Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 7.7 Relational diagram showing the variables of population dynamics simulation model of rice gundhi bug
7.19.1 Promotion of Resource
Conservation Technologies
7.19.2 Observation of Fields
and Orchards
Shrinking resource base due to anthropogenic
developmental activities is a major challenge
ahead for humanity. Conservation of natural
resources can be promoted by giving incen-
tives to the farmers who are adopting environ-
mental conserving pest management activities
such as organic farming, biocontrol, integrated
pest management, habitat conservation for
important insect pollinators, etc. Strategies for
adaptation and coping could benefi t from com-
bining scientifi c and indigenous technical
knowledge (ITK), especially in developing
countries where technology is least developed.
ITK is helpful to adapt the adverse effects of
changing climate, e.g., application of natural
mulches helps in suppression of harmful pests
and diseases besides moderating soil tempera-
tures and conservation of soil moisture.
Furthermore, study towards integrating indig-
enous adaptation measures in global adapta-
tion strategies and scientifi c research is
required.
Farmer Field School (FFS) should be started,
where farmers can learn more about pests and
their enemies and their management. Thorough
knowledge of the pest life cycle, the ecological
and behavioral interactions with the
environment, and natural management factors
is the basic foundation for successful manage-
ment strategies (Conlong and Rutherford
2009 ).
7.19.3 Increased Biodiversity
Natural pest control by the natural enemies
comes for free. A diverse fauna of enemy species
can successfully suppress pests (Cardinale et al.
2003 ). The sentence can be split into two as fol-
lows: Intercropping can attract natural enemies
(pull) and repel pests (push) (Cook et al. 2007 ).
Partial weediness (as long as weeds are not host
to pathogens or problematic pests), mulching,
and reduced tillage increases spider abundance.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search