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Arthropod Predators And Insect Pest Control
[A CASE STUDY OF MARKURDI BENUE STATE]
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
Arthropod
species occur from below the soil surface to the tree canopy. However,
only a small fraction are observed on a frequent basis because many are
microscopic or hidden below ground or plant tissue. Very few species are
classified as pest. Whether they feed on plants or plant produce invade
our homes, inflict painful bites or stings. Infect most insects and
other arthropods are beneficial and serve a variety of important
functions in the garden. The abundance of beneficial insects especially
predators is often limited in urban landscapes because these
environments typically are characterized by disturbance. Disturbance
factors include use of pesticides and other chemicals, air pollution and
wind-borne dust, all of which may increase mortality of beneficial
arthropods. Residential landscapes often lack adequate amounts of
essential resources such as food, nesting sites and shelter than enhance
reproduction and survival of natural enemies. Some common strategies
are employed to conserve them in residential landscapes and these
strategies may help reduce insecticide use and improve plant health by
enhancing natural control of arthropod pests.
Because many arthropod
pests are exotic the aim of classical biological control is to reduce
pest numbers by reuniting old enemies through importation of predators
from the area of insect pest origin. Lady beetles, green lace wings and
spiders are familiar examples of predator arthropods inhibiting
residential landscapes and gardens. In general, predators are larger
than their prey, consume many prey items during their life time and feed
on a broad range of species immature and/or adults may be predatory and
often do not leave behind any evidence of attack. However, these
arthropod predators often help to keep aphids, spider mites,
caterpillars and other insect pests under control.
1.2 Statement of the problem
Insects
came on this earth about 250 million years ago, whereas human beings
appear only one million years back, so in the real sense, human beings
are competitors of insects and not the reverse (Parabhoi, Sahu, &
Kumari, 2017). But as the human being sits at the top of the
evolutionary ladder, his life is effectively superior to that of any
other organism, and in that sense, the insects become competitors. A
pest is an organism whose activity causes it to be inimical to the
welfare of humans. Of the approximate total of 8 million insects,
roughly 2% constitute the pests, is the remainder being either useful or
harmless (Parabhoi, Sahu, & Kumari, 2017). But these 2% insects are
responsible for a crop loss of 10-15%. World food and fiber losses
caused by pests (principally insect pathogens and weeds) are estimated
to be about 40% of which 15% are attributable to insects and
mites.(Parabhoi, Sahu, & Kumari, 2017).
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ABSRACT - [ Total Page(s): 1 ]Insect pests are those insect species that are injurious or a nuisance. They cause injury or damage to crops in the field and grains in storage. Man and his domesticated animals are also attacked by insect pests. Arthropod predators belong to the phylum Arthropoda and are most times beneficial in the control of insect pests. Arthropod predators are members of the phylum Arthropoda which capture and feed on the prey. They are generally larger than their prey and kill or consume many prey during t ... Continue reading---
