Explore diverse techniques and considerations for managing pest larvae in organic agriculture, with scenarios focused on eco-friendly practices and decision-making.
In a tomato field infested with caterpillar larvae, which certified organic method is most commonly used to directly target the pest population without synthetic chemicals?
Explanation: Releasing natural predators, such as Trichogramma wasps, effectively controls caterpillar larvae by parasitizing the eggs, aligning with organic standards. Chemical insecticides are not permitted in certified organic systems. Flooding is rarely effective for tomato pests and wastes resources. Genetically modified crops are excluded from organic production.
A farmer growing cabbage wants to prevent moth larvae from damaging crops. Which physical control is both organic-approved and effective?
Explanation: Floating row covers provide a physical barrier that prevents moths from laying eggs on cabbage, thus limiting larvae presence. Petroleum jelly is not a recommended or practical option. Bleach is not approved for direct plant application. Sticky traps mostly target adult winged pests and are less useful against larvae.
When cucumber plants are threatened by beetle larvae, which botanical treatment is permitted in organic systems and functions as a deterrent?
Explanation: Neem oil is a botanical extract certified for use in organic production and disrupts insect feeding and growth. Synthetic pyrethroids and glyphosate are prohibited in organic farming. Mothballs are both ineffective and unsafe for food crops.
In organic farming, which cultural technique can reduce emergence of soil-borne insect larvae affecting carrot crops?
Explanation: Crop rotation interrupts the life cycle of soil-borne pests by removing their preferred hosts, which helps reduce larvae populations. Plastic mulch with pesticides is not allowed in organic systems. Excess nitrogen does not control pests and may worsen plant stress. Retaining crop debris encourages pest carryover.
A grower faces leaf-eating larvae in an organic lettuce plot. Which microbial larvicide is widely approved and targets caterpillars specifically?
Explanation: Bt is a natural bacterium used as a microbial larvicide in organic systems, effective against caterpillars while safe for beneficial insects. Malathion is a synthetic chemical disallowed in organic agriculture. Caffeine sprays lack efficacy and approval. Sulfur is mainly used for fungal disease control, not caterpillar larvae.