Answer :
Final answer:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) employs methods such as cultural control, biological control, and monitoring to manage pest populations. Global pesticide use poses risks to food, water, and soil, necessitating mitigation measures like stricter regulations. In Kenya, pests affect cash crops significantly, requiring effective management strategies for pest control.
Explanation:
Methods of Pest Management in Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) employs various strategies to manage pest populations while minimizing risks to human health and the environment. Here are five methods used in IPM:
- Cultural Control: This method involves changing farming practices to reduce pest establishment and survival. An example is crop rotation, which disrupts the life cycle of pests that are specialized to specific crops.
- Biological Control: This involves the use of natural predators or parasites to control pest populations. For instance, introducing Trichogramma wasps can help manage caterpillar pests in corn.
- Mechanical Control: Physical methods are used to prevent pests from reaching crops. This can include the use of traps, barriers like row covers, or hand-picking larger pests off plants.
- Chemical Control: When necessary, the judicious use of pesticides is employed. For example, using neem oil as a natural pesticide against aphids can reduce their numbers while minimizing harm to beneficial insects.
- Monitoring and Thresholds: Regular monitoring of pest populations allows farmers to make informed decisions on whether control measures are needed. Establishing economic thresholds ensures that control measures are only implemented when pest populations exceed levels that would cause unacceptable damage.
The Global Risks and Impacts of Pesticides
10a) Pesticides pose potential risks and impacts globally concerning food, water, and soil resources. Residues from pesticides can contaminate drinking water sources, leading to public health concerns. For example, chemicals such as glyphosate have been detected in water supplies, creating risks for both human health and aquatic ecosystems. In soil, improper application can disrupt microorganisms, resulting in a decline in soil health and fertility.
10b) To mitigate pesticide pollution, several measures can be implemented: implementing stricter regulations on pesticide application, promoting organic farming practices, and encouraging integrated pest management techniques to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.
The Impact of Pests on Cash Crops in Kenya
11a) Pests significantly impact cash crops in Kenya, affecting both yield and quality. For instance, the fall armyworm damages maize, leading to losses in food security and farmer income. Other pests such as aphids and whiteflies affect horticultural crops, making them unmarketable due to damage and disease transmission.
11b) Management strategies to mitigate pest infestation include employing IPM practices, using resistant crop varieties, and applying biopesticides as an alternative to synthetic chemicals. Furthermore, providing education and resources to farmers can enhance their ability to tackle pest challenges effectively.
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