Pesticides – Definition, Types, Uses, and Harmful Effects

Pesticides in agriculture are chemicals used to kill or control pests, including insects, rodents, and weeds. They come in many forms, including powders, liquids, and gasses. Pesticides are classified as either broad-spectrum or narrow-spectrum. Broad-spectrum pesticides kill a wide variety of pests, while narrow-spectrum pesticides target specific pests. Pesticides are applied to crops, gardens, lawns, and homes to control pests. They are also used in public parks and other recreational areas to control insects and weeds. Pesticides can be harmful to human health and the environment if they are not used properly.

Types of Pesticides

There are three types of pesticides in agriculture:

• Herbicides
• Insecticides
• Fungicides

Herbicides

Herbicides are chemicals used to kill or control weeds. They come in many forms, including powders, liquids, and gases.

There are three types of herbicides: selective herbicides, non-selective herbicides, and pre-emergent herbicides.

Selective herbicides kill only certain types of plants, while non-selective herbicides kill all plants. Pre-emergent herbicides prevent weeds from growing.

Insecticides

Insecticides are chemicals used to kill or control insects. There are three types of insecticides: contact insecticides, systemic insecticides, and residual insecticides.

Contact insecticides kill insects when they come in contact with the chemical. Systemic insecticides are absorbed by the plant and spread throughout the plant, killing insects that eat the plant. Residual insecticides remain on the surface of the plant, killing insects that come in contact with it.

Fungicides

Fungicides are chemicals used to kill or control fungi. There are three types of fungicides: contact fungicides, systemic fungicides, and residual fungicides.

Some common signs of pesticide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and trouble breathing.

What is EPA?

Pesticides in agriculture are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA requires that all pesticides be registered before they can be sold or used in the United States. To register a pesticide, the EPA requires companies to submit data on the safety of the product.

The EPA also sets limits on how much a pesticide can be used in a given area and how often it can be applied. These limits are designed to protect human health and the environment.

Pesticides are an important tool for pest control, but they should be used carefully and only when necessary. When used properly, pesticides can help keep your home, garden, and community safe from pests.

Pesticides Examples

Some common pesticides include:

• Chlorpyrifos, which is used to control insects on crops
• Malathion, which is used to control insects and mites
• Carbaryl, which is used to control insects, mites, and ticks
• 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), which is used to control weeds

Pesticides can be classified by their intended use as herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, or rodenticides. Some pesticides are known as “broad-spectrum” pesticides because they are effective against a wide range of pests. Other pesticides are specific to a particular pest or group of pests.

Types of Pesticide Ingredients

There are three types of pesticide ingredients which include active ingredients, inert ingredients, and propellants.

Active ingredients are the chemicals that kill or control pests. Inert ingredients are chemicals that do not kill or control pests but are added to the pesticide to help it work better. Propellants are gases that are used to propel the pesticide from the container.

Pesticides in agriculture are available in many forms, including liquids, aerosol cans, granules, and baits. Pesticides can be applied to crops, gardens, lawns, and homes to control pests. They are also used in public parks and other recreational areas to control insects and weeds.

Pesticides can be harmful to humans, animals, and the environment if they are not used properly. It is important to read the label on a pesticide product before using it and to follow the directions carefully.

How to Safely Use a Pesticide in Agriculture?

Pesticides can also be harmful to plants, causing diseases such as leaf spot, blight, and root rot. These diseases can damage or destroy the plant.

When using pesticides, it is important to follow the label directions carefully. The label will tell you how to apply the pesticide safely and effectively. It is also important to wear personal protective equipment, such as gloves, a mask, and goggles, when applying pesticides. 

Conclusion

Pesticides are applied to crops, turf, and gardens to protect them from damage caused by insects, weeds, fungi, and other pests. Pesticides come in many different forms, including liquids, granules, and aerosable baits. Pesticides can be applied using ground or aerial equipment and are also available in home and garden products. Pesticide use is regulated by state and federal laws. Pesticide applicators must be certified by the state in which they plan to apply pesticides. Applicators must follow all label directions when applying pesticides. This was a complete guide on pesticides in agriculture, their types of use, and pesticides examples.