Plant Protection and Integrated Pest Management: ETL, Bio-control and Safe Spraying
Plant Protection and Integrated Pest Management tests pest and disease recognition, economic threshold level decisions, biological control, safe pesticide use and resistance management. The exam expects field-level judgement, not blanket spraying.
Core rules
- IPM follows a sequence: surveillance, cultural methods, mechanical methods, biological control and chemical control only when the pest crosses the economic threshold level.
- Know local examples: yellow rust in wheat, brown plant hopper in paddy, pink bollworm in cotton and aphid in mustard. Correct identification prevents a wrong spray.
- Choose a product registered with CIB&RC, read the label, follow the recommended dose, observe the pre-harvest interval and rotate modes of action.
- Conserve bio-control agents such as Trichogramma, NPV and neem-based products. Calibrate the sprayer before every use.
Worked example
A label recommends 2 mL/L and the sprayer tank holds 200 L. Product per tank = 2 × 200 = 400 mL. If the recommended spray volume is 500 L/ha, one tank covers 200 ÷ 500 = 0.4 ha. For 1.2 ha, the number of tanks is 1.2 ÷ 0.4 = 3, so product needed = 3 × 400 = 1,200 mL. The reasoning must show tank capacity, spray volume and area covered before the final quantity.
Traps that cost marks
Do not spray at the first insect sighting when the ETL has not been reached. Do not mix products unless the label permits it. Do not spray against the wind, ignore the pre-harvest interval, repeat the same mode of action, or spray open flowers when bees are active. Do not use expired product or a leaking nozzle.