Final Flashcards
Biological control in relation to pest management
The use of a natural predator to keep pest populations under control
- natural fungicides
How does pesticide resistance occur?
In a whole population some organisms may be resistant to the pesticide, survive, and then reproduce and increase in numbers
What is a pro and con of backyard chicken coops in cities?
Pro: families have sustainable source of food
Con: disease, regulation costs
What is roundup-ready canola? Or other crops?
It is a genetically modified crop that is resistant to the use of the roundup herbicide
What is the difference between rapeseed and canola?
Rapeseed had a poor taste and a green colour, canola was chosen for its low euric acid concentration
What percentage of euric acid can be present for it to be considered to canola oil?
Less than 2% euric acid
What kind of herbicide is roundup?
Glyphophate - broad spectrum and fast acting
What is a negative impact of glyphosphate herbicide?
Present in ground water and run-off
Who was Percy Schmeiser? Relation to roundup
Accused by Roundup of illegally planting their crops without a contract
- his crops were contaminated from neighbouring farms
- became an anti-GM activist
Why are the solutions to feeding the world’s population difficult?
Solutions come with severe environmental impacts
- monoculture, lack of diversity
What is intensification?
The increase in area used for crops within a predetermined area
What are the 6 As of food security?
Availability
Affordability
Adequacy
Acceptability
Accessibility
Agency
What are the consequences of major agriculture use?
Loss of biodiversity
Decrease water quality and quantity
Decrease soil quality and quantity
What is the green revolution?
Period of technology use that assisted in the increase in crop yield
Who was Norman Borlaug?
Father of the Green Revolution
What is the Borlaug hypothesis?
Increasing productivity of agriculture on the best farmland will decrease the need for deforestation of other potential farmland
Extensification
Bringing more land into production
Salinization
Increase in salt content of the soil
- consequence of green revolution
How much has energy input into agriculture increased since 1990?
800%
What is the main use and reason for extraction of freshwater worldwide?
Agriculture irrigation
What are 2 types of irrigation?
Conventional and drip
What is a benefit and downside to monoculture?
Pro: highly efficient output of crops
Cons: major biodiversity consequences; susceptible to disease
What are 3 concerns of of pesticides?
- toxic effects on humans and non-target animals
- cumulative effects
What is DDT?
An insecticide that was used in the states up until the 70s when it was banned
