Presented by: Dr. AbdulAziz Mohamed AbdulKarem Professor, Arabian Gulf University Year: 2016

Agricultural Pest Control

Agricultural pests constitute a vital factor in influencing agricultural production. In line with the policy of non - recourse to the use of pesticides, except in absolutely necessary circumstances, within strict limits and at the appropriate time, it has been decided that the ideal system to be applied is integrated pest management to ensure effective control of pests, while maintaining the ecological balance as well as human and animal health.

Following are a Number of Integrated Pest Management Systems

Organic Fertilizers

The source of organic fertilizers is living organisms:

Scouting:

Scouting means moving around in the farm; among trees and crops, inspecting a number of random plant samples or using fishing nets or light or pheromone traps according to the target pest, with the aim of monitoring the crop condition and taking prompt measures before the exacerbation of damage to the crop. Usually this procedure is taken periodically at the beginning of the season.

Cultural Control:

Cultural Control is to apply cultural methods for crop protection and reduction of chances of damage to the crops. This objective is achieved by using pest resistant crops, taking good care of the farm by properly preparing the land, cultivating crops at a suitable distance while avoiding excessive irrigation and fertilization, and cultivating flowering plants between rows of crops or on the outskirts of the farm to activate natural enemies.

Mechanical Control:

Mechanical control is to pick the pest and crop lesions at different phases of development and dispose of them in a safe and approved method, use nets to cover crops to limit damage, remove fruit falling to the ground, reduce fruit load on branches, wrap tree trunks with repellent covers and other mechanical methods.

Chemical Control:

Chemical control is the use of chemical pesticides, taking into account the appropriate dosage and concentration of the pesticide formulation, the safe period of every pesticide, observance of professional safety measures and strict adherence to the guidelines on the pesticide label.

Biological Control :

Biological control is the use of natural enemies (predators, intruders, and pathogens) by man to control injurious pests and insects foremost among which are Abu el Eid Beetles, big eyed bugs, minute pirate bugs and other predators.

Source:

Source:●

The National Initiative for Agricultural Development