most specifically insect pest, because they can survive in ambient storage environment and reproduce rapidly.

These pest can be controlled by taking into account two major approaches which are preventive and eradicative. Under preventive, we are concerned with all approaches that restricts the pest from coming in contact with the crop plant and this include most especially cultural control which involves ideal and proper agronomic and crop management and use of resistant varieties . Eradicative on the other hand brings to mind how to control these pest after they have been noticed in the crop field and this include: Biological methods ( Use of natural enemies), Chemical methods ( use of insecticides, fumigants, herbicides, etc.), botanicals ( plant extracts) etc.

I agree with Emmanuel Ugwu that Pest control in agricultural crops is generally achieved by chemical pesticides which are effective and have a 'knock-down' effect on life stages of insects and mites. Recently, plant products have been experimented on in indoor cultivation and in fields. Among the crop protection techniques are tillage, crop rotation, organic and synthetic pesticide use, field monitoring, etc. Introducing efficient farming methods requires growers' appropriate plant protection strategy. Pests and diseases cannot be prevented or controlled by cultural and physical means, it may be necessary to use natural pesticides. Many growers have developed ways of making their own sprays from plants such as garlic, chillies, marigolds and many others. These are inexpensive and have proved to be very effective. Pest and disease management consists of a range of activities that support each other. Most management practices are long-term activities that aim at preventing pests and diseases from affecting a crop. Management focuses on keeping existing pest populations and diseases low. Using resistant varieties is the most efficient way of controlling vegetable diseases. Make an effort to buy resistant varieties when they are available. Seed catalogs generally list resistant traits of the various vegetable varieties. The selection of planting date can be an effective tool for disease management.Pests can be described as any organism capable of causing damage to crop plant. Pest insects can have adverse and damaging impacts on agricultural production and market access, the natural environment and our lifestyle. Generally, insect pests attack the plants in three ways: (i) they cut the root, stem, and leaf, (ii) they suck the cell sap from various parts of the plant, and (iii) they bore into stem and fruits. They thus affect the health of the crop and reduce yields.

Pests can be defined as organisms that derive their nourishments or nutrients from the hosts for its survival, growth and development. Pests can be controlled in crop production by following these good agronomic practices such as weeding, pruning, thinning out, burning, early and late planting of crops, using a recommendable dosage of agrochemicals, etc

Dear David Owusu Appau thank you for your contribution to the discussion

The damage to plants caused by competition from weeds and by other pests including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and insects greatly impairs their productivity and in some instances can totally destroy a crop. Pests are the organisms that cause physical damage to man, animals and crops. In other words, pests can be described as any organism capable of causing damage to crop plant. Pest insects can have adverse and damaging impacts on agricultural production and market access, the natural environment and our lifestyle. Generally, insect pests attack the plants in three ways: (i) they cut the root, stem, and leaf, (ii) they suck the cell sap from various parts of the plant, and (iii) they bore into stem and fruits. They thus affect the health of the crop and reduce yields. A range of pest management strategies to control insects, fungi, viruses, and bacteria till their soils, rotate their crops, scout their fields, and carefully consider factors such as plant density and planting dates. They also apply organic and synthetic pesticides. Prevent the introduction and spread of pests use disease-free and weed-free seed to prevent diseases and weeds from being introduced. Control alternate host plants of insects and diseases. Minimize moisture conditions optimum for disease development by carefully managing irrigation water applications. Cultural controls are one of the most common and effective ways to control pests and diseases in the fields. This involves using practices such as crop rotation, mulching, and companion planting to create an unfavorable environment for pests and diseases. Chemical pesticides are often used to control diseases, pests or weeds. Chemical control is based on substances that are toxic to the pests involved. When chemical pesticides are applied to protect plants from pests, diseases or overgrowth by weeds, we speak of plant protection products.

Pests can be controlled by physical, chemical and biological methods as described in the trailing replies from the esteemed members. But time of application or implementation of any measure will play an important role in its control. we need to go through the life cycle of the pest and the weather conditions favouring the growth and development of the pests and also the conditions which are favourable for increasing the efficacy of the chemicals and then act.

Pests are destructive organisms capable to attack crops.

They affect crops by reduction of yields or total destruction.

They can be control by physical method (hand picking, trap setting etc), chemical method (the use of insecticides, bactericide, fungicide etc).

Thanks Dear Isaac Olayinka for participating in the discussion.

Pests are the organisms that cause physical damage to man, animals and crops. In other words, pests can be described as any organism capable of causing damage to crop plant. Pest insects can have adverse and damaging impacts on agricultural production and market access, the natural environment and our lifestyle. Pest and disease management consists of a range of activities that support each other. Most management practices are long-term activities that aim at preventing pests and diseases from affecting a crop. Management focuses on keeping existing pest populations and diseases low.Among the crop protection techniques are tillage, crop rotation, organic and synthetic pesticide use, field monitoring, etc. Introducing efficient farming methods requires growers' appropriate plant protection strategy and training. By giving plants the right growing conditions they will be more able to resist pests and diseases. Also, the right choice of crop will help to deter pests and disease. A crop growing in an area where it is not suited is more likely to be attacked.Pest control in agricultural crops is generally achieved by chemical pesticides which are effective and have a 'knock-down' effect on life stages of insects and mites. Recently, plant products have been experimented on in indoor cultivation and in fields. Changes in agricultural practices as the introduction of new crop species or enlargement and aggregation of fields, use of monocrops and plant density that have been held responsible for causing many pest problems.

Any organism which cause harm to crops, animals or human is a pest.

These can be controlled by various methods such as cultural, mechanical, chemical, biological. In the recent era of development biotechnological approaches have been found to be very promising in the control of pests. Chemical control of the pests is the most common method adopted by the farmers. However, not a single method is sufficient to effectively control the pests, it requires a scientific combination of all or some practices to manage the pests.

Pests are organisms which may be insects, mites, nematodes, weeds, pathogenic organisms (virus, bacteria, fungi), invertebrates and vertebrates that are harmful to man and animals or that can cause any damage, however, slight to crops and animals.

There are 2 types of damage to crops caused by insect pests, viz,

• Direct damage and

• Indirect damage

Some of the direct damages caused by pests are;

• Reduce the leaf assimilating tissue

• Mine or tunnel in the stem

• Remove stored food in tubers and corms

• Feed on parts of flower resulting in blossom drop or sterility

• Injure or destroy seeds completely

• Attack the roots and cause loss of water and nutrient-absorbing tissue

• They cause loss of plant vigour

• They inject toxic saliva into plants

• They can also distort the seedhead of cereals

• Aphids may be so abundant as to cover the plant and interfere with photosynthesis

• They reduce assimilating organs by wounding

Some of the indirect damages caused by pests are

• Provide entry points for pathogenic fungi and bacteria

• As vectors for transmitting serious bacterial, fungal and viral infection

• Contaminate and lower the quality or value of crop products

• Impedes harvesting as they tend to reduce the efficiency of both mechanical and hand harvesting

Thanks Dr Muskan Porwal and Dr Michael Odenkey Quayefor participating in the discussion.

Pests and diseases pose a threat to food security because they can damage crops, thus reducing the availability and access to food, increasing the cost of food. Plant pests and diseases may also negatively affect the palatability of foods resulting in changes to the traditional food preferences of populations. Generally; insect pests attack the plants in three ways: (i) they cut the root, stem, and leaf, (ii) they suck the cell sap from various parts of the plant, and (iii) they bore into stem and fruits. They thus affect the health of the crop and reduce yields. Pests are the organisms that cause physical damage to man, animals and crops. In other words, pests can be described as any organism capable of causing damage to crop plant. Pest insects can have adverse and damaging impacts on agricultural production and market access, the natural environment and our lifestyle. The damage to plants caused by competition from weeds and by other pests including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and insects greatly impairs their productivity and in some instances can totally destroy a crop. Pests can include weeds, plant pathogens rodents, and nematodes in addition to the plant-feeding insects and mites described in the preceding text, and are estimated to destroy as much as one-third of all agricultural yield. Pests and diseases cannot be prevented or controlled by cultural and physical means, it may be necessary to use natural pesticides. Many growers have developed ways of making their own sprays from plants such as garlic, chillies, marigolds and many others. These are inexpensive and have proved to be very effective. Among the crop protection techniques are tillage, crop rotation, organic and synthetic pesticide use, field monitoring, etc. Introducing efficient farming methods requires growers' appropriate plant protection strategy. Pest control in agricultural crops is generally achieved by chemical pesticides which are effective and have a 'knock-down' effect on life stages of insects and mites. Pest Control may be controlled by using plant based products like neem extracts, neem oil, pongam oil. Biological agents like fungi, insects, bacteria, and virus may also be used to kill pests and control the diseases. Animal extracts like fish oil and spinocin from bacteria also can kill insects.

Pest in crop production are biotic organisms that cause damage to our crop either on the field or in storage. Examples are insects, vertebrates pest, weeds etc. they could either be could through physical, chemical, biological and cultural means but the most effective method of control is integrated pest management which combine all the variou methods mentioned earlier as no single method is effective in the control of pest.

Thanks Dr Ahmed Ololade Lawal for participating in the discussion.

Pests can directly attack and cut the root, stem, and leaf of the plants and they can suck on the cell-sap from various parts of the whole plant. They sometimes even bore into the stem and fruits of the plant. This way they can affect the health of the crop and reduce yields. Pests spread diseases to the crops which cause the loss in production of the crop. Pest control methods must be used to control them from damaging the crops. They also include animals which carry diseases, parasites and microorganisms. Mosquitoes, fleas, bugs, black ants, beetles are some examples of pests.The damage to plants caused by competition from weeds and by other pests including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and insects greatly impairs their productivity and in some instances can totally destroy a crop. Pests are the organisms that cause physical damage to man, animals and crops. In other words, pests can be described as any organism capable of causing damage to crop plant. Pest insects can have adverse and damaging impacts on agricultural production and market access, the natural environment and our lifestyle. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecosystem approach to crop production and protection that combines different management strategies and practices to grow healthy crops and minimize the use of pesticides. The most common method of pest control is the use of pesticides chemicals that either kill pests or inhibit their development. The most common method of pest control is the use of pesticides chemicals that either kill pests or inhibit their development.

Pests are organisms that cause damage to crops, including insects, mites, nematodes, rodents, birds, and weeds. These pests can have a detrimental impact on crop production in several ways:

1. Feeding Damage: Pests feed on various parts of plants, such as leaves, stems, roots, fruits, or seeds, causing physical damage and reducing the plant's ability to photosynthesize and produce food. This can lead to stunted growth, reduced yield, and even crop failure.

2. Disease Transmission: Some pests, particularly insects, can act as vectors for plant diseases. They carry pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi, and spread them from one plant to another, accelerating the disease's spread and causing significant crop losses.

3. Nutrient Depletion: Pests can affect nutrient uptake and utilization in plants. They may consume or damage the root system, disrupt the flow of water and nutrients, or cause nutrient imbalances. This can result in nutrient deficiencies and negatively impact crop growth and development.

4. Stress Induction: Pests can induce stress in plants, triggering physiological responses that divert resources away from growth and reproductive processes. This can weaken the plant's overall health and make it more susceptible to other biotic or abiotic stresses.

Controlling pests and diseases in crops is essential for maintaining healthy plant growth and maximizing crop productivity. Here are some common pest and disease control measures:

1. Cultural Practices: Implementing good agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, proper irrigation, timely planting, and weed management, can help minimize pest and disease pressure.

2. Biological Control: Encourage natural enemies of pests, such as beneficial insects, birds, or predatory mites, to keep pest populations in check. This can be achieved through habitat diversification, use of biological control agents, or conservation of natural enemies.

3. Chemical Control: In cases where pest populations exceed economic thresholds, judicious use of pesticides may be necessary. It is important to follow label instructions, choose appropriate products, and consider their potential impacts on human health and the environment.

4. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): IPM is a holistic approach that combines multiple pest management strategies to minimize crop damage while minimizing adverse effects. It involves monitoring pest populations, setting action thresholds, integrating various control measures, and regularly evaluating the effectiveness of pest management strategies.

5. Plant Resistance: Utilize crop varieties or hybrids with natural resistance or tolerance to specific pests or diseases. Breeding programs focus on developing resistant cultivars to combat prevalent pests and diseases.

6. Early Detection and Diagnosis: Regular scouting and monitoring of crops can help detect pest and disease problems at an early stage. Prompt identification and accurate diagnosis enable timely and targeted control measures.

7. Education and Training: Farmers should stay informed about the latest pest and disease management practices. Attending workshops, training programs, or seeking guidance from agricultural extension services can provide valuable knowledge on effective control methods.

Remember that pest and disease management strategies may vary depending on specific crop types, regional conditions, and the severity of the infestation. It is advisable to consult local agricultural experts, extension services, or entomologists/pathologists for tailored recommendations.

All these measures are recommended by various expert papers and design a combined response that give different perspectives on how to treat pests.

Dr Mihali Elena thank you for your contribution to the discussion

I agree with Muskan Porwal that among the crop protection techniques are tillage, crop rotation, organic and synthetic pesticide use, field monitoring, etc. Introducing efficient farming methods requires growers' appropriate plant protection strategy and training. By giving plants the right growing conditions they will be more able to resist pests and diseases. Also, the right choice of crop will help to deter pests and disease. A crop growing in an area where it is not suited is more likely to be attacked.Pest control in agricultural crops is generally achieved by chemical pesticides which are effective and have a 'knock-down' effect on life stages of insects and mites. The most common method of pest control is the use of pesticides—chemicals that either kill pests or inhibit their development. Pesticides are often classified according to the pest they are intended to control. Spraying weedicides on the weeds. Manually plucking the weeds by hands. Removing weeds by trowel and harrow. Ploughing the field to remove the weeds even before sowing the seeds. Pests are the organisms that cause physical damage to man, animals and crops. In other words, pests can be described as any organism capable of causing damage to crop plant. Pest insects can have adverse and damaging impacts on agricultural production and market access, the natural environment and our lifestyle. The damage to plants caused by competition from weeds and by other pests including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and insects greatly impairs their productivity and in some instances can totally destroy a crop.

I considered rats/ rodents are the most destructive pests, they can reduced crop yield up to 90% or even more. They can be controlled by sanitation, reduce food sources in field and chemical control.

Dr Gerlie Jambaro thank you for your contribution to the discussion