Discover key crop protection practices in agriculture, focusing on efficient spraying and drenching methods that help manage pests and diseases while promoting healthy plant growth.
Which is the primary goal of targeted spraying in crop protection, such as applying insecticide only where pests are present?
Explanation: Targeted spraying is designed to minimize unnecessary chemical use by focusing only on affected areas, reducing costs and environmental impact. Increasing labor costs is generally not desirable. Attracting pollinators and changing soil pH are unrelated to the direct aim of targeted spraying.
In crop protection, what does 'drenching' involve when controlling soil-borne diseases?
Explanation: Drenching means administering a liquid treatment to the soil or root zone, allowing the solution to reach plant roots directly. Spraying over leaves addresses foliage pests, pruning removes infected plant parts, and using pesticides in the wind is ineffective and environmentally risky.
Which factor is most affected by the choice of nozzle during pesticide spraying in agriculture?
Explanation: Nozzle selection primarily determines the size of sprayed droplets, influencing coverage and reducing drift. Seed color, harvest timing, and storage temperature are unrelated to nozzle function in spraying practice.
Why is it important to apply fungicides at recommended growth stages of crops like wheat or rice?
Explanation: Applying fungicides at the right growth stage improves their effectiveness against diseases. It does not increase fertilizer need, delay maturity unnecessarily, or promote weed growth, which are unrelated goals.
What is a key safety practice when preparing sprayers for pesticide application?
Explanation: Using protective equipment helps prevent chemical exposure and health risks. Spraying on windy days increases drift, mixing with bare hands is unsafe, and storing with food supplies can cause contamination.