Adoption of Bio and Organic Amendments: A New Perspective in Crop Protection

Crop loss due to pest attack occurs regardless of the fact that a large quantity of pesticides is used
annually. Use of chemical pesticides not only destroy the beneficial enemies but also alter the
physiology of crop making more susceptible to pest attack. This chapter focuses on the scope and
strategies of crop protection using bio-organic amendments with special reference to infestation of
major pests, foliar disease and leaf productivity of mulberry. Massive utilization of inorganic fertilizers
for a prolonged period leads to alteration of the soil chemical properties, the availability and uptake of
nutrients by the plants. Several studies found that under water stress conditions, crops in organic
agriculture systems produce significantly higher yields than comparable with other conventional crops
using inorganic package and practices. Researchers have established that increase nitrogen levels in
the tissues of the plants may decrease resistance and increase susceptibility to pest attacks. Although
clarity is needed to establish the relationship between crop nutrition and pests, most studies have
shown that insect pests like aphids and mites are more prone to nitrogen fertilizers. With relevant to
above fact adoption of organic package and practices is needed for sustainable yield of crops as well
as to provide exact nutrient requirements to the crop those prone to pest attack.