What are crop pests and how can they be identified, controlled, and prevented?

Here are the solutions to your questions:

1. Define the term 'crop pest': A crop pest is any organism that causes damage to crops, reducing their yield or quality.

2. Identify the damage caused and the pest that has caused it:

   • a) Damage: Root damage, stunted growth. Pest: Nematodes (or root borers).
   • b) Damage: Chewed leaves, holes in leaves. Pest: Caterpillars (or grasshoppers).
   • c) Damage: Damage to corn cob/fruit. Pest: Corn earworm (or stem borer).

3. Identify the methods used to control the pests below:

   • a) Cutworms: Hand-picking, protective collars around seedlings, applying insecticides.

4. Farmer were asked to introduce an insect that would help to control a crop pest.

   • a) Identify the insect: Ladybug (or parasitic wasp).
   • b) Name the crop pest controlled: Aphids (if the insect is a ladybug).

5. Milkah used ash to control pests. Write two ways in which ash is useful in controlling pests.

   • • Ash acts as a physical barrier and irritant to soft-bodied pests like slugs and snails.
   • • When dusted on plants, the fine particles of ash can deter some insects from feeding or laying eggs.