Control of Insect Pests: Use of Pesticides, Setting Traps, and Biological Control

Agricultural Science Primary 5 Second Term Lesson Notes

Week 10

Topic: Control of Insect Pests: Use of Pesticides, Setting Traps, and Biological Control

Behavioral Objectives

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

1. Outline the various methods of controlling pests.
2. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the biological method of pest control.
3. Carry out the various methods of pest control on the school farm.

Keywords

• Pest control
• Pesticides
• Biological control
• Traps
• Pest management

Set Induction

• Activity: Show pictures or videos of insects causing damage to crops. Ask the pupils how they think pests can be controlled and what methods they have heard of to control pests.
• Discussion: Introduce the concept of pest control and the different methods farmers use to protect crops from damage.

Entry Behavior

• Pupils have previously learned about pests, their classification, and the damage they cause to crops. This lesson will help them understand how pests can be controlled through various methods.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Pictures of pests and damaged crops
• Samples of pesticides (if available)
• Chart paper and markers
• Materials for setting traps (e.g., containers, bait)
• Examples of biological control methods (e.g., ladybugs for aphids)

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

• Pupils are already familiar with the damage pests cause to crops, and this lesson will help them explore practical ways to manage and control pests.

Embedded Core Skills

• Problem-Solving: Identifying suitable pest control methods for different situations.
• Collaboration: Working together to set traps and explore biological control methods.
• Communication: Discussing and presenting methods of pest control to the class.

Learning Materials

• Pictures of various pests and pest damage
• Pesticides and Sprayers (if applicable)
• Materials for traps (such as boxes, bait)
• Biological control agents (e.g., ladybugs, nematodes)

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

• Insect Traps
• Pesticides
• Biological Control Agents
• Pictures of Pest-Infested Crops

Content Breakdown

1. Methods of Controlling Pests

There are several methods for controlling insect pests on the farm. These include:

• Chemical Control (Pesticides):
  Pesticides are chemicals used to kill or repel pests. They are often sprayed on crops to protect them from pests.
  • Example: Insecticides to kill aphids on vegetable plants.
  • Advantages: Quick action, effective for large-scale infestations, easy to apply.
  • Disadvantages: Can harm beneficial insects, pollute the environment, and may affect human health if misused.
• Physical Control (Setting Traps):
  Traps are used to catch or kill pests. They can be simple, such as using containers with bait to attract pests, or more complex systems like sticky traps.
  • Example: Setting up traps to catch rodents or insects in the garden.
  • Advantages: Environmentally friendly, no chemicals involved, can target specific pests.
  • Disadvantages: May not be effective for large infestations, can be time-consuming to check and reset.
• Biological Control:
  Biological control involves using natural predators or parasites to control pest populations. This method relies on encouraging beneficial organisms that prey on pests.
  • Example: Introducing ladybugs to eat aphids, using nematodes to kill root-feeding pests.
  • Advantages: Environmentally friendly, sustainable, and safe for humans.
  • Disadvantages: May take time to be effective, not all pests have natural predators available, and biological control may be less effective in large pest outbreaks.

2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Biological Control

• Advantages:
  • Eco-friendly: Reduces the need for harmful chemicals.
  • Sustainability: Natural predators can maintain pest control over the long term.
  • Safety: Does not harm humans or other animals if done correctly.
• Disadvantages:
  • Slow action: Takes time for natural predators to build up enough numbers to control pests.
  • Limited application: Not all pests have effective biological control options.
  • Unpredictability: The natural balance may be disturbed if the predators themselves become pests.

3. Practical Application:

Pupils will engage in a hands-on activity to practice pest control methods on the school farm, including setting traps, applying pesticides (with teacher supervision), and using biological control agents like ladybugs or other natural predators.

Presentation Steps

1. Review Previous Lesson: Ask pupils to recall the different types of pests discussed earlier.
2. Introduce New Topic: Explain the methods of pest control, focusing on chemical, physical, and biological methods.
3. Demonstration: Show how traps are set up and how pesticides should be applied safely. If available, introduce biological control agents and explain their role.
4. Class Activity: Have pupils work in groups to set up traps and identify ways to control pests on the school farm. Demonstrate the proper use of pesticides.
5. Discussion: Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Encourage pupils to share their thoughts on which methods they find most effective and why.

Teacher’s and Learners’ Activities

• Teacher:
  • Introduces and explains different pest control methods.
  • Demonstrates how to set traps and apply pesticides.
  • Supervises the practical application of biological control agents.
• Learners:
  • Participate in group discussions to learn about pest control methods.
  • Work in groups to set traps and practice biological pest control.
  • Share their opinions on the advantages and disadvantages of different methods.

Assessment

• Evaluation Questions:
  1. What are pesticides, and how do they help in pest control?
  2. List two advantages of using biological control.
  3. Why is it important to set traps for pests in a farm?
  4. What is the disadvantage of using pesticides for pest control?
  5. Name one example of biological control and explain how it works.
• Class Activity Discussion:
  • Frequently Asked Questions:
    1. What should be done to ensure that pesticide use is safe for humans and the environment?
    2. How does the biological method of pest control help in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem?
    3. Why are traps considered an environmentally friendly method of pest control?

Conclusion

• Teacher’s Feedback: After the activity, evaluate students’ understanding by checking their responses to the questions and observing their practical work with the pest control methods. Provide feedback on their approach to using traps and pesticides safely.
• Recap: Summarize the different methods of pest control, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right method based on the type of pest and the size of the farm.

This lesson plan introduces Primary 5 pupils to pest control methods, allowing them to practice using traps, pesticides, and biological control methods on the school farm. It encourages hands-on learning and critical thinking about how best to manage pests while considering the environmental impact.