R2103 - Maintaining plant health

Question 1

1.1 Explain what is meant by different methods for pest and disease control to include: physical

State 2 benefits and 2 limitations

Describe ONE example of EACH method of control and how risks to people and the environment can be minimised.

Answer 1

Physical control is a material, mechanical or hand control where the weed, pest or disease is directly blocked or destroyed. Barriers: plastic sheets, fleece, fences, screens, cages Traps: pheromone, sticky, Deterrents: onions interplanted with carrots to deter carrot fly, Marigolds to deter white fly and aphids

Benefits:

• Most are environmentally friendly and do not damage the pest, plant or soil.
• Many prevent the pest reaching the plant
• Some such as fences and fruit cages can remain in place for many years with little or no maintenance

Limitations

• Some, such as fences and fruit cages, are expensive to set up
• A knowledge of the life cycle of the pest is required
• Barriers can make access to the crop difficult

Cages made out of mesh netting can be used to protect fruit crops, such as currants and raspberries, and prevent the fruit being taken by birds.

Risks and how minimise

• the risk to people could be the unsafe use of tools and equipment when putting up fences or cages.
• Ensure suitable protective clothing is worn, for example gloves and steel capped boots.

Question 2

1.1 Explain what is meant by different methods for pest and disease control to include: cultural

State TWO benefits and TWO limitations

Describe ONE example of EACH method of control and how risks to people and the environment can be minimised.

Answer 2

Cultural control is the use of good horticultural practices or a change to the growing environment, which results in better control of weeds, pests, diseases and plant disorders. Digging, rotavating, hoeing, hand weeding, crop rotation,

Question 3

1.1 Explain what is meant by different methods for
pest and disease control to include: chemical
State TWO benefits and TWO limitations

Question 4

1.1 Explain what is meant by different methods for
pest and disease control to include: biological
State TWO benefits and TWO limitations