Cultural and interference methods.

Abstract

This chapter describes the cultural method of insect pest control, which is affected by the manipulation of the environment in such a way as to render it unfavourable for the pest. This may be achieved through techniques such as crop rotation, hermetic storage systems, intercropping, manipulation of planting dates and management of field margins. The interference method of insect control is also described, which include the use of semiochemicals to disrupt insect communication, preventing colonization or mating, and the insect sterile technique which reduces the number of females that can successfully reproduce through interference with male fertility. Case studies are presented, dealing with the modification of habitat to control the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), a pest of cattle; the effects of crop rotation and tillage on the size of infestations of the black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon) in maize; the effect of sowing date on infestation and damage caused by the maize stalk borer (Busseola fusca) on maize in Ethiopia; the effect of plant density on populations of the cabbage root fly (Delia radicum) on four cruciferous crops (swede, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts) in UK; mating disruption for the control of the pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) in cotton; and control of Musca domestica in poultry units using autosterilization.