Pesticides are special substances that are actively used to control weeds and dangerous insects. Such agents may belong to the categories of organic and inorganic compounds. They also differ in their mechanism of action and method of application. Thanks to this, each gardener can choose the optimal product depending on his goals and objectives.
Advantages and disadvantages
Such products are used in many countries around the world, and therefore have different names - for example, pesticide. Such means have certain advantages and disadvantages.
The advantages include the following:
- high efficiency;
- general scope of application - the products are used to control weeds and harmful insects;
- ease of use;
- variety of release forms;
- the possibility of increasing productivity;
- improving the growth of cultivated plants;
- minimum side effects.
However, chemicals also have some disadvantages. Any chemicals can lead to negative consequences. When dangerous components accumulate in fruits, they can provoke negative effects on the human body.
Violation of the dosage and rules for using such products can cause deterioration in the growth of cultivated plants and pose a danger to beneficial insects.
What are pesticides
Pesticides are understood as chemical elements that are actively used to destroy dangerous insects and harmful microorganisms. With their help, it is possible to cope with various parasites that pose a danger to cultivated plants.
Popular representatives
There are many types of pesticides on the market today. They differ in composition and mechanism of action. All products are divided into synthetic and organic.
Chemical
Such substances are created in industrial laboratories. They are distinguished by their durability and long shelf life. In addition, chemical pesticides are convenient to use. They successfully cope with parasites and have a low degree of toxicity.
Quite a few chemicals fall into this category of products. These include the following:
- Organophosphates – provoke damage to the nervous system.Some products from this group are prohibited from use because they have dangerous properties.
- Pyrethroids are an analogue of organic components found in chrysanthemums. Such drugs affect the nervous system.
- Carbamates also affect the nervous system of pests, but are considered less dangerous than organophosphates.
- Neonicotinoids - used to protect foliage and wood.
- Organochlorine agents cause great harm to the environment, therefore they are used extremely rarely.
- Glyphosphate – used for growing genetically modified crops.
Biological
Biological pesticides are considered less dangerous. They are obtained from substances that are secreted by plants. Popular representatives of this group of pesticides include:
- "Rotenone" - helps repel insects. The substance is an extract of tropical plants, which has a pronounced toxic effect on fish.
- Horticultural oils – help repel harmful insects. However, some substances are toxic to bees.
- Copper sulfate is used to combat fungi and various types of weeds. An increased concentration of the product poses a certain danger.
- Bt toxin – helps control some insects. It is produced in genetically modified plants.
Although biological pesticides have a natural composition, they can hardly be called completely safe. If the dosage or technique of use is violated, substances cause harm to the environment and people.
Which is better to choose?
Today there are many types of pesticides that differ in composition, purpose, and application features.This helps every gardener choose an effective remedy.
Depending on the purpose, the following types of pesticides are distinguished:
- Herbicides help control weeds. They are most often used for cultivating fields.
- Insecticides are the broadest category. Its main task is to combat parasites. Such preparations are often used on private farms when growing vegetables.
- Fungicides - help cope with fungal microorganisms. Such drugs are used to treat crops for various pathologies.
- Zoocides are used to control warm-blooded animals. They are often used to kill rodents. Similar substances are used in barns and fields.
- Molluscicides are primarily used to kill slugs.
- Nematicides - designed to combat nematodes. These pests belong to the category of roundworms.
Pesticides are effective agents that come in many varieties. This helps every gardener and gardener choose the best option.