(N/A) Crop protection in fields: Field crops are infested by a large number of weeds, insects, and diseases. If these are not controlled at the appropriate time, they can damage the crops significantly, leading to major losses. Methods include:
$(i)$ Use of pesticides: Includes herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides sprayed on plants or used for seed/soil treatment.
$(ii)$ Weed control: Mechanical removal of weeds.
$(iii)$ Preventive methods: Proper seedbed preparation, timely sowing, intercropping, and crop rotation. Using resistant varieties and summer ploughing helps destroy pests and weeds.
$(B)$ Crop protection in storage:
Factors affecting stored grains include:
$(i)$ Biotic factors: Insects, rodents, fungi, mites, and bacteria.
$(ii)$ Abiotic factors: Moisture content, humidity, and temperature. These cause degradation in quality, weight loss, discoloration, and poor germination.
Control measures:
$(a)$ Strict cleaning of produce before storage.
$(b)$ Proper drying of produce in sunlight followed by shade.
$(c)$ Fumigation to kill pests.
$(d)$ Regular cleaning of warehouses and monitoring biotic factors.
$(e)$ Maintaining appropriate moisture and temperature levels in storage.