Synthetic Pesticides

Definition

Synthetic pesticides are man-made substances that are used to control pests, including insects, weeds, and fungal diseases in agricultural settings.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Synthetic pesticides are chemically engineered compounds that are used in agriculture to kill or inhibit the growth of organisms that harm crops. These substances include insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and rodenticides, and they are designed to enhance crop yield by reducing loss or damage due to pest activity.

Benefits

• Increase crop productivity by reducing pest-related loss.
• Help in controlling invasive species that can damage ecosystems.
• Allow large-scale cultivation and storage of food by managing pest populations.

Examples

• Glyphosate - a common herbicide used to control weeds.
• Chlorpyrifos - an insecticide used on crops such as corn and soybeans.
• Mancozeb - a fungicide used on a variety of crops to prevent fungal diseases.

Additional Information

• Known issues: Some synthetic pesticides have been linked to health risks in humans and animals, such as endocrine disruption and negative environmental effects, like contamination of waterways.

Related Terms

• Organic Pesticides
• Pest Control
• Integrated Pest Management
• Conventional Farming
• Organic Farming

References

• The Impact of Pesticides on Health and the Environment
• Pesticides: Health Effects in Drinking Water
• Safety and Health Topics: Pesticides