Introduction:
If you are an Indian farmer, you must be aware of the challenges that come with the arrival of pests in the field. What is usually considered a few small pests today may be something very dangerous tomorrow. This may result in weak or even failed harvests. Sometimes, pests return stronger, no matter how heavily the crop insecticides sprayed.
Here is where systemic insecticides come into the picture. The spraying typically only provides the surface with short-term protection. However, these types of insecticides penetrate the plant and provide longer and deeper protection.
In this article, we are not in a position to sell or promote anything. The goal is simple - to help you understand what systemic insecticides are, how they work, their benefits, and their risks. The more you know, the better choices you can make for your farm and your family.
What are Systemic Insecticides?
Systemic insecticides are just like human medicines. We all know that when a person takes a tablet, it circulates throughout the body; similarly, systemic insecticides are not limited to only the infected part of the plant.
However, they penetrate into the whole plant. Pests that attack the leaves, stems, or roots are exposed to the chemical and die. The plant itself, then, is the one that is safe inside.
How Do They Work Inside Plants
There are many different methods that can be utilized for the administration of systemic insecticides. For example, some farmers may spray chemicals into the soil near the roots or coat the seeds with them before planting. The plant absorbs the insecticide, and its distribution is facilitated through the vascular system.
If a sap-sucking insect, such as an aphid or a whitefly, extracts the fluid from the plant, it will, at the same time, consume the insecticide. As a result, they won’t be able to survive. Hence systemic insecticides are very powerful against those pests that are concealed under the leaves or far in the crop where spraying cannot reach.
Benefits of Systemic Insecticides for Farmers
Long-Lasting Protection Against Pests
One of the major benefits of systemic insecticides is its long lasting control. Rather than repeated spraying, systemic insecticides continue to defend the crop for weeks. For example, if you treat your brinjal or cotton plants, the chemical will keep working inside the plant. This will thus save both time and labor.
Effective Against Hidden and Sap-Sucking Insects
Farmers usually face this challenge of insect attack, which may also include aphids, whiteflies, and leafhoppers. These pests basically conceal themselves under the leaves or extract the sap quietly. This also makes sure that the damage they cause is not visible. Normal contact insecticides here may not be effective in reaching them. However, systemic insecticides are designed to target them from within, making it impossible for them to find their way out.
Reduced Need for Frequent Spraying
Frequent spraying leads to higher costs, more labor, and greater risks related to health for the farmer. Systemic insecticides can thereby reduce the number of sprays required. This saves money, effort, and time, which is very significant for small-scale farmers.
Are Systemic and Contact Insecticides the Same?
Not at all, they differ significantly. Let’s consider an example here.
Assume that you have spilled tea on your shirt. You clean the surface with water, but the stain is still inside the cloth. This is the way contact insecticides work. They only clean the surface with which they come into contact.
However, the best here would be if you had washed your shirt with detergent and the stain was removed from the fibers inside. This would be similar to a systemic insecticide, which penetrates the plant deeply and provides internal protection.
Therefore, pests can be killed by contact insecticides only when the insects come into contact with the treated surface. Systemic insecticides can protect the entire plant from pests.
Limitations and Risks of Systemic Insecticides
What is the Impact on Beneficial Insects and Pollinators
Bees, butterflies, and pollinators are the leaders of agriculture. These helpful creatures can be killed by systemic insecticides if they consume nectar or pollen from treated plants. In this way, pollination can be lessened and even the production of crops can be affected in the long run.
What is the Risk of Pest Resistance with Overuse
The way humans can become immune to certain drugs, in a similar manner, pests can also become resistant to insecticide if used for a longer period of time. Now if something similar happens, then the chemical will not be effective anymore. Therefore, it becomes very important for the farmers to use different kinds of insecticides rather than completely relying on one.
Environmental and Soil Health Considerations
The use of systemic insecticides should be done at the proper stage of crop growth. For example, seed treatment before sowing is very efficient in protecting the young plants. At the same time, soil application is good for the initial stages of crop development. In order to lower the risk of residues in food, one should not spray close to the harvest time.
Safe Practices for Using Systemic Insecticides in Fields and Gardens
Timing and Crop Stage Recommendations:
The use of systemic insecticides should be done at the proper stage of crop growth. For example, seed treatment before sowing is highly effective in protecting young plants. At the same time, soil application is good for the initial stages of crop development.
Dosage and Application Guidelines:
Ensure that you do not exceed the recommended dose. Remember that a large amount of chemicals does not ensure safety, but rather causes damage to the user as well. Always check the label or consult a certified agricultural officer before use. Wear gloves, masks, and protective clothing to ensure your safety.
Conclusion:
In a way, systemic insecticides are like a plant's secret service agents. These compounds penetrate the plant and completely change the plant’s defense system. This thereby turns it into the one that is strong against those pests that even normal sprays are not able to overcome. Just like strong drugs, they need to be applied in the right way and at the right time.
As a farmer, your mission is not only to provide shields to your produce. But also, to maintain the health of the soil, water, and community. By using the correct balance, you can have the maximum advantage.
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