The occurrence of pests in fields can be minimized by using chemical substances called pesticides. It destroys pests and their larvae but does not harm the crop. Pesticides are mainly of two types—insecticides and rodenticides. In small areas, pesticides can be sprayed by handheld machines. Check the below figure and try to answer the below questions.

(a) Give two examples of pesticides.
(b) Fungicides are used to protect crops from fungi. Name two diseases caused due to fungal infections.
( c) Discuss the harmful impact of pesticides on crops.
( d) What diseases are caused by pesticides?

Explanation

(a) DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) and BHC (benzene hexachloride or gamaxene).
(b) Rust of wheat and blight of potato are two diseases caused by fungi.
(c) When pesticides are excessively used, they stay in some of the edible parts of plants and when we consume, it have many ill effects on human health.
(d) Long term pesticide exposure has been linked to the development of asthma, depression and anxiety.