Page 139 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

(c) Apply the weed management method(s) you selected.
(d) Observe how the method(s) work and how it affects crop growth.

(e) Record the following in your portfolio:

(i) Types of weeds observed
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
(ii) Management method(s) chosen and the reasons for your choice

(iii) What happened after applying the method(s)

(iv) The lessons learnt about managing weeds in a pigeon pea field.

Exercise 8.5

1. Farmers in a certain village decided to weed their pigeon pea fields only once
after planting. What problems might this cause, and how would they improve
their weed management plan?
2. Your friends plan to control weeds in their pigeon pea field by using hand-
weeding and mulching, but they are not sure how to apply it properly. How
would you guide them to carry out their plan well and get the best results?

3. You are planning to apply herbicide in your pigeon pea plot. What would you
consider and do before applying it?

Management of pests and diseases in pigeon pea

Pigeon pea, like other pulse crops, can be attacked by pests and diseases, resulting
in the reduction of yield and quality of the produce. Proper identification and timely
management of pests and diseases are important to protect the crop. Knowing
what is causing the damage helps you choose the right control method. Some
problems begin early in the season, while others appear during the flowering or
pod-setting stage.

Common pests in pigeon pea and their management
The most common pests affecting pigeon pea include pod borers, pod-sucking
bugs, aphids and bruchids.
Pod borers: These are one of the most damaging field pests. They are small
caterpillars that eat into flower buds and pods (Figure 8.4). Damaged pods may
have holes and black droppings. Pod borers are most active during flowering

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