What form of pest control would you chosse to save your crops? -?

Question

You are a farmer growing vegetables crops that depended on a very delicate species of bee for pollination. Your crops have been invaded by a destructive beetle that reproduecs rapidly. In the pas years this type of beetle has destroyed up to 60% of your harvest. What do I do?

Answer 1

I hope I am not too late too answer this one for you but here goes.

There ore two methods you can use.
1) Cultural Method :- This is the use of farming techniques associated with crop productions, designed to make the environment different for the survival of pests.

This method involves:
a) Pruning and burning infected plants.
b) Contolling weeds around cultivated plants as they harbour the pests.
c) Destruction of ants nest.

Choose the best cultural method that will most effectively control pests had have minimal effects on your pollination agent (i.e. bee)


2) Biological Method:- This refers to the use of living organisms, particularly natural enemies to the pest, to control pest populations.

Advantages of Biological Control
a) There is no danger ot man, wildlife and other non target organisms (this case the bee) and soil.
b) Pest resistance is unlikely.
c) There is permanency of control.
d) Pofitable - there are savings on the cost of insecticides and application.
e) It is easy to apply. After the initial release the predators will actively seek out pests.

The best form of pest control would be to use these two methods to effectively and simultaneously. some call this Integrated Pest Management.

Answer 2

Buy bigger bees!