Lesson 8-CONTROL OF PLANT PESTS & DISEASES

Types of Plant Enemies:
1. Pests & Insects
2 kinds:
a.) Chewing insects-bites -off portion of plants and swallow them up.
b.) Sucking insects- have tube-like sucking mouths used to suck plant juice.
2. Plant Diseases- refers to presence of pathogens & microorganisms in a normal plant & affects the normal functioning of a plant which can be seen through symptoms.

Types of Microorganisms which causes Diseases:
1. Bacteria-tiny living plants that can only be seen through microscope.
2. Fungi-spongy low plant form that grows on or within the tissue of host plant.
Ex. mildew,smuts & molds.
3.Viruses- a group of living microorganisms that causes infectious disease to its host either plant or animal.
4. Nematodes- all kinds of worms that feeds on plants.

Controlling Pest & Diseases:
1. Spray chemicals to kill both pests & infectious disease.
2. Burn infected plants.
3. Practice proper soil management.
4. Treat seeds with heat before planting them.
5.Prepare plants for planting in such a way that soil-borne pathogens are killed.

Safety Precautions in Spraying Chemicals:
1. Read manufacturers directions before using the chemicals.
2. Avoid being contact with chemicals especially the skin & eyes.
3. Avoid inhaling the chemicals.
4. Dispose the empty containers of chemicals properly.Spray cans must be cleaned after use.