Revise: Crop protectionInvertebrate pests

Farmers need to protect their crops against damage caused by weeds, pests and disease. To do this, they use cultural and chemical control methods. However, there are disadvantages to consider for each of these methods.

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Invertebrate pests

Invertebrates cause damage to leaves and in turn reduce the yield and vigour of the crop. Invertebrates that attack crops are commonly one of the following:

  • molluscs - slugs and snails
  • nematodes - microscopic worms, some of which can establish as parasites
  • herbivorous insects - for example aphids

Some invertebrate pests can also carry plant diseases that can be caused by fungi, bacteria or viruses that lower crop yield and productivity.

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