This document describes an experiment using six pots to demonstrate the effects of weeds, diseases, and insects on crop yields. The experiment involves growing maize in six pots, with two pots each containing weeds, disease spores brushed onto the leaves, or grasshoppers/caterpillars added. The pots are observed over 45-65 days. Pots with weeds, disease, or insects show damaged maize crops and reduced yields, while pots without these stresses produce healthy maize crops. The experiment illustrates how weeds, diseases, and insects can negatively impact crop production.

1. 001 WEED, DISEASE AND INSECT- FREE CROPPING
Crop: Crops are plants grown for economic purpose like food, fodder, fuel and
industrial raw materials
Weed: An undesirable crop / plant in the cultivated field
Plant Disease: Damage caused by macro or microorganisms to plant that
reduces yield
Insect or pest: Small insects and their caterpillars. Adults also can cause
economic damage to the plant and reduce yield
MATERIALS REQUIRED
SIX small containers or earthen pots
earthen
Soil and compost
pots
Seeds of maize and weeds
Disease spores from plants
Grasshoppers
seeds
seeds
Polythene bags & water
of maize of weeds

2. Take SIX small containers or earthen pots and fill with natural soil and compost
and separate into two sets of THREE each. Sow the crop seed preferably
Maize 2 – 4 seeds per pot according to the size of the pot and water it.
Set 1
A B
Set 2
D E
C
F
Earthen pots 3/4th filled with soil and compost
maize
seed

3. In the A and D pots sow simultaneously some grass seeds collected from play
ground or wasteland. Water it as and when needed and watch the crop to grow.
Set 2 Set 1
A B
D E
C
F
maize
seed

4. After 20 – 25 days
Set 2 Set 1
A B
D E
C
F
maize
crop
maize
crop weed

5. After 20 – 25 days
Maintain plants with regular watering
Set 2 Set 1
A B
D E
C
F
maize
crop weed
Scrap disease spores
from other plants and
brush on the leaves of
maize in B and E pots
Collect 1 or 2
grasshoppers /
caterpillar and
leave in pot C
and F; and
enclose with
polythene cover
Remove weeds
from pot D

6. Maintain this up to 45 – 50 days with regular watering and little compost addition
Set 2 Set 1
A B
D E
C
F
On 45th day spray neem oil (30ml in one litre of water) and spray on plants in
pots E & F and watch the crop up to 65 days

7. Set 2 Set 1
A B
D E
C
F
After 60 – 65 days, watch the crop for symptoms of damage
Set 1 will give plants affected by weed, disease and insect
Set 2 will have plants free from weed, disease and insect