DEPARTMENT OF AGRONOMY

FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE
FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF LAFIA
LAFIA

AGN 322: PRINCIPLES OF CROP PROTECTION1

1. INTRODUCTION

Crop protection refers to the practices and measures employed to protect crops from pests, diseases,
weeds, and other stresses that can reduce their yield and quality. In nature, plants and animals exist in
a dynamically balanced community. Under these conditions, the incidence of pest and diseases is rare.
This was the situation when man survived on hunting and collecting of fruits and roots for food.

The introduction of crop husbandry by man between 15,000 and 10,000 B.C. created one of the basic
causes of pest and disease development. The drastic and continual alteration of the ecological
conditions led to the disruption of the biological balance in nature. The clearing of small to large areas
of land which involve the destruction and alteration of natural vegetation and ecosystems, the
cultivation of crops and the selection of plants for yield and human acceptability, aggravated the
situation and led to the population explosion of pest and disease organisms. Also, intercontinental
transport and trade brought about the introduction and establishment of new pests and diseases from
other areas. Other factors that create pests and diseases include the introduction of new crops and
changes in human habits and economic conditions. For instance, as the standard of living of some
people rises, their taste and preference change. They are no longer willing to tolerate a few scales on
the skin of fruits or vegetables or new beetle or caterpillar holes.

The goal of the stimulating field of crop protection is to protect the food available for humans and
livestock. Plant pathogens, insects, weeds and vertebrate pests inhibit crop growth and could destroy
parts or entire fields and reduce yields before harvest, storage or consumption. Diseases, insects, weeds
and vertebrate pests together are estimated to be responsible for between 31-42 % crop loss globally.
These losses are usually higher in the developing than in the developed countries.

There are several principles of crop protection that are widely acknowledged and followed by farmers,
researchers, and agricultural experts. These principles include: Integrated Pest Management (IP),
Cultural Control, Biological Control, Chemical Control (Use of Pesticides), Resistant Varieties, Pest
and Disease Monitoring, Environmental Considerations, Regulatory Compliance and Education and
Training.

The management of plant pests and diseases limits the total land available for farming each year. It can
limit as well the kinds of crops that can be grown in fields already contaminated with certain
microorganisms e.g., Fusarium Tropical race 4. Every year millions of tons of pesticides for treating
seeds, fumigating soils, spraying plants and treatments are needed for postharvest fruits and vegetables.
It is therefore the responsibility and goal of crop protectionists to balance all the factors involved so
that the optimum amount of food can be produced with minimal side effects to people, livestock and
the environment.

1
Instructors: Professor MU Ukwela, Professor (Chief) AD Akpa fasi, fnspp, ksm, cik & A. Kayode.
2. EFFECTS OF DISEASES CAUSED BY FUNGI, BACTERIA, VIRUSES AND
NEMATODES

2.1 Effect of Fungal Diseases on Crops

Diseases caused by fungi can have significant negative effects on crops as follows:

Reduced Yield
Fungal diseases often lead to a decrease in crop yield. Fungi can infect various plant parts, including
leaves, stems, and roots, impairing the plant's ability to photosynthesize, absorb nutrients, and
produce healthy fruits or grains.

Quality Loss
Fungal infections can result in lower-quality crops. For example, fungal diseases can cause fruit
rot, mould, or discoloration, making the harvested produce unsuitable for sale or consumption.

Stunted Growth
Infected plants may experience stunted growth due to fungal damage to their root systems. This
can further reduce crop yields and overall plant health.

Increased Production Cost

Farmers often need to invest in fungicides and other control measures to manage fungal diseases.
These additional expenses can significantly impact their profitability.

Crop Loss
In severe cases, fungal diseases can lead to complete crop loss. Some fungal pathogens are highly
contagious and can spread rapidly throughout a field, destroying entire crops.

Long-term Soil Impact

Fungal diseases can leave a legacy in the soil. Some fungal pathogens can persist in the soil for
years, making it challenging to grow susceptible crops in affected fields in the future.

Biodiversity Impact
Fungal diseases can also affect the biodiversity of plant species. If a particular fungal pathogen
targets a specific crop, it can lead to a reduction in crop diversity in a region.

2.2 Effect of Bacterial Diseases on Crops

Bacterial diseases can have significant detrimental effects on crops as outlined below:

Reduced Yield
Bacterial diseases can lead to a decrease in crop yield. They can affect various parts of the plant,
such as leaves, stems, roots, and fruits, which can result in lower productivity.

Quality Loss
Bacterial infections can reduce the quality of crops by causing symptoms like rot, wilting,
discoloration, and deformities. This can make the affected crops unsuitable for sale or consumption.

Spread
Bacterial diseases often spread quickly, especially under favourable environmental conditions. This

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can result in the rapid spread of the disease within a field or to neighbouring fields, increasing the
overall crop loss.

Economic Impact
Crop losses due to bacterial diseases can have significant economic consequences for farmers and
the agricultural industry. The cost of managing and controlling these diseases can also be
substantial.

Development of Resistance
Over time, bacteria can develop resistance to the chemicals and antibiotics used to control them.
This can make it more challenging to manage bacterial diseases in crops.

Environmental Impact
Some methods used to control bacterial diseases, such as chemical pesticides, can have negative
environmental impacts. They may harm non-target organisms and contribute to pollution if not
used responsibly.

Food Security
Crop losses due to bacterial diseases can impact food security by reducing the availability of crops
for consumption. This can be particularly concerning in regions heavily dependent on agriculture
for food supply.

2.3. Effect of Viral Diseases on Crops

Viral diseases can have significant negative effects on crops, leading to reduced yields and
economic losses in agriculture.

Reduced Yield
Viral infections can cause stunted growth, reduced fruit or grain production, and overall decreased
crop yields.

Quality Decline
Viruses can affect the quality of agricultural products, leading to smaller or misshapen fruits,
discoloured leaves, or undesirable changes in taste and texture.

Crop Loss
Severe viral infections can result in complete crop loss in some cases, particularly when the virus
is highly virulent or when no resistant varieties are available.

Spread
Viral diseases can spread rapidly through infected plant material, insect vectors, or contaminated
farming equipment, contributing to the further spread of the disease.

Economic Impact
Crop losses due to viral diseases can lead to significant economic losses for farmers and agricultural
industries.

Increased Pest Vulnerability

Some viral infections weaken plants, making them more susceptible to other pests and diseases,
compounding the overall damage.

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Reduced Marketability
Infected crops may not meet quality standards and may have limited marketability, resulting in
decreased profits for farmers.

2.4 Effect of Nematode Diseases on Crops

Nematodes which are microscopic roundworms that parasitize plants induce diseases that can have
significant detrimental effects on crops, causing various types of damage:

Root Damage
Nematodes feed on plant roots, leading to reduced water and nutrient uptake. This can result in
stunted growth, wilting, and poor crop development.

Reduced Yield
Infected crops often produce lower yields due to the compromised root systems. This can impact
food production and agricultural profitability.

Quality Issues
Nematode-infested crops may exhibit symptoms such as yellowing leaves, distorted growth, and
lower fruit quality, making them less marketable.

Secondary Infections
Weakened plants are more susceptible to other diseases and pests, leading to additional crop losses.

Crop Rotation Challenges

Nematodes can persist in the soil for extended periods, making crop rotation less effective as a
control measure.

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