Pesticide Science
Pesticide Science Overview
Pests are living organisms that cause disturbance to other living organisms. They include microorganisms, flies, termites and rodents that cause harm and prevent the optimal performance of plants and animals. While many pests like microorganisms are widely known for causing diseases on infested living organisms, rodents like rats, squirrels and mice attack parts of plants like roots, stems and leaves without necessarily causing and transmitting diseases. Also, plants in the form of weed that compete with crops for soil nutrients can also be classified as pests. It is estimated that over $70 billion is lost annually due to 40% postharvest losses caused by pests. This makes pests of economic importance to the achievement of food security. To improve production sustainably, consistent pest infestation must be reduced significantly or eradicated.
Pesticide science is relevant to agricultural development and sustainable food production. It involves gaining understanding of the concept of pests and conducting a risk assessment for better management through the use of pesticides. Pesticides are substances formulated for the control or destruction of pests. They are categorized as insecticides for handling insect pests, rodenticides for handling rodents, herbicides for handling weeds, biocides and fungicides. Due to increasing environmental concerns and the role chemicals play, the relevance of chemical pesticides to sustainable food systems is being questioned. Today, experts widely encourage the use of biopesticides formulated from natural materials like baking soda. This category of pesticides serves the same function as chemical pesticides but are eco-friendly. Please contact us today for any of our range of services.
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