Classification of Insect Pests: Piercing and Sucking Insect Pests, etc

Agricultural Science Primary 5 Second Term Lesson Notes

Week 8

Topic: Classification of Insect Pests: Piercing and Sucking Insect Pests, Burrowing and Boring Insect Pests

Behavioral Objectives

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

1. Classify insect pests according to their mouth parts.
2. Outline examples of insects in each group.
3. Justify the reason for classification.

Keywords

• Insect pests
• Piercing and sucking
• Burrowing and boring
• Classification
• Mouthparts

Set Induction

• Activity: Show pictures of different insects found on plants, such as aphids, grasshoppers, and termites. Ask the pupils if they know what these insects do to crops.
• Discussion: Engage pupils in a brief discussion on why insects are harmful to crops, introducing the concept of pest classification based on mouthparts.

Entry Behavior

• Pupils have prior knowledge of the general concept of pests and their effects on crops from previous lessons.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Pictures of various insect pests (e.g., aphids, grasshoppers, termites, weevils)
• Chart paper for classification
• Model of insect pests (optional)

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

• Pupils have learned about the general concept of pests and their negative effects on crops.
• The lesson will connect this knowledge with the classification of pests based on their mouthparts and their respective impacts on plants.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical Thinking: Analyzing and classifying different types of insect pests.
• Collaboration: Working in groups to identify pests and categorize them.
• Communication: Sharing observations and reasoning about classification with classmates.

Learning Materials

• Chart Paper
• Markers
• Insect pest images or models
• Classroom board

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

• A chart showing the classification of insect pests
• Pictures or videos of piercing, sucking, burrowing, and boring pests

Content Breakdown

1. Classification of Insect Pests

Insects can be classified based on the structure of their mouthparts. There are four main types of insect pests based on mouthparts:

1. Piercing and Sucking Insect Pests:
   These insects have long, sharp mouthparts that allow them to pierce the surface of plants and suck up the sap or juices.
   Examples:
   • Aphids: Small insects that suck sap from plant leaves.
   • Whiteflies: Insects that feed on the underside of leaves.
   • Mealybugs: Small, soft insects that also suck plant sap.
   • Leafhoppers: These insects pierce plant stems and leaves to suck sap.
2. Burrowing and Boring Insect Pests:
   These insects use their mouthparts to burrow or bore into plants, causing damage to the stems, roots, or fruits.
   Examples:
   • Termites: Insects that burrow into wood and other plant parts.
   • Stem Borers: Insects that burrow into plant stems, weakening the plant.
   • Root Borers: These pests attack the roots of plants, affecting plant growth.
   • Wood Boring Beetles: Insects that burrow into the wood of trees.

2. Justification for Classification

Classifying insect pests by their mouthparts helps farmers and agricultural scientists:

• Identify the pest easily: Understanding the mouthpart structure allows for quick identification of the type of pest.
• Apply appropriate control methods: Different pests require different pest control methods. For example, piercing and sucking pests can be controlled with insecticidal sprays, while burrowing pests may require soil treatment or the removal of infested plant parts.
• Understand their behavior: It helps to predict how these pests will behave on different crops and which parts of the crop they will attack.

Presentation Steps

1. Review Previous Lesson: Briefly revise the topic of pests and their effects on crops. Ask pupils to recall the pests they learned about earlier.
2. Introduce the New Topic: Introduce the classification of insect pests, explaining the different types based on mouthparts. Use visuals and examples to explain each category.
3. Student Participation: Ask pupils to name other examples of piercing and sucking pests and burrowing and boring pests they may have observed or heard about.
4. Discussion: Discuss the importance of classifying pests and how it helps farmers manage pest problems effectively.

Teacher’s and Learners’ Activities

• Teacher:
  • Presents information on the classification of insect pests.
  • Encourages students to participate by asking for examples of pests.
  • Uses visual aids like pictures and charts for better understanding.
• Learners:
  • Classify insects into piercing and sucking, or burrowing and boring categories.
  • Participate in a class discussion on why classification is important for pest control.
  • Work in pairs or groups to match insects with their classification.

Assessment

• Evaluation Questions:
  1. Define piercing and sucking insect pests.
  2. Give two examples of burrowing and boring insect pests.
  3. Why is it important to classify insect pests based on their mouthparts?
  4. List two piercing and sucking insect pests.
  5. What is the role of the mouthparts of an aphid in its feeding behavior?
• Class Activity Discussion:
  • Frequently Asked Questions:
    1. What makes an insect a piercing and sucking pest?
    2. Can an insect be both burrowing and boring? Give an example.
    3. How can knowing the type of pest help in controlling it?
    4. Why do farmers need to know which pests attack the roots of plants?

Conclusion

• Teacher’s Feedback: Mark students’ responses to ensure they understand the classification of pests and their importance. Offer corrective feedback where necessary.
• Recap: Summarize the lesson by reiterating the classification of insect pests and the significance of identifying pests according to their mouthparts for effective pest control.

This lesson plan focuses on helping Primary 5 pupils understand the classification of insect pests based on their mouthparts and the significance of this knowledge in pest control. The approach uses visual aids, examples, and class activities to enhance learning.

MEANING, TYPES AND CLASSIFICATION OF PESTS