Integrated Vector - Pest Control Methods prt 2

Environmental Control

practices that made the environment less favorable for the pests

Cultural control

techniques of environmental modification are manipulations of various cultural practices

Mechanical disturbance of the environment

involves heavy machinery to either eliminate habitats or make them unfavorable for harmful insects

Example of Mechanical disturbance of the environment

Manipulation of temperature and humidity conditions relatively near the soil surface

Sources of environmental control

1. irrigation

2. fertilizers

3. measures

4. reduction of alternative hosts

5. diversionary host

6. multiple cropping in agriculture

Irrigation

small pests such as aphids are easily washed off, and the pressure of swelling soil particles in saturated soils may kill soil insects

Fertilizers

Rapid growth shortens any susceptible plant growth stage (sanitary)

Man - made Measures

many man-made larval habitats such as disused water-storage pots and old vehicle tires can be removed as an approach for source reduction

Reduction of alternative hosts

vectors of human diseases often also feed on alternative hosts like deer which support large population of ticks

Diversionary hosts

weeds and even sacrificial crop plants can be used as traps, to divert a pest from the main crop area , and some animals can be used as traps for blood-feeding vectors

zooprophylaxis

animals used as traps for blood feeding vectors

Multiple cropping in agriculture

through growing several crops on one unit of land

Separation of pest / vectors and host in time and space

crop rotation normally reduce and delays attack

Vector transgenesis relies on

direct genetic manipulation of disease vectors making them incapable of functioning as vectors of a given pathogen

Transgenesis can be achieved by

exposing the pests / vectors to certain substances like gamma radiations, chemicals, use hybirdization, chromosomal recombination etc.

Sterile insects technique (SIT)

the induced mutation may targets the males only and should not affect the viability and competence of mutant males

Biological Control Methods

one of the oldest methods of pest control and is the use of other animals to reduce pest numbers

Biological Control depends on

1. Carnivores

2. microbes causing insect diseases

3. parasites that consume the pest / vector hosts

Advantages of biological control

1. selective with no side effects

2. non-polluting

3. can be cheap

4. self sustained method

5. development of resistance of pests is unlikely

Disadvantages of biological control

1. limits the subsequent use of pesticides

2. acts slowly

3. rarely eradicates the pest and may affect the food chain

4. Species-specificity

5. unpredictable

6. mass rearing and transportation

7. requires human support

8. require continuous follow up and monitoring

9. Non-native natural enemies may be imported

10. cross-boundaries and quarantine issues