Insecticides are chemical or biological substances used to kill or control harmful insects that damage crops. They are essential in agriculture to protect plants from pest attacks and ensure better yield and quality.

?? What do insects do?

Harmful insects attack crops in different ways, such as:

• Chewing insects – eat leaves (e.g., caterpillars)
• Sucking insects – suck plant sap (e.g., aphids, whiteflies)
• Boring insects – damage stems/fruits from inside (e.g., borers)

?? How do insecticides work?

1. Contact Insecticides
→ Kill insects when they come in direct contact
→ Fast action

2. Systemic Insecticides
→ Absorbed by the plant
→ Insects die when they feed on the plant

3. Stomach Poison
→ Insects die after eating treated parts

4. Fumigants
→ Work through gas, affect insects by breathing

?? Types of Insecticides

• Chemical Insecticides – fast and strong effect
• Biological Insecticides – eco-friendly (e.g., neem-based)

?? Why are insecticides important?

• Protect crops from pest damage
• Increase production (yield)
• Improve crop quality
• Reduce economic losses