Pesticide Use

Definition

Pesticide use refers to the application of chemicals designed to control, repel, or kill pests that affect agriculture, including insects, weeds, and plant diseases.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Pesticide use involves the strategic application of chemical or biological agents, known as pesticides, to various environments primarily to manage and mitigate damage caused by pests. Pesticides can include herbicides for controlling weeds, insecticides for insect control, fungicides for fungi and mold, and other substances. Pesticides work by disrupting essential biological mechanisms in target organisms.

Benefits

• Helps protect crops from pests and diseases.
• Can improve agricultural yield and food security.
• Reduces the spread of pest-borne diseases.

Examples

• Insecticides used on corn to control corn borer.
• Fungicides applied to prevent mold on grapes.
• Herbicides used in wheat farming to manage weeds.

Additional Information

• sideEffects: Some pesticides can have harmful effects on human health and the environment, including potential carcinogenic properties or disrupting ecosystems.

Related Terms

• Non-GMO Foods
• Genetically Modified Organisms
• Herbicides
• Insecticides
• Organic Farming

References

• Pesticides: An Overview of Environmental and Safety Issues
• Impact of Pesticides on Human Health