Pests vulnerability

Here, too, a better knowledge of their biochemical modes of action and of pest vulnerability and defenses will be indispensible. However these goals can be fully realized only if there is greater investment in research into pesticidal mechanisms and responses in target and non-target species. 

New Concepts in Pest Control - The Discovery of Pest Vulnerability. Further back in the chain of discovery, but of extreme importance for future developments, studies of pest biology, physiology and... 

The environment that plants experience includes the conditions in the soil as well as the "weather," or climate above ground. So mineral imbalances in the soil can be classified as environmental problems, just like drought or exposure to too much wind. Environmental problems can have direct effects, and also indirect effects they leave plants more vulnerable to attack from pathogens or pests. 

It is now known that there are many ways, other than direct toxicity, in which the use of a pesticide can adversely affect the population of a non-target organism. Suppose an insecticide is sprayed on a held to control a particular insect pest. The chances of any adult bird being directly sprayed are very low. More vulnerable are chicks, especially if they are fed insects that are dying from the insecticide exposure, ffowever, maybe the biggest problem will be the starvation of the insect-eating chicks, if the insecticide works well. Likewise, a herbicide that is not directly toxic to birds can remove the food source (weed seeds) from a bird population. 

All crop production, except protected cropping (for example, glasshouse, plastic covered), is vulnerable to the weather. Measures to combat frost and drought are common to most kinds of crop production wind protection (by shelter belts and so on) is practised for only a few crops (e.g. top fruit). In general, apart from choice of location, little can be done about solar radiation, rainfall or temperature. Problems with weeds, pests and diseases are also common to all crops but the remedies available to organic producers are much more limited than for conventional farmers. 

The traditional approach in the development of fungicides has involved large scale laboratory and greenhouse screening tests followed by closer examination of structurally related chemicals to optimize activity. More recently scientists have become aware that this type of assay system has limitations. There is a need to examine vulnerabilities in both the pest and the host, and to design... 

We will examine whether the small mammals vulnerable to predation will avoid fresh predator odors in their home ranges. For this purpose we place in the woods live traps that are scented with odors from red fox and wolf. This experiment teaches not only basic ecology, but also the very practical skill how to test potential chemical repellents for rodent pests. 

The pesticide label, Cooperative Extension Service recommendations, and other sources usually indicate a range of treatment intervals and dosages. By carefully observing the pest problem and applying chemicals when the pests are most vulnerable, you often will be able to use lower doses of pesticides and apply them less often. Over a long growing period, this can mean considerable savings in time, money, and total pesticide chemicals applied. 

When you are buying new plants, you can avoid a lot of future problems by choosing locally adapted plants or resistant cultivars. Plants that are native to an area are often less prone to problems because they are growing in the environment to which they are best adapted. Read about the plants you intend to buy, and avoid very pest-prone speeies. If you have your heart set on a plant that is especially vulnerable to some problem, consider buying a resistant cultivar if one is available. Look for this information in catalogs, or ask your local nursery owner or extension agent for more information on the plants best adapted to your area. 

Combining different controi methods that are effective against individual stages in a pest s life cycle can boost your success in keeping the pest from damaging plants. The codling moth, a serious pest of apples and other fruit trees, is a good example of a pest that is vulnerable to several types of controls. 

Try new cultivars. Just as plants are constantly changing, so are the pests. Plants that were once resistant may be vulnerable to pests that have adapted in order to feed on formerly resistant plants. 

Vulnerability of Pests Study and Exploitation for Safer Chemical Control... 

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