Yield in India is mainly affected by the problems due to insects and pests. Cotton to which 45 per cent of the pesticides and 58 per cent of insecticides used in India.
Pest Management
Historical Developments in Pest Control and Management
Ascent of chemicals and pesticides: The forerunners of today’s chemical pesticide appeared early on in history.
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The Sumerians used sulphur to control insects and mites 2000 B.C. Biblical writings frequently refer to the plagues caused by locusts; remains of eating beetles were found in vases in King Tutankhamen’s tomb dating back to 1350 B.C. V the birth of Christianity, rituals were developed to control pests that caused havoc. Rom’ added many formulations with olive oil and sulphur for controlling pests pest management the Chinese showed high degree of sophistication growing out of their long experience with rearing silkworm moths.
Historical records exist that show the use of herbs, oils and ash to protect seeds and stored grains, as well as biological methods to control growth of caterpillars and beetles in citrus orchards, using predatory ants.
A large part of renewed interest in pest control grew as a result of dramatic growth in agriculture and improved crop production with improved irrigation methods and use of fertilizers. The discovery of organic pesticides and chemicals that could be easily manufactured – proved to be of great success and won the appreciation of the farmers.
The four groups of organic insecticides (organic chlorines, organo phosphates, carbonates, and pyre-throids) are in use of which DDT is the flagship chemical, and which fetches for its discoverer, Paul Mueller’s, the Nobel Prize.
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In a decade’s time, a gigantic industry for the manufacture of various insecticides was established in the industrially developed countries, which subsequently expended its base in the developing countries as well.