Why were crops such as Wheat and corn susceptible to insect pests?

Is it because they're resistant to insecticides?

Those crops tend to be produced as mono cultures, mile after mile of fields of the same crop. That makes it easy for the insects to adapt to the crop culture and multiply fast without having to look around for the stuff they like. It is sort of like you are growing hordes of the insects on purpose :)

Where? When?

Making it worse is that often the same crop is grown in the same field season after season, making it super easy for the bugs.

ok Thank you.

Crops such as wheat and corn, like many other plants, are susceptible to insect pests for several reasons. One of the primary reasons is that these crops provide a rich source of nutrients for insects. Insects have evolved to exploit the nutritional value of plants, including the carbohydrates, proteins, and other compounds present in crops like wheat and corn.

Another reason is that these crops often provide a favorable environment for the growth and reproduction of insect pests. For example, wheat and corn fields can create microclimates that are warm and humid, which are attractive to many insects. Additionally, the monoculture farming practices used for these crops create a large, uniform food source for insects, making it easier for pests to find and attack the plants.

To protect crops from insect pests, farmers and agricultural scientists employ various strategies. One common approach is the use of pesticides, which are chemical compounds designed to kill or repel insects. Pesticides can be applied directly to the crops or used as seed treatments before planting. However, the use of pesticides has its own challenges, such as environmental concerns and the development of pesticide resistance in insect populations.

Another strategy is the use of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques. IPM involves combining multiple tactics, including biological controls (using natural enemies of pests), crop rotation, habitat manipulation, and the use of resistant crop varieties. This approach aims to minimize the reliance on chemical pesticides and to maintain a balance between pests and their natural enemies while minimizing economic losses.

Understanding the susceptibility of crops to insect pests requires studying the biology and ecology of both the crops and the pests. This involves research and monitoring to identify the specific pests affecting the crops, their life cycles, and the environmental conditions that favor their infestations. This knowledge forms the basis for developing effective pest management strategies that can reduce crop damage and increase agricultural productivity.