Physical, mechanical and cultural control of vegetable insects

Abstract

Pest control is as old as agriculture, as there has always been a need to keep crops free from pests in order to maximize food production. Historically, mechanical and cultural practices were the major methods used by farmers to prevent crop losses. Prior to the emergence of the plant protection sciences farmers evolved many cultural practices through trial and error experiences to minimize the damage caused by insect pests. In recent years pesticides have become the major method of pest control. Due to the problems related to the use of pesticides physical, mechanical and cultural controls serve as an alternative to the use of pesticides in an integrated pest management approach. Physical methods consist of thermal methods and electromagnetic radiation. Mechanical control refers to measures that involve the operation of machinery or manual operations such as the hand picking of insects from plants. Cultural control consists of modifications of standard agricultural practices such as time of planting and crop rotation. Examples of physical, mechanical and cultural control methods employed in the management of tropical vegetable pests and diseases are herein discussed.