Sustainable Pest Management in Corn Production

Introduction

Grade Level

Senior High School / College Agriculture Students

Subject Area

Crop Protection / Pest Management

Introduction

Imagine that you are an agricultural extension worker assigned to help corn farmers who are experiencing severe crop losses due to insect pests. Farmers need recommendations that are effective, environmentally friendly, and economically practical. Your task is to investigate sustainable pest management strategies and develop recommendations that can help farmers protect their crops while minimizing environmental impacts.

 

 

Task

You will work individually or in groups to research sustainable pest management methods used in corn production. Based on your findings, you will create a 5–10 slide presentation or infographic that:

  1. Identifies major pests affecting corn.
  2. Explains the damage caused by these pests.
  3. Describes at least three sustainable pest management strategies.
  4. Recommends the most effective integrated pest management (IPM) approach.
  5. Justifies your recommendations using evidence from reliable sources.
Process

Step 1: Learn About Corn Pests

Research common pests affecting corn production, including:

  • Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)
  • Corn Earworm
  • Cutworms

Take notes on:

  • Pest identification
  • Life cycle
  • Symptoms of infestation
  • Economic impact

Step 2: Investigate Sustainable Pest Management Strategies

Research the following approaches:

  • Biological control
  • Cultural control
  • Mechanical control
  • Botanical pesticides
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Step 3: Analyze and Compare Strategies

Create a comparison table showing:

  • Advantages
  • Disadvantages
  • Cost considerations
  • Environmental impacts

Step 4: Develop Recommendations

Determine which combination of strategies would be most effective for local corn farmers.

Step 5: Create Your Final Product

Prepare a presentation or infographic summarizing your findings and recommendations.

Resources

Websites

Additional Resources

  • Scientific journal articles on pest management
  • Crop protection manuals
  • Extension publications from agricultural agencies
Evaluation
Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Needs Improvement (1)
Research Quality Uses multiple reliable sources and accurate information Mostly reliable sources Limited sources Inaccurate or insufficient information
Content Accuracy Information is complete and accurate Minor errors present Several inaccuracies Major inaccuracies
Analysis and Recommendations Recommendations are evidence-based and well-justified Generally supported by evidence Limited justification Weak or unsupported recommendations
Organization and Presentation Clear, organized, and visually appealing Mostly organized Some organization issues Difficult to follow
Creativity Highly engaging and original Moderately engaging Limited creativity Minimal effort shown

Total Score: ____ / 20

Conclusion

Through this WebQuest, you have explored sustainable pest management practices used in corn production. You learned how different pest control strategies can be combined through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to improve crop productivity while protecting the environment. Reflect on the following questions:

  1. Which pest management strategy do you think is most effective and why?
  2. How can farmers reduce dependence on chemical pesticides?
  3. What role does sustainable agriculture play in food security and environmental conservation?

By completing this activity, you have developed research, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills that are essential in agricultural practice.

Credits

This WebQuest was developed for educational purposes to promote inquiry-based learning and the responsible use of digital resources.

References and Resource Providers

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to agricultural researchers, educators, extension workers, and organizations that provide open-access educational materials and scientific information supporting sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management practices.

Teacher Page

Title

Sustainable Pest Management in Corn Production

Subject Area

Crop Protection / Pest Management

Grade Level

Senior High School (Agricultural Strand) or College Agriculture Students

Duration

2–3 class periods (60–90 minutes each)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this WebQuest, students will be able to:

  1. Identify common insect pests affecting corn production.
  2. Describe the damage caused by major corn pests.
  3. Compare different sustainable pest management strategies.
  4. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of pest control methods.
  5. Develop evidence-based recommendations using the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
  6. Communicate findings through a presentation or infographic.

Curriculum Connections

This WebQuest supports learning outcomes related to:

  • Crop Protection
  • Integrated Pest Management
  • Sustainable Agriculture
  • Agricultural Research
  • Environmental Stewardship

Materials Needed

  • Internet-connected devices
  • Presentation software (PowerPoint, Canva, Google Slides)
  • Research worksheet or note-taking guide
  • Rubric for evaluation

Teacher Notes

  • Encourage students to use credible sources such as government agencies, research institutions, and peer-reviewed journals.
  • Facilitate discussions on the environmental and economic impacts of different pest management strategies.
  • Allow students to work individually or collaboratively.
  • Consider inviting a local agricultural technician or extension worker to provide practical insights.

Assessment

Students will be assessed using the rubric provided in the Evaluation section. Assessment focuses on:

  • Research quality
  • Content accuracy
  • Critical analysis
  • Communication skills
  • Creativity and presentation