Adoption of Bio and Organic Amendments: A New Perspective in Crop Protection

Crop loss due to pest attack occurs regardless of the fact that a large quantity of pesticides is used annually. Use of chemical pesticides not only destroy the beneficial enemies but also alter the physiology of crop making more susceptible to pest attack. This chapter focuses on the scope and strategies of crop protection using bio-organic amendments with special reference to infestation of major pests, foliar disease and leaf productivity of mulberry. Massive utilization of inorganic fertilizers for a prolonged period leads to alteration of the soil chemical properties, the availability and uptake of nutrients by the plants. Several studies found that under water stress conditions, crops in organic agriculture systems produce significantly higher yields than comparable with other conventional crops using inorganic package and practices. Researchers have established that increase nitrogen levels in the tissues of the plants may decrease resistance and increase susceptibility to pest attacks. Although clarity is needed to establish the relationship between crop nutrition and pests, most studies have shown that insect pests like aphids and mites are more prone to nitrogen fertilizers. With relevant to above fact adoption of organic package and practices is needed for sustainable yield of crops as well as to provide exact nutrient requirements to the crop those prone to pest attack.

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