"SEC | S20W3:"Identification and Elimination of Crop Pests"

_{Taken By my phone}

Hello steemians,

I am participating in the "Identification and Elimination of Crop Pests" contest by sharing my recent experience at Ferme de Chez Mario in Montreal, where I observed several pests such as aphids, whiteflies, slugs and beetles. In this entry, I will present methods for identifying and controlling pests, as well as natural solutions such as homemade traps and the use of biochemicals. My goal is to promote sustainable pest management practices.

When you visited the crop field, what pests did you observe there? How did you identify that it was a pest?

During my visit to Ferme de Chez Mario in Montreal, I had the opportunity to explore the crop fields and observe the management of plants, as well as the challenges that farmers face daily. This enriching experience allowed me to better understand the interactions between crops and pests, and the importance of pest control strategies in agriculture. In response to the questions p and the daily challenges that farmers facereflections based on this visit.

While walking through the crop field, I oticed several types of pests. The most common one was the aphid. These tiny insects wer, I will share my detailed observations and reflections the plant sap. I recognized them due to their small, green or black appearance and the visible damage they caused to the plants. The leaves looked curled and weakened, which is a typical sign of aphid infestation. Another pest I observed was the whitefly, hovering around zucchini plants. Their small, white, moth-like appearance made them easily identifiable.

In another section of the field where lettuce was grown, I found slugs, which leunderstandd a slimy trail on the plants. The leaves had holes, clear evidence of slug damage. Finally, I noticed some beetles on the potato plants, specifically the **Colorado potaface reflectionsown for its yellow-orange color and black stripes, feeding on the foliage.

I could identify these pests based on several clues:

1. Visible Damage to Plants: Curled, deformed, or hole-riddled leaves are often signs of a pest infestation. Aphids and whiteflies cause deformation, while slugs and beetles leave physical damage in the form of holes.

2. High Concentration: The high concentration of insects, particularly under the leaves or on the stems, indicated that these insects were pests rather than simply passing bugs.

3. Direct Effect on Plant Growth: I spoke to the farmer at Ferme de Chez Mario, who explained that some plants had reduced yields due to the pests, further confirming their harmful presence.

Which pesticides do you think are suitable for controlling the pests you observed in the field? Please express your own opinion. (Note: For your convenience, the names of the pesticide groups are mentioned above.)

Based on the pests I observed, I have considered several suitable pesticides, though I personally advocate for more natural and organic methods of pest control.

1. For aphids, I would recommend using pyrethroid-based pesticides or insecticidal soap. Insecticidal soap, made from potassium salts of fatty acids, is a less harmful option for the environment. It works by breaking down the cell membranes of insects, killing them without harming beneficial organisms such as ladybugs, which also feed on aphids.

2. For whiteflies, a pesticide containing imidacloprid would be effective. This systemic insecticide penetrates the plant and kills the insects as they feed. However, due to environmental concerns, it might be preferable to use organic alternatives such as neem oil, which is safer for beneficial insects and pollinators.

3. Slugs can be controlled using pellets made from metaldehyde, but a more eco-friendly option would be ferric phosphate, a naturally occurring compound that is less toxic to other wildlife and environmentally friendly.

4. For Colorado potato beetles, I would consider using a spinosad-based pesticide. Spinosad, derived from bacteria, is a biological insecticide often used in organic farming to combat resistant pests.

While these chemicals are effective, I believe in an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, combining pesticides with natural methods to reduce environmental impact and preserve the biodiversity of the field.

Describe the method of trapping insects by creating a pest trap using various natural materials (such as containers, adhesive substances).

During my visit, I learned that some farmers use homemade insect traps to reduce pest populations without relying on chemical pesticides. Here’s an example of how I would create a natural pest trap using simple materials:

1. Plastic Bottle Trap: I could take an old plastic bottle, cut it in half, and fill the bottom half with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and liquid soap. The vinegar’s sweet scent would attract the insects, while the soap would break the surface tension, causing them to drown once they entered the trap.

2. Sticky Traps: I could also create sticky traps by spreading petroleum jelly or honey on bright-colored pieces of cardboard placed near the plants. Insects attracted to the bright colors or the scent would get stuck to the trap and be unable to escape.

These methods are not only simple but also cost-effective and environmentally friendly for small-scale farms. They provide an alternative to chemical pesticides, keeping the crops safe from pests while minimizing harm to beneficial organisms.

Discuss in detail which crops you think the use of bio-chemicals is beneficial and cost-effective.

I believe that the use of bio-chemicals like neem oil or bacterial insecticides is highly beneficial and cost-effective for certain types of crops. In particular, bio-chemicals are well-suited for high-value organic crops, such as tomatoes, zucchini, and leafy greens. Consumers are often willing to pay a premium for organic products grown without synthetic chemicals. Bio-chemicals allow farmers to protect their crops while maintaining their organic certification, which offers a significant commercial advantage.

Moreover, bio-chemicals are less harmful to the environment, ensuring the sustainability of the farming ecosystem. They help in preserving the natural predators of pests, such as ladybugs, spiders, and certain bird species, which contribute to the natural control of pest populations.

Make a chart of which pesticides are used for which pest in your area and discuss with us. Special Note: If not aware of this, a permanent farmer or anyone involved in agriculture can take help.

Based on my visit and research in the Montreal area, here is a chart of pesticides used for different pests and crops:

Pest	Crop Affected	Pesticide Used	Pesticide Type
Aphids	Tomatoes, Cucumbers	Insecticidal Soap	Organic
Whiteflies	Zucchini, Peppers	Neem Oil	Organic
Slugs	Lettuce, Spinach	Metaldehyde, Ferric Phosphate	Chemical/Organic
Colorado Potato Beetle	Potatoes	Spinosad	Organic

In conclusion, my visit to Ferme de Chez Mario provided valuable insights into the importance of effective pest management in maintaining the health of crops. I observed several types of pests, identified suitable control methods, and considered the benefits of natural and bio-chemical solutions for pest management. I believe that the best approach to managing pests involves an integrated strategy combining biological, natural, and selective chemical methods to protect crops while minimizing environmental impact. This strategy ensures that farmers can maintain healthy crops, reduce costs, and protect the environment for future generations.

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Thank you very much for reading, it's time to invite my friends @lil.albab, @miftahulrizky, @heriadi to participate in this contest.

Best Regards,
@kouba01