Question

What do you mean by integrated pest management? explain with one example. Mention its advantage over the pest control methods by using chemical pesticide?

Answer 1

Pests are the insects which cause harm to the crops, livestock etc. The control of pests is very important for getting better and health yield. The pesticides are the biological or chemical agents which kill or control pests.

Complete answer:
The management of pests is very much essential for the farmers so as to protect the crops and get better yield. The use of pesticides keeps the pests at bay. Integrated pest management is a method in which the biological, cultural, and chemical practises are applied so as to control pests for better agricultural production. In this process, the natural predators are used which help in controlling the pests. The method employs use of selective pesticides in case the pests are not controlled by natural means. The example of IPM is the physical removal of several pests by the method of vacuuming, barrier, traps, mowing or tilling.

The other methods of pest management are the use of chemical pesticides like Deet, boric acid, DDT etc. The chemical pesticides control the pests at a much faster rate. In return they pollute the environment including water, land, and air. They can even enter through the food chain and are responsible for causing several diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s etc. But the IPM is more environmentally friendly and does not pollute the surrounding. They lead to the development of healthy plants as they involve ecologically beneficial practices.

Note: The cost of IPM is comparatively greater as compared to other methods. As it involves environment friendly practices, it is extensively used. It involves common-sense practices which are comprehensive and provide information regarding the life cycle of the paests.