5.4: Understand the Reasons for Pest Control and the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Pesticides and Biological Control with Crop Plants

*PEST CONTROL: Use of Pesticides (chemicals such as Fungicides, Herbicides and Insecticides) to control pests from consuming or damaging Plants

PESTICIDE	FUNCTION
FUNGICIDES	Kills Fungi
HERBICIDES	Kills Herbs
INSECTICIDES	Kills Insects

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ADVANTAGE AND DISADVANTAGES:

ADVANTAGE	DISADVANTAGE
Efficient as it is a quick method	Pests can develop resistance
Immediate effect	May kill other organisms - non-specific chemicals
Targets and kills the entire population	Toxic to food chain - bioaccumulation
	Need for continuous application

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*BIOLOGICAL CONTROL: Natural method to control pests using organisms that feed on pests

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ADVANTAGE AND DISADVANTAGES:

ADVANTAGE	DISADVANTAGE
Natural method	May kill other organisms - non-specific
No resistance	Time lag in effect
Ability to target specific species	Cannot kill the entire population
Long - lasting	Organism may be unadaptable to new environment and die
Efficient as minimal effort is required