4.4 and 4.5 pests and pesticides and impact of pesticides

Monoculture

Planting thousands or millions of individuals of a single crop species in agroecosystems.

Pests

Organisms that compete with or damage crop species, reducing crop yield.

Herbicides

Pesticides used on plants to eliminate weeds.

Insecticides

Pesticides specifically used to control insect pests.

Rodenticides

Pesticides that target rodent pests.

Fungicides

Pesticides used to control fungal pests.

Broad-spectrum pesticide

Pesticides that are toxic to a wide range of pests.

Narrow-spectrum pesticide

Pesticides that are toxic to only one specific pest.

Indirect application of pesticides

Pesticides applied to the environment that affect target pests indirectly.

Bioamplification

The process where toxins accumulate in organisms at higher trophic levels.

Pesticide resistance

When pest species develop the ability to survive after pesticide application.

Natural pesticides

Pesticides derived from natural sources that do not last as long as synthetic ones.

Synthetic pesticides

Man-made pesticides, often used for longer durability than natural pesticides.

Soil, air, and water pollution

Environmental contamination resulting from pesticide application.

Resistance

The capacity of pests to survive pesticide application, leading to increased concentrations needed.

Trophic level

Each level of a food chain where organisms obtain energy.

Application methods of pesticides

Methods including sprays and aerosols used to apply pesticides in agriculture.

Accumulation of toxins

The build-up of pesticides in organisms over time, affecting food chains.