Pesticide

A crop-duster spraying pesticide on a field
A self-propelled crop sprayer spraying pesticide on a field

Pesticides are substances that are used to control pests.[1] They include herbicides, insecticides, nematicides, fungicides, and many others (see table).[2] The most common of these are herbicides, which account for approximately 50% of all pesticide use globally.[3] Most pesticides are used as plant protection products (also known as crop protection products), which in general protect plants from weeds, fungi, or insects. In general, a pesticide is a chemical or biological agent (such as a virus, bacterium, or fungus) that deters, incapacitates, kills, or otherwise discourages pests. Target pests can include insects, plant pathogens, weeds, molluscs, birds, mammals, fish, nematodes (roundworms), and microbes that destroy property, cause nuisance, or spread disease, or are disease vectors. Along with these benefits, pesticides also have drawbacks, such as potential toxicity to humans and other species.

  1. ^ "Basic Information about Pesticide Ingredients". Environmental Protection Agency. Apr 2, 2018. Retrieved 2018-12-01.
  2. ^ Randall C, Hock W, Crow E, Hudak-Wise C, Kasai J (2014). "Pest Management". National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual (2nd ed.). Washington: National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Research Foundation. Archived from the original on 2019-12-10. Retrieved 2018-12-01.
  3. ^ "Pesticide Industry Sales and Usage, 2008 – 2012 Market Estimates" (PDF). EPA. Retrieved 2023-02-17.

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