Page 105 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

get advice from an agricultural extension worker before using insecticides.
Keeping the field clean by removing weeds and plant remains can also reduce
their breeding places.

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Figure 6.4 (c): Pod-sucking bugs and their damage

Pod borers: These are caterpillars, usually green, that bore into pea pods and
feed on the seeds inside (Figure 6.4 (d)). Infested pods have holes, and this affects
the quality and number of seeds in the pods. Farmers can control pod borers by
hand-picking the caterpillars when they are seen and spraying the plants with
appropriate insecticide starting at the flowering stage. Avoid planting peas near
crops like maize or cotton, which may attract these pests.

Figure 6.4 (d): Pod borers and their damage

Bean fly: Bean fly is a small, shiny, metallic bluish-black fly destructive pest
of most food legumes (Figure 6.4 (e)). It lays eggs on young pea stems, and

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