Discuss eight economic importance of insect pests in crop production
Explanation
Eight economic importance of insect pests in crop production include the following:
(i) Insect pests reduce the quality of crops either in the field or in the store.
(ii) They destroy crops in the field through their biting chewing, sucking and burrowing activities.
(iii) They reduce the yield and may even lead to total crop failure. (iv) Farmers profits are drastically reduced.
(v) Cost of production is increased as large sum of money is expended on their control
(vi) There is also reduction in viability of stored produce.
(vii) They are disease carrying agents (or vectors).
(viii) They render vegetables and fruits unattractive and unmarketable.