Of the many hazards that can threaten crop yields, sucking pests are among the most damaging. These insects pierce the plants and suck nutrient-rich sap from them, causing considerable damage to crops. Examples of sucking pests include aphids, whiteflies, thrips, and mites.
Aphids, for instance, are small, soft-bodied insects that reproduce rapidly. They can multiply within a matter of days, especially in warm and humid conditions. As they feed on the sap, they can transmit plant viruses. Whiteflies, on the other hand, are small winged insects that cluster on the underside of leaves. They can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves, reducing plant growth and yield. Thrips, which are best known for damaging flowers, also attack crops by feeding on plant cells; they can stunt plant growth and cause fruits to be deformed. Lastly, mites, which are tiny arachnids, feed on plant cells, causing leaves to become discoloured and damaged.
Sucking pests have a significant impact on agriculture globally. They are responsible for billions of dollars in crop losses every year. Regardless of the scale of operations, farmers around the world can suffer significant production losses as a result of sucking pests infestations.
Fortunately, there are ways to manage the impact of sucking pests in the field. Chemical pesticide use is an option, but it can harm the environment, soil and water resources, and human health. A few options for natural control include the following:
– Use of beneficial insects: The use of beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps can help control pests. These insects feed on the sucking pests, reducing their population. Many insects such as ladybugs can be purchased online and released in the field.
– Crop rotation: When crops are rotated every season, it becomes more difficult for pests to establish a permanent home. Diverse crops also attract different insects, making it less likely that sucking pests will congregate in the same area.
– Use of cover crops: The use of cover crops, such as clover, can serve as a habitat for beneficial insects and boost soil nutrients. Farmers can also plant these crops to distract insects from their main crops, reducing pest damage.
– Use of neem oil: This is an organic pesticide known to be effective in reducing sucking pests. It disrupts the insects’ feeding, disrupting their life cycle.
In conclusion, sucking pests can have devastating effects on crops. However, as explained above, there are several natural methods of controlling their populations. Farmers can experiment with any of the options above to see which works best for their operation. A reduction in sucking pests means a healthier, more productive crop and an increased likelihood of success.