by Dr B Ngwene, AGCO

Crop protection is the one activity that keeps farmers busy for most of the growing season. It starts during land preparation and only ends when the harvest leaves the field.

The science and practice of managing plant diseases, weeds and other pests are two of the most important aspects of agronomy. If we don’t protect our crops properly, it can lead to yield losses of up to 100%. So here is a brief overview on combating each of these infestations.

Crop infestation: weeds, diseases and pests

A weed is any plant growing where it is not wanted or where it is out of place. It goes without saying that you need to start with a clean field at the outset. This can be achieved by using either a burndown herbicide application, tillage practice, or even physically removing the weeds where applicable. Plant diseases impair the normal functioning of a plant, interrupting or modifying its vital functions. They reduce photosynthesis and interfere with plant functions such as translocation. Fungi are the most important type of plant pathogens (causing diseases). However there are also viruses and bacterial infections.

Plant pests are organisms that cause damage to agriculture by feeding on crops, parasitising on livestock or that injure or kill cultivated plants. These organisms can include insects, animals and birds that cause reduction in crop yield and quality by feeding directly on the crop and/or transmitting diseases.

Crop protection: weed, disease and pest management

The control of weed, disease or pest infestation is easier and more effective when an intervention is effected early. First the weed/disease/pest needs to be identified in order to evaluate whether or not it can cause meaningful damage. Thereafter the ideal crop protection method can be applied. This can be for example mechanical (in weed control), trapping (pest control) or chemical (application of pesticides).

The packaging of synthetic pesticides is usually clearly marked: F for fungicide, H for herbicide, and I for insecticide. Pesticides can be divided into two groups: nonselective pesticide, for example glyphosate for weed control which burns down every plant on the field, and selective pesticides, for example herbicides can select broadleaf weeds in grass crops, and also grass weeds in broadleaf crops. Your local distributor should advise you on the product you need depending on the infestation you are confronted with. It’s important to note that when using chemical pesticides in agriculture, you are legally obligated to use them correctly and store them safely.

There is also the option to use agronomic practices to enhance crop protection. This may include crop rotation to break disease cycles, adjusting sowing dates, ensuring crop hygiene, applying a management programme, by planting resistant varieties, using certified seeds and applying the correct crop density. In conclusion, a diligent farmer scouts his field regularly to detect any invasions.

If you take crop protection seriously and employ all necessary steps to minimize any infestation; you are well on your way to a healthy yield.

For more information on AGCO’s fine equipment and agricultural courses, send an e-mail to Benard.Ngwene@agcocorp.com