Damages Caused by Pests Agricultural Science Primary 5 Second Term

Agricultural Science Primary 5 Second Term Lesson Notes

Week 9

Topic: Damages Caused by Pests

Behavioral Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Identify the damages caused by pests on crops.
2. Describe the types of damages pests cause on crops.
3. Provide solutions on how to avoid pest damage.

Keywords

• Pest damage
• Crop destruction
• Pest control
• Plant health
• Solutions

Set Induction

• Activity: Show pictures of crops that are infested with pests. Ask pupils what they think happened to the crops, and if they have seen any similar damage on plants in the school or at home.
• Discussion: Briefly introduce the idea of pests and their harmful effects on crops. Explain that pests are responsible for a lot of damage to plants, affecting the yield and quality of produce.

Entry Behavior

• Pupils have previously learned about pests and their classification. They should be familiar with the idea that pests can harm crops and reduce agricultural productivity.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Pictures of damaged crops (e.g., leaves with holes, wilting plants, stunted growth)
• Chart paper for group discussions
• Insect models or pictures of pests (optional)

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

• Pupils have learned about the effects of insect pests and how they can damage plants. This lesson will build on that knowledge by focusing on the specific types of damage pests cause and how to prevent it.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical Thinking: Analyzing the effects of pests on crops and finding solutions.
• Collaboration: Working together to discuss different pest damages and ways to avoid them.
• Communication: Sharing thoughts and ideas on pest control with peers and the teacher.

Learning Materials

• Pictures of pest damage (e.g., damaged crops, insects on leaves)
• Chart Paper and Markers
• Insect Models (if available)

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Agricultural Science for Primary Schools by M. O. Oyebanji
• Principles of Agricultural Science by G. O. Olawoye

Instructional Materials

• Pictures of Damaged Crops
• Chart Paper for Group Work
• Visual Aids of Pests and their Damages

Content Breakdown

1. Types of Damage Caused by Pests on Crops

Pests can cause various types of damage to crops. The types of damage depend on the type of pest and the part of the plant they attack. Common damages include:

• Feeding Damage: Pests like aphids, caterpillars, and grasshoppers feed on the leaves, stems, and roots of plants. This leads to holes in the leaves, stunted growth, and wilting.
  • Example: Grasshoppers feeding on young maize plants can cause the leaves to have holes and become weak.
• Fruit Damage: Some pests, like fruit flies and weevils, attack the fruit, causing it to rot or fall prematurely.
  • Example: Fruit flies can cause mangoes to rot from the inside, making them unfit for consumption.
• Root Damage: Certain pests, such as root borers, attack the roots of plants, weakening the plant and reducing its ability to take in water and nutrients.
  • Example: Termites and root borers destroy the roots of cassava plants, causing the plants to wither and die.
• Transmission of Diseases: Some pests are vectors for plant diseases. For example, mosquitoes and aphids carry viruses and bacteria that infect plants.
  • Example: Aphids can transmit the cucumber mosaic virus, which affects cucumbers and other vegetables.

2. Description of the Damages

• Leaves and Stems: When pests feed on the leaves or stems, they cause physical damage that makes the plant unable to perform photosynthesis effectively. This stunts plant growth, reduces yield, and can eventually kill the plant.
• Fruits and Flowers: Damage to fruits and flowers by pests leads to decreased harvests. Fruits may be deformed, spoiled, or prematurely fallen off the plant.
• Roots: Damage to the root system compromises the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, leading to poor growth or plant death.
• Soil and Surroundings: Some pests, like termites, may also affect the soil quality and structure, making it harder for crops to grow well.

3. Solutions to Avoid Pest Damage

Preventing pest damage is critical to maintaining healthy crops. Here are some effective methods:

• Use of Pesticides: Insecticides and other chemical controls can be sprayed on crops to kill or repel pests. However, it is important to use them responsibly to avoid harming beneficial insects.
• Crop Rotation: Rotating crops each season prevents pests from building up in the soil and makes it harder for pests to find their preferred food.
• Physical Barriers: Netting, row covers, or protective fences can keep pests away from the plants. For example, using nets to protect fruits from birds and insects.
• Handpicking and Trapping: For small-scale farms, pests can be physically removed by hand or trapped to reduce their numbers.
• Encouraging Beneficial Insects: Some insects, like ladybugs, feed on harmful pests like aphids. Encouraging these insects can help control pests naturally.
• Proper Farm Hygiene: Keeping the farm clean by removing dead plants and debris can reduce the chances of pests taking shelter on the farm.

Presentation Steps

1. Review Previous Lesson: Ask pupils to recall the different types of pests discussed in earlier lessons. Discuss their general effects on crops.
2. Introduce New Topic: Present the various types of damage caused by pests on crops. Use pictures and examples to explain each type of damage.
3. Discussion and Group Work: Divide the class into small groups and ask each group to discuss the types of damage pests cause and suggest ways to avoid them.
4. Class Sharing: Ask groups to share their ideas with the class. Discuss any additional solutions or ideas they might have missed.

Teacher’s and Learners’ Activities

• Teacher:
  • Introduces the topic of pest damage using visuals.
  • Facilitates group discussions on pest control solutions.
  • Provides feedback and corrections during class activities.
• Learners:
  • Identify the types of damage caused by pests based on visuals.
  • Work in groups to discuss solutions to pest damage.
  • Share their findings and solutions with the class.

Assessment

• Evaluation Questions:
  1. What damage do aphids cause to crops?
  2. Explain how termites damage crops.
  3. List two solutions to avoid pest damage.
  4. How does pest damage to roots affect plant growth?
  5. What is the effect of fruit flies on mango crops?
• Class Activity Discussion:
  • Frequently Asked Questions:
    1. How can crop rotation help in preventing pest damage?
    2. What can farmers do to protect fruits from insects without using chemicals?
    3. Why is it important to remove dead plants from the farm?
    4. What are some natural ways to control pests on the farm?

Conclusion

• Teacher’s Feedback: Assess students’ understanding by checking their responses to questions and providing corrective feedback.
• Recap: Summarize the lesson by highlighting the types of pest damage and the solutions that can be applied to avoid such damages. Remind students of the importance of taking action to protect crops from pests.

This lesson plan focuses on identifying, describing, and finding solutions to the damages caused by pests on crops. It aims to equip Primary 5 pupils with knowledge about the consequences of pest infestation and practical methods to prevent pest-related issues.