Introduction to pesticides

Any substance or mixture of natural or industrial chemicals that has a degree of toxicity to living organisms, is used to prevent or combat pest damage. Pests include disease-carrying insects, harmful plants or animals that interfere with production, storage, transportation or marketing. Pesticides are also used as regulators of plant growth, or to protect and dry its leaves or prevent shedding of fruits, and also to protect crops after harvesting from spoilage during storage or transportation.
According to the law on pesticides in the GCC countries, it is defined as any organic or inorganic chemical product, natural or biological, used for pest control or as a plant growth regulator. Pesticides are a double-edged sword, contributing to an increase in agricultural production globally by more than 35% and protecting humans from epidemics, but they also carry damage caused by their chemical nature.

The widespread use of pesticides in pest control has led to the appearance of numerous damages, which has made their use subject to criticism for the following reasons:

  • Specialized pesticides are expensive, and general pesticides also kill vital enemies.

  • The emergence of new pests that were secondary and became major and destructive for crops.

  • Pest resistance to pesticides when used repeatedly.

  • Pollution of the environment and the prolonged stay of pesticides in it, which harms beneficial organisms.

  • The transmission of pesticide residues to humans and animals and their accumulation in the body causing dangerous diseases.

  • Reduced crop production as a result of the toxicity of some pesticides to plants.

  • Its great harm to bees, fish and marine organisms.

Pesticides are thus "economic poisons" - they are useful if used correctly at the right time and place, as they reduce pest losses and the resulting poisoning damage.