Pesticides

Definition

Pesticides are chemicals used to eliminate or control a variety of agricultural pests that can damage crops and harm food production.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Pesticides are substances or mixtures of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest. These include insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and rodenticides, each targeting specific types of organisms that threaten agricultural productivity.

Benefits

• Help increase agricultural productivity by controlling pest infestation on crops.
• Aid in maintaining food quality and keeping produce available year-round.
• Reduce the labor-intensive aspect of pest control in agriculture.

Examples

• Organochlorines used in various fruits and vegetables.
• Organophosphates applied to many types of crops.
• Neonicotinoids found in garden plants and agricultural settings.

Additional Information

• knownIssues: Excessive exposure to pesticides can lead to health issues in humans and wildlife, and can contribute to the development of resistance in pests.

Related Terms

• Herbicides
• Insecticides
• Organic Farming
• Conventional Farming

References

• Pesticides and Public Health
• Pesticides: Environmental Impacts and Management Strategies