HOW TO USE

COMPETENCY BASED LEARNING MATERIALS

Welcome to the Module “Control Weeds”. This module

contains training materials and activities for you to complete.
The unit of competency “Control Weeds” contains the
knowledge, skills and attitudes required in pest management. It
includes identifying, classifying, determining in controlling
weeds.
In this module, you are required to go through a series of
learning activities in order to complete each learning outcomes
of the module. In each learning outcome there are Information
Sheets, Self-Checks, Task Sheet and Job Sheets. Do these
activities on your own. Answer the Self-Check and perform the
task sheet or job sheet at the end of each learning activity.

This module was prepared to help you achieve the required

competency, in Control Weeds. This will be the source of
information for you to acquire knowledge and skills in this
particular trade independently and at your own pace, with
minimum supervision or help from your trainer.

 Talk to your trainer and agree on how you will both

organize the Training of this unit. Read through the
module carefully. It is divided into sections, which cover all
the skills, and knowledge you need to successfully
complete this module.

 Work through all the information and complete the

activities in each section. Read information sheets and
complete the self-check. Suggested references are included
to supplement the materials provided in this module.

 Most probably your trainer will also be your supervisor or

manager. He/she is there to support you and show you the
correct way to do things.

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  Your trainer will tell you about the important things you
need to consider when you are completing activities and it
is important that you listen and take notes.

 You will be given plenty of opportunity to ask questions

and practice on the job. Make sure you practice your new
skills during regular work shifts. This way you will improve
both your speed and memory and also your confidence.

 Talk to more experience workmates and ask for their

guidance.

 Use the self-check questions at the end of each section to

test your own progress.

 When you are ready, ask your trainer to watch you

perform the activities outlined in this module.

 As you work through the activities, ask for written

feedback on your progress. Your trainer keeps feedback/
pre-assessment reports for this reason. When you have
successfully completed each element, ask your trainer to
mark on the reports that you are ready for assessment.

 When you have completed this module (or several

modules), and feel confident that you have had sufficient
practice, your trainer will arrange an appointment with
registered assessor to assess you. The results of your
assessment will be recorded in your competency
Achievement Record.

At the end of this module is a Learner’s Diary. Use this diary

to record important dates, jobs undertaken and other workplace
events that will assist you in providing further details to your
trainer or assessor. A Record of Achievement is also provided for
your trainer to complete once you complete the module. If you

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have questions, don’t hesitate to ask your trainer for assistance.
Your trainer will always be available to assist you during the
training.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You have already some basic knowledge and skills covered in
this module because you have:
 Been working for some time
 Already complete training in this area

If you can demonstrate competence to your trainer in a particular

skill, talk to him/her about having them formally recognized so
you don’t have to do the same training again. If you have a
qualification or Certificate of Competency from previous
trainings, show it to your trainer. If the skills you acquired are
still current and relevant to the unit/s of competency that may
become part of the evidence you can present it for RPL. If you
are not sure about your competence skills, discuss this with your
trainer.

AGRICULTURAL CROPS PRODUCTION NCIII

COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING MATERIALS

List of Competencies
No. Core Competencies Module Title Code
Prepare land for Preparing land for AGR611310
1. agricultural crop agricultural crop
production production
Implement post- Implementing post- AGR611311
2.
harvest program harvest program
Implement plant Implementing plant AGR611312
3.
nutrition program nutrition program

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4. Control weeds Controlling weeds AGR611313
Prepare and apply Preparing and apply AGR611314
5.
chemicals chemicals
Establish agronomic Establishing AGR611320
6.
crops agronomic crops
Undertake agronomic Undertaking AGR611321
7. crop maintenance agronomic crop
activities maintenance activities
Undertake agronomic Undertaking AGR611322
8. crop harvesting agronomic crop
activities harvesting activities
Save, prepare and Saving, preparing and AGR611323
9. store agricultural seed storing agricultural
seed
Implement vertebrate Implementing AGR611324
10. pest control program vertebrate pest control
program

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 MODULE CONTENT

QUALIFICATION: AGRICULTURAL CROPS PRODUCTION NC

III

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: CONTROL WEEDS

MODULE TITLE: CONTROLLING WEEDS

MODULE DESCRIPTOR: This module covers the skills,

knowledge and attitudes required to control weeds, taking into
consideration integrated pest management options.
Implementation is likely to be under limited supervision from
others with checking only related to overall progress.
Responsibilities for and limit organization of the work of the
others may be involved. Implementation requires the application
of knowledge in areas such as weed recognition, biology and
control, and the lifecycles of weeds predators and hosts.

NOMINAL DURATION: 40 hours

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this module, you MUST be able to:
1. Assess weed infestation
2. Plan the implementation of control measures
3. Implement control measures
4. Monitor control methods

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
 Scope, density and size of the infestation are assessed based
on farm work procedures.
 Weeds and beneficial organisms are identified and reported or
recorded in field notes in accordance with crop production
manuals.
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 Levels of weed infestations tolerated by the client, market or
environment are identified in accordance with the integrated
pest management (IPM) strategy.
 Infestation levels, above which plant health or growth
objectives are compromised, are identified in accordance with
crop production manuals.
 Professional advice is obtained as required according to
enterprise guidelines.
 Control measures suitable for the infestation are selected in
accordance with the IPM strategy.

 Tools, equipment and implements are selected for each work

activity according to enterprise work procedures.

 OHS hazards are identified, risks assessed, controls

implemented and reported to the supervisor in accordance
with OHS requirements and procedures.
 Suitable safety equipment and personal protective equipment
(PPE) are selected, used, maintained and stored in accordance
with OHS requirements and procedures.
 Control measures are selected in full consideration of
environmental implications based on environmental policies
and procedures.

 Enterprise work team, contractors and IPM product suppliers

are coordinated in a sequential, timely and effective manner in
consultation with the supervisor and following farm work
procedures.
 Control measures are implemented according to the IPM
principles (e.g. water management for rice) and OHS
requirements.
 A clean and safe work area is maintained throughout and on
completion of each work activity according to OHS
requirements.
 Land is prepared to ensure weed elimination in accordance
with farm work procedures.

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 Records are maintained as required by legislation and
enterprise guidelines.

 Control methods are monitored to identify side effects to other

plants, animals or external environment in accordance with
farm work procedures.

 Effectiveness of control methods are assessed in reference to

specified industry and enterprise standards.

 Adjustments to IPM control methods are implemented where

necessary to meet enterprise specifications.

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 LEARNING OUTCOME NO. 1
Assess weeds infestation

Contents:

1. Types of weeds
2. Beneficial organisms in controlling weeds
3. IPM principles

Assessment Criteria

 Scope, density and size of the infestation are assessed based

on farm work procedures
 Weeds and beneficial organisms are identified and reported
or recorded in field notes in accordance with crop
production manuals.
 Levels of weed infestations tolerated by the client, market or
environment are identified in accordance with the integrated
pest management (IPM) strategy.
 Infestation levels, above which plant health or growth
objectives are compromised, are identified in accordance
with crop production manuals.
 Professional advice is obtained as required according to
enterprise guidelines

Conditions

The students/trainees must be provided with the following:

 Workplace with a range of weeds

 Tools, equipment and materials for controlling weeds
(herbicides, prayer, weeder, gardening implements, etc.)
 Enterprise procedures, workplans relevant to weed control
 IPM manual

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Assessment Method:

1. Direct observation
2. Interview
3. Written exam

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 Learning Experiences

Learning Outcome 1
Assess weed infestation

Learning Activities Special Instructions

Read information sheet 4.1-1 Read and understand the
“Types of weeds” information sheet and check
yourself by answering the Self-
check.
Answer Self- check 4.1-1 Check and compare your
answer using Answer Key 4.1-
1
Perform task sheet 4.1-1 Evaluate performance using
“Types of weeds” evaluation checklist

Read information sheet 4.1-2 Read and understand the

“Beneficial organisms in information sheet and check
controlling weeds” yourself by answering the Self-
check.
Answer Self- check 4.1-2 Check and compare your
answer using Answer Key 4.1-
2
Read information sheet 4.1-3 Read and understand the
“IPM principles” information sheet and check
yourself by answering the Self-
check.
Answer self- check 4.1-3 Check and compare answer to
the answer key 4.1-3

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 Information Sheet 4.1-1
TYPES OF WEEDS

Learning Objectives:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST
be able to identify and classify the types of weeds.

A weed is a plant considered undesirable in a

particular situation, growing where it is not wanted. The
concept of weeds is particularly significant in agriculture,
where the aim is growing crops or pastures of a single
species, or a mixture of a few desired species. In such
environments, other plant species are considered
undesirable and therefore weeds. Besides, some weeds have
undesirable characteristics making them a plant pest in
most human settings.

Classification of Weeds based on their life span

A. PERENNIAL WEEDS
 Live for more than 2 years and may live almost
indefinitely
 Propagate through seeds, underground stem, roots,
rhizomes, tubers, and hence.

1. Asiatic bittersweet is a perennial

weed that has small, orange berries.
Round yellow fruits and red berries
can identify it. it’s quite invasive
and can cause major problems for
both homes and garden spaces.

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2. Bindweed is a perennial weed
identified by its bright green, hairless
stems and arrowhead-shaped leaves
with scalloped edges. Flowers are
white and appear in clusters near the
middle of the plant.

3. Canada Thistle is a perennial weed

that spreads by seed. It has its
origins in Europe but was introduced
to America in the 16th Century,
among other agricultural shipments.
Thistle is very common and
is identifiable as a weed by its purple spiky flowers.

4. Chickweed is a low-growing winter

weed that can establish in cool
weather and cause damage to crops
early in the growing season. There
are two species of Chickweed, namely
the Common Chickweed and Sticky
Chickweed. This weed is also a common problem for
landscape and turf grasses.

5. Clovers are perennial weeds

easily identified by their trifoliate
leaves. They flower during late
summer and early fall,
producing white or pink flowers.

6. Crabgrass has smooth stems with

circular grooves on them. The
leaves are long and thin, resemble
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 blades of grass, and have notches at their base where they
attach to the stem. The leaves are usually yellowish-green to
lime green in color, making them reasonably easy to spot.

7. Curly dock is a perennial weed

that prefers moistened soils.
They grow in pastures,
roadsides, and crop fields. Curly
docks have a membranous
sheath and bulging stem joints.
These leaves grow two to five
feet in length with wavy edges. Flowers of curly dock appear
in clusters on stalks which develop at the top of the leaves.

8. Smooth Brome is a perennial

weed identified by its long,
smooth leaves. It grows in
almost any climate, is
considered a major invasive
species, and chokes native plant
life. If you’re unsure whether
you have Smooth Brome, look
for its compact seed heads that
stay on top of the stems and are
about four to six inches long.
Smooth Brome is good forage
for livestock. This weed is not tolerant to floods, and you
can eradicate it much more efficiently by spot treating with
a more selective herbicide.

9. Knapweed is a perennial
weed that infests vegetable
gardens and native grasses.
Knapweed prefers areas such
as roadsides, ditches, and
highways. It can adapt to

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 most habitats and is extremely difficult to eliminate once
established.

10. Japanese Knotweed is a

perennial shrub-like weed
native to Eastern Asia. This
plant can grow up to six inches
and has small green flowers.
The stem of this plant is hollow,
reddish-brown, and covered in
spots. Leaves are green and lance-shaped with serrated
edges. The plant produces flowers in whitish clusters and
roots that grow six inches deep.

11. Horsetail Weed is a

perennial weed with leaves
typically found growing in
whorls. Its thin, greenish
branches can identify it. The
horsetail spreads quickly to form
a stout foliage carpet
that smothers other plants. Horsetail Weed prefers moist or
wet soils, such as ditches or low-lying spots. It can adapt to
most habitats but is more common in sunny areas with rich
soils. This weed is poisonous to animals, especially if
consumed in incredible amounts.

12. Nutsedge is a perennial

weed those spreads by seed
and rhizomes (horizontal
shoots that grow along the

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 soil’s surface). This weed loves water and can easily be
mistaken for a young blade of grass.

13. Smooth Brome is a

perennial weed identified by its
long, smooth leaves. It grows in
almost any climate, is
considered a major invasive
species, and chokes native plant
life. If you’re unsure whether
you have Smooth Brome, look
for its compact seed heads that
stay on top of the stems and are
about four to six inches long.
Smooth Brome is good forage
for livestock. This weed is not tolerant to floods, and you
can eradicate it much more efficiently by spot treating with
a more selective herbicide.

14. Stinging Nettle is a

perennial weed that is part of
the Urticaceae family. The
leaves of the Bitter Nettle
plant form in pairs across
from each other, with a bigger
leaf at the end of each pair.
These leaves are oval,
serrated, with saw-like edges,
and are smooth to touch and
grow to about four to ten
inches. In addition, the fine
hairs on the leaves contain
irritating compounds
produced when the plant comes into contact with the skin.

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 B. ANNUAL WEEDS
 Live only for as season or a year
 Small herbs with shallow roots and weak stem

15. Dodder is an annual weed

that is difficult to control
and highly damaging to crops. The
weed is also known as “dodders”
because the leaves of this plant
are thread-like, and it has vining
stems that resemble worms.

16. Green Foxtail grows to three

inches high with leaves that are
half an inch wide. The seed head
of this weed appears whip-like,
with many small bristles which
have dark green tips. It has
fibrous roots and a seed head that looks similar to a foxtail,
hence the name. Green Foxtail grows to three inches high
with leaves that are half an inch wide. The seed head of this
weed appears whip-like, with many small bristles which
have dark green tips. It has fibrous roots and a seed head
that looks similar to a foxtail, hence the name.

17. Lambsquarters is an
annual weed that harbors
viral diseases. This weed is
commonly found in hayfields
and along streams and
railroad tracks. It can grow
two feet tall and has grayish-
green leaves with a lancet-shaped stem.

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18. The Orange Jewelweed
is an annual plant with bright
golden-orange
flowers and reddish splotches.
The weed spreads very quickly
as it is adapted to pollination
by bees, butterflies, and
hummingbirds. Orange Jewelweed thrives in moist areas of
lawns and recently disturbed plants. This weed is also
commonly referred to as the “spotted-touch-me-
not” because of the seed pods that pop up at a touch. It’s an
easily identifiable weed by its orange flowers.

19. Oxalis is a genus of

many species in the family
Oxalidaceae. It may also be
called wood sorrel, sour
grass, and shamrock. Some
species are prevalent, while
others are rare endemics. It
often grows in lawns and
cultivated fields, especially in recent clearings.

20. Also known as redroot

pigweed, wild spinach, and
green amaranth, pigweed is a
common weed found all over the
USA. They have large oval
leaves and round seed pods that
produce thousands of seeds.
They turn brownish-red and
split open when ripe, revealing
numerous tiny black seeds. The

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 flowers are usually purplish-pink with darker pink stripes
running down them.

21. Plantains are broadleaf

weeds that are native to
Europe. Plantains usually
appear in early spring when
the soil begins to warm up. The
leaves of these two perennial
weeds are easily
distinguishable. Ribwort
Plantains have ribbed, lance-
shaped leaves, while broadleaf
plantains have smooth, oval
leaves. Plantain plants thrive
on compacted soil. The key to
eradicating these weeds is keeping your soil healthy
and adequately aerated.

22. Poison Sumac is a tall,

woody shrub that forms dense
thickets in swamps and wet
woods. You can quickly
identify it during the winter
months due to its bare stems
marked with small red spots.
The leaves are arranged
oppositely on the stem and
have prominent veins.

23. Purslane is an annual

herbaceous weed with
succulent leaves and stems.
This common weed is often
found in lawns and among
garden plants. Purslane looks
similar to dandelions and can
differ by the leaves, which are
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 oval-shaped and broadest near the rounded tip. The leaves
are attached to their purplish-green stems.

24. A common turfgrass

weed that also grows in non-
turf areas, Quack grass can
be identified by its long
leaves and coarse
appearance. Its leaves are
more comprehensive than
the usual law grasses with
rough grass blades. The
plant’s root system is highly
developed and deep,
spreading quickly in lawns. A single plant can have thick
roots extending underground. The best way to avoid this
weed is by taking preventive measures such as regular lawn
mowing.

25. Ragweed is a widespread

weed found throughout the
country. It is a source of
allergies that affect many
people, especially in the fall.
Ragweed grows upright and has
a large, deep taproot. This plant
is recognizably different from
other weeds by its flowers with a
yellowish appearance. Ragweed
is also recognizable by its hairy
leaves.

26. You may have seen tall

fescue amongst grass seeds
that you can plant in your
yard. But tall fescue, is in
fact, a weed. It’s a perennial
weed that has a bunch-like
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 growth pattern. It produces a dense root mass that makes it
extremely hard to uproot from the ground.

C. BIENIALS
- Complete the vegetative growth in the
first season, flower and seed in the
succeeding season and then dies.

Classification of Weeds based on Morphology of the weeds

A. Grasses
All the weeds come under the family Poaceae are called as
grasses which are characteristically having long narrow spiny
leaves.

B. Sedges
The weeds belonging to the family Cyperaceae come under
this group. The leaves are mostly from the base having
modified stem with or without tubers.

C. Broad leaved weeds

This is the major group of weeds as all other family weeds
come under this except that is discussed earlier. All
dicotyledon weeds are broad leaved weeds.

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Self-Check 4.1-1

Multiple Choice
Direction: Encircle the correct answer of what being asked on
the following question.
1. This common weed is often found in lawns and among
garden plants.
a. Stinging nettle
b. Purslane
c. Oxalis
d. Nutsedge
2. A perennial weed that infests vegetable gardens and native
grasses.
a. Knapweed
b. Turfgrass
c. Dodder
d. Horse tail weed

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3. Perennial weeds that easily identified by their trifoliate
leaves.
a. Bindweed
b. Chickweed
c. Clovers
d. Crab grass
4. Which is not belong to the group?
a. Crab grass
b. Chickweed
c. Bindweed
d. Rag weed
5. A plant considered undesirable in a particular situation,
growing where it is not wanted.
a. Weed
b. Plant
c. Purslane
d. Dodder

6. Which is not belong to the group?

b. Ragweed
c. Potato
d. Crabgrass
e. Nutsedge
7. It grows to three inches high with leaves that are half an
inch wide.
a. Green foxtail
b. Curly dock
c. Dodder

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 d. Poison sumac
8. An annual herbaceous weed with succulent leaves and
stems.
a. Oxalis
b. Sting nettle
c. Purslane
d. Plantains
9. Which one of the following is not an example of perennial
weeds?
a. Orange jewelweed
b. Smooth brome
c. Clovers
d. Canada thistle
10. Which one of the following is not an example of
annual weeds?

a. purslane
b. nutsedge
c. dodder
d. green foxtail

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ANSWER KEY of Self check 4.1-1

1. b
2. a
3. c
4. d
5. a
6. b
7. a
8. c
9. a
10. b

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TASK SHEET 4.1-1
Title: Types of Weeds

Performance Objective: Given the materials needed, you should

be able to identify, collect and classify the
weeds based on their morphology and life
span.

Supplies/Materials: Field, pen, meter stick, paper, collection

box,
PPE
Steps/Procedure:
1. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
2. Proceed to the field work area
3. Randomly select four sample (1m x 1m) within area
given
4. Identify and collect weeds
5. Name and classify weeds collected according to their
morphology and life span.
6. Write down on your paper

Assessment Method:
Direct observation and interview

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Performance Criteria Checklist 4.1-1

CRITERIA
YES NO
Did you….
1. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

2. Proceed to the field work area

3. Randomly select four sample (1m x 1m)

within area given
4. Identify and collect weeds

5. Name and classify weeds collected

according to their morphology and life
span.
6. Write down on your paper

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 Information Sheet 4.1-2
BENEFICIAL ORGANISMS IN CONTROLLING WEEDS
Learning Objectives:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be
able to determine the use and effects of beneficial organisms in
controlling weeds.

Beneficial organisms  is any organism that benefits the

growing process, including insects, arachnids,
other animals, plants, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and nematodes.
Benefits include pest control, pollination, and maintenance
of soil health. The opposite of beneficial organisms are pests,
which are organisms deemed detrimental to the growing process.
There are many different types of beneficial organisms as well as
beneficial microorganisms. Also, microorganisms have things like
salt and sugar in them. Beneficial organisms include but are not
limited to: Birds, Bears, Nematodes, Insects, Arachnids, and
fungi. 

A. Insects
Beneficial insects can include predators
(such as ladybugs) of pest insects,
and pollinators (such as bees, which are an
integral part of the growth cycle of many
crops). Increasingly certain species of
insects are managed and used to intervene
where natural pollination or biological
control is insufficient, usually due to
human disturbance of the balance of
established ecosystems.

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Example of Beneficial insects:
 Ladybugs, which prey upon aphids, whitefly, mites, fleas,
Colorado potato beetle, and other pests.
 Parasitic wasps, which prey upon aphids, beetles, flies,
spiders, and bugs.
 Spiders, which are helpful creatures within gardens.
 Praying mantis, which prey upon a wide range of pests
including caterpillars, moths, beetles, gnats, and crickets.
 Ground beetles, aphid midges, braconid wasps, damsel
bugs, green lacewings, and other beneficial insects.

B. Nematodes
Certain microscopic nematodes (worms)
are beneficial in destroying and
controlling populations of larvae that are
damaging or deadly to crops and other
plants. They are commonly used in
organic gardening for their ability to kill
various kinds of harmful
larvae(fungusgnats, flea larvae, spidermi
tes, weevils, grubs, rootworms, cutworms, etc.)

Example of Beneficial nematodes:

 Seed-borne bacteria, which may effectively reduce
dormant weed seed populations.
 Rhizobacteria, which have potential to reduce the vigor of
grass weeds in cereal crops.

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 C. Animals
Birds and other animals may, by their
actions, improve conditions in various
growing situations, and in such cases
are also beneficial. Birds assist in the
spread of seeds by ingesting the fruits
and berries of plants, then depositing
the seeds in their droppings. Other
animals, such as raccoons, bears, etc.
provide similar benefits.

Example of beneficial animals:

 Goats are browsers, and are especially good at controlling
woody plants, such as aspen or rose. Goats also eat thistles.
Sheep can effectively control leafy spurge. Once they acquire
a taste for it, sheep consume large quantities of spurge,
which gives them nutritious forage.
 Sheep are especially good for weed control, as they graze
close to the ground, and will readily eat thistles. In legume
crops, sheep will graze out grassy weeds.
 Geese have been used in garden plots to control grassy
weeds. Weeder geese can be used (at five to six
geese/hectare) after crops grow too large for birds to eat.
 Hogs, at 24 animals/hectare, can control perennial weeds
between cropping seasons in fenced fields. Cattle and sheep
can be used for early grazing to prevent weed growth. Weed
regrowth faces strong competition from legumes and grasses
in pasture. If livestock are used to graze mature weeds, or to
dispose of screenings or chaff, digestion will destroy many,
but not all, weed seeds.

D. Plant
Plants that perform positive functions can also be considered
beneficial (companion planting is one technique based on
principle of beneficial plants).

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Example of beneficial plants:

1. Creeping phlox 
This popular ground cover plant features an abundance of
purple, pink or white flower heads when in bloom. It’s low-
growing and spreads to cover open areas of soil, but it can just as
easily survive on rock formations, such as in between crevices on
walls. It’s effective at deterring weeds because of the dense area
of cover it provides. The thickness of this plant prevents weed
seeds from reaching the soil surface as they spread in the wind.
Even if a seed does make it to the surface, there won’t be enough
sunlight for it to grow effectively.
2. Sweet woodruff
Sweet woodruff is another ground cover plant, which spreads
outwards to cover a wide area. Its appearance is both bushy and
pretty, with sporadic small white flower heads and leaves which
bloom in star-like bunches. It can grow up to 12 inches tall, and
spread out 18 inches wide per plant, and because it spreads via
runners, it can quickly cover a large space. As a ground cover
plant, weed seeds can’t penetrate sweet woodruff to reach the
soil’s surface. Although, while it’s still growing and not fully
established, you may want to lay down some mulch to protect the
surface preemptively. An organic mulch can also help retain
moisture in the soil and introduce nutrients as it deteriorates.
3. Mint
As a fast-growing plant which produces a dense formation of
thick leaves, mint can easily create an effective layer of cover on
open soil. It can reach 3 feet tall, which means sunlight is
effectively blocked even if weeds manage to penetrate the soil's
surface and achieve some height. Mint is very invasive when
competing for space and nutrients as well, which makes growth
tougher for incoming weed seeds.  
4. Lamb’s ear
Weed seeds won’t be able to compete against lamb’s ear. The
thick leaves will block out the majority of sunlight where it grows.

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Although, you should take care with it around your own plants
too, because much like mint it can quickly become invasive,
particularly in warmer climates, and over shadow those it
encounters. 
5. Hosta
Hosta’s ultimately come in all shapes and sizes, but there’s
one thing they have in common: They all produce an excess of
shade on the soil thanks to the overlapping, thick leaves.
Because of this, they make for effective ground cover and can
prevent weed seeds from finding their way to the surface, or from
growing if they somehow do. 
6. Bugleweed
As another member of the mint family, it’s a thick and dense
plant which will prevent weeds from taking root. Take great care
when choosing and planting varieties of bugleweed however —
these plants are considered invasive in some states. They can
quickly overgrow and become unruly, killing turfs of grass, so
should only be grown in areas when they can be easily
maintained and controlled, with limited access to grass and other
plants. Do your research and choose a variety which is slow-
growing and less aggressive. And be sure to follow the rules in
your local area if bugleweed is discouraged.  
7. Hardy plumbago
Despite this sweet appeal, the leaves form thick and dense
coverage which makes it effective at preventing weeds, just like
all the other plants listed here. It grows tall and wide, reaching
10 feet in diameter once mature. Plumbago spreads via rhizomes,
meaning it grows at a moderate to fast pace from underground,
so you will need to keep an eye on its development, but it’s not
considered invasive. 

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Facts and Information on Beneficial Organisms
Beneficial Organisms Insects and other organisms are
often categorized as being harmful or beneficial. Harmful
organisms are often defined as those that damage crops, sting,
bite or spread diseases and beneficial organisms include those
that pollinate crops, produce useful products or kill harmful
organisms. Thus, the terms are often very subjective and often
may depend on the eye of the beholder. For example, honey bees
are usually thought of as beneficial because they pollinate crops
and produce honey which are useful activities, however if a
swarm takes up residence in your home and you get stung then
you are more likely to define them as harmful. Even plant feeding
organisms may be considered beneficial if they are feeding on
unwanted plants where as they may be harmful if they begin
feeding on desirable plants.

Biological Control Agents One way that organisms are

said to be beneficial is when they help control pest populations.
The action of one living organism controlling the populations of
another organism is called biological control and the organisms
that feed on pests are called natural enemies. Virtually all insect
and mite pests have some natural enemies. Learning to recognize
and manage these natural enemies can help reduce pest’s
populations and, thus, reduce crop losses and the need for costly
chemical and/or other control measures.

Parasitoids Parasitoids are insects that, in the immature

stages of their life cycle, parasitize other insects but have free
living (nonparasitic) adults. Adult parasitoids serve mainly to
transport their offspring to new hosts. Two major groups of
parasitoids are parasitic wasps and tachinid flies. Pathogens A
pathogen is a parasitic organism that causes disease in its host.
Typically, pathogens are much smaller than their hosts, and
usually numerous pathogens infect a single host. Two categories
of pathogens that are common as biological controls of insects

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are nematodes, which are multicellular; and various microbial
pathogens, which consist of single cells or subcellular units.
Predators Predatory insects and mites live by hunting or
trapping other insects (prey), and killing them for food. Over 100
families of insects, spiders and mites contain species that are
predaceous, either as adults, immatures or both. Some of the
more common groups of predators include, lady bird beetles,
syrphid flies, lacewings, predaceous stink bugs, nabids, orius,
ground beetles and spiders. Weed Control Agents A weed is
sometimes described as a plant out of place. Some of our most
notorious weeds are plants that have been introduced into new
environments and then proceed to displace other plants. One
method that has been used to combat some of these introduced
weeds is to introduce insects that feed on these weeds.

2.

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Self-Check 4.1-2

Matching Type
Instruction:
Match the column A to column B. Write the answer before
the number.

Column A Column B

___1. Bugleweed a. plants

___2. Hogs b. nematodes

___3. Garden spider c. animals

___4. Bacteria d. insects

___5. Mint e. beneficial

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Answer Key 4.1-2

1. A
2. C
3. D
4. B
5. A

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 Information Sheet 4.1-3
IPM Principles

Learning Objectives:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be
able to memorize and make a plan on IPM (Integrated Pest
Management) principles.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and

environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that
relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM
programs use current, comprehensive information on the life
cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This
information, in combination with available pest control methods,
is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means,
and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the

environment.

Principle 1: Prevention and Suppression

“Prevention is better than cure” is the first general rule in
any production system. Prevention can be considered as the

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creation of cropping systems inherently less likely to experience
significant economic losses due to the presence of pests.
Suppression, understood as the reduction of the incidence of
pests or of the severity of their impact, complements prevention.
This principle means that the aim is not to completely eliminate
pests but to prevent any single one from becoming dominant or
damaging in a cropping system.

a. Combinations of tactics and multi-pest approach

The combination of control tactics into management strategies

generates more effective and sustainable results than single-
tactic approaches. To create conditions that reduce the frequency
and intensity of pest outbreaks, research and extension need to
develop strategies integrating a range of methods. Plant genetic
resistance can be exploited while addressing multiple pests,
diversifying cropping systems in time and space, and integrating
crop management practices and landscape effects within pest
management.

b. Rotation

Spatial and temporal diversification is key to minimizing pest

pressure and achieving effective prevention. In organic arable
crop farming, crop rotation is the most effective agronomic
alternative to synthetic pesticides.

c. Crop management and ecology

Many crop managements practices apparently unrelated to

pest management actually have a significant impact on the
vulnerability of cropping systems to pests. Conservation tillage
is referred to under Principle 1 as a desirable cultivation
technique. Its role within IPM, however, is not always clear-
cut. While it is true that reduced tillage does favor soil organic
matter and biodiversity, and that it reduces CO 2 emissions and

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 risks of soil erosion, the supposed benefits for crop protection
cannot be generalized.

Principle 2: Monitoring
Beyond prevention, moving
away from a pesticide-based
strategy implies monitoring
harmful organisms at regular
intervals or upon issue of local
warnings. In an ideal world, all
farmers would monitor pest
populations and use forecasting
systems prior to making a decision
regarding control. The current
reality, however, is that warning
and forecasting systems are not
available and affordable in all
countries for all crops. Some countries have nevertheless
developed successful support systems.

Principle 3: Decision based on monitoring and thresholds

While it is true that sound intervention thresholds play an
important role in IPM, they are, however, not always applicable,
available, or sufficient. In many cases, thresholds have not been
established for weeds (Sattin et al. 1992). This is also the case for
pathogens, particularly those that switch from a saprophytic to a
pathogenic lifestyle depending on environmental events and
climatic conditions (Underwood et al. 2007).

Principle 4: Non-chemical methods

Giving preference to non-chemical over chemical methods, if
they provide satisfactory pest control, appears to be a sound and
straightforward principle. The difficulty lies in the way
“satisfactory pest control” is determined. The authors believe that

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the highest level of control attainable by chemical measures is
often not sustainable, creates new pest problems, and is not a
proper standard against which single non-chemical tactics are
evaluated, rather, a satisfactory while sustainable level of pest

management can be achieved via a broad IPM strategy that

includes an array of protection methods.

Example of non-chemical methods

Principle 5: Pesticide selection

IPM seeks to reduce reliance on pesticides. When prevention
and alternative control methods by themselves do no yield
satisfactory results, however, selective pesticides are also used.
In this situation, Principles 5, 6, and 7, which presuppose
pesticide use, become relevant. Sound selection of pesticides to
minimize unwanted health or environmental effects (including
negative effects on pest regulation) is essential.

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Principle 6: Reduced pesticide use
Reducing doses, application frequency, and resorting to
partial application of pesticides contribute to the IPM goal of
reducing or minimizing risks to human health and the
environment. In fact, national pesticide plans have adopted
reduced use as their overall quantitative time-bound goal.
Expressing reduction in terms of volume used automatically
generates a downward trend due to a switch to more potent
products.

Principle 7: Anti-resistance strategies

The number of pest species resistant to pesticides is
increasing and jeopardizing the efficacy of many products. The
resistance of insect pests to insecticides was a major initial driver
for the development of IPM (Stern et al. 1959). There are now
many instances of resistance among all pest categories. For
example, Podosphaera xanthii, the fungus causing cucurbit
powdery mildew quickly developed resistance to demethylation
inhibitor fungicides (McGrath et al. 1996), strobilurin (McGrath
and Shishkoff 2003), and more recently to cyflufenamid (Pirondi

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et al. 2014). This issue is particularly acute for weed
management because very few new herbicidal modes of action
remain available (Heap 2014; Duke 2012). The increased
likelihood of over-reliance on a narrow spectrum of molecules
threatens the viability of conventional cropping systems where

spatial and temporal diversity is low.

Principle 8: Evaluation
Principle 8 encourages farmers to assess the soundness of
the crop protection measures they adopt, and this is an
important aspect of sound management. The delicate point here
regards the evaluation criteria used. Farmer interviews showed
that absolute yield—irrespective of profit—and total absence of
pests, i.e., “clean” fields, are the two indicators of good crop
protection practice most used among farmers and advisers
(Lamine et al. 2009). Such traditional assessment methods can
impede the development of alternatives. IPM-compatible
assessment could cover multi-season effects, trade-offs with
other compartments of production and economics, as well as

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human health and the environment. New IPM-adapted
performance criteria and standards of reference could integrate
these factors at a cropping system and agroecosystem level. Many
positive effects of IPM strategies are multi-year, and effective
evaluation therefore covers all crops of the rotation over more
than one season. This is particularly pertinent to the
management of weed seed banks, accumulation of soil-borne
pathogens, resistance development of pathogens, and
unpredictable insect outbreaks. As mentioned under Principle 4,
the level of short-term control attained by chemical measures
alone is not the standard by which “success” is gauged. A process
of re-thinking and reassessing evaluation needs to be initiated. It
would emphasize the evaluation of yield, yield stability, and profit
over multiple years at the cropping system level. Lechenet et al.
(2014) provide an example of an approach to assess pesticide use
intensity at the cropping system level while taking into account
multiple trade-offs. Research and extension work at the farm
community level will develop new standards of reference, and
performance criteria can become widely shared among farmers.

* Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a pest control strategy that

focuses on prevention, monitoring, and control. The principles
of IPM include:
 Identify pests, their hosts, and beneficial organisms before
taking action.
 Establish monitoring guidelines for each pest species.
 Establish an action threshold for the pest.
 Evaluate and implement control tactics.
 Monitor, evaluate, and document the results.
IPM focuses on prevention by removing conditions that attract
pests, such as food, water, and shelter. Pest control is required if
action thresholds are exceeded.

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SELF CHECK 4. 1-3

TRUE OR FALSE: In your answer sheet write T if the statement

is true and F if the statement is false.

1. In an ideal world, all farmers would monitor pest

populations and use forecasting systems prior to
making a decision regarding control.
2. Spatial and temporal diversification is key to
minimizing pest pressure and achieving effective
prevention.
3. Prevention is worse than cure.
4. Integrated Pest Management is an effective and
environmentally sensitive approach to pest
management that relies on a combination of
common-sense practices.
5. Evaluation is not a principle of IPM.

ANSWER KEY 4.1-3

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1. T
2. T
3. F
4. T
5. F

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REFFERENCE LINK:
http://www.almanac.com/content/commonweeds
http://www.wikipidea.com/thresholds
Http://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol

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 Document No.
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