Introduction to Pest Science

Pests u Interact with humans when they are finding food, fiber, shelter or space u Can be vectors for disease u Associated with all components of society u The whole biological spectrum is represented by pests

Pests Con’t u Entire biological spectrum represented u Proper identification is essential, without it control is not possible u Staggering amount of time, energy, and money is used to combat problems u Losses of food to our world food supply, is a disastrous

Plant Pests - Invertebrates (animals without backbones) u Insects - 3 body parts u Ticks, mites, & spiders - 2 body parts and 8 legs u Nematodes - unsegmented worms u Snails & Slugs - mollusks that prefer cool, moist surroundings

Plant pests - Weeds (“any plant growing out of place”) u Adapt will to local climates and soils u Compete with cultivated plants u Produce large amounts of seeds u Can remain dormant in soil for 20 years (seeds) u Persistent and difficult to eradicate

Plant Pests - Weeds con’t u Compete with plants for water, nutrients, light and space u Interfere with farming operations u Harbor insect and plant diseases u Can be toxic to livestock u Identification can be done by colored pictures

Plant Pests - Disease u Microscopic or Submicroscopic - difficult to identify u Must be identified by symptoms present u Bacteria, fungi and viruses are pathogens of higher plants