Farmers employ various chemicals, broadly categorized as pesticides and fertilizers, to enhance crop growth and protect their yields from pests and diseases. Pesticides are further classified into herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, each targeting specific threats to crops. Herbicides are used to control unwanted vegetation, insecticides to eliminate harmful insects, and fungicides to prevent or manage fungal infections.
Key Facts
- Farmers use three main types of pesticides on crops: herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.
- Herbicides are used to control undesirable vegetation and maximize crop productivity by minimizing other plants.
- Insecticides are used to kill insects that can damage crops.
- Fungicides are used to prevent or control fungal diseases that can harm crops.
- Glyphosate is one of the most commonly used herbicides in the United States, applied primarily to genetically engineered, glyphosate-resistant varieties of soybeans, corn, canola, and cotton.
- Atrazine is another widely used herbicide applied to crops such as corn, soybeans, and sorghum.
- The effects of herbicides can vary depending on their mode of action, which can include inhibiting cell division, photosynthesis, or amino acid production, or mimicking natural plant growth hormones.
- Herbicides can enter surface water through runoff or leaching, potentially causing biological impairments if present at sufficient concentrations.
- The potential exposure to herbicides like glyphosate is highest among farm workers, gardeners using glyphosate-based herbicides, and those living near farms or manufacturing plants where glyphosate products are produced.
- For the general public, exposure to glyphosate typically occurs through touching or eating food or water containing residues or inhaling mists or spray while using it.
Herbicides: Controlling Undesirable Vegetation
Herbicides are widely used in agriculture to minimize competition from undesirable plants and maximize crop productivity. Glyphosate, a commonly used herbicide, is primarily applied to genetically modified, glyphosate-resistant crops such as soybeans, corn, canola, and cotton. Atrazine is another prevalent herbicide used on crops like corn, soybeans, and sorghum.
Insecticides: Combating Harmful Insects
Insecticides play a crucial role in protecting crops from insect damage. These chemicals target and kill insects that can infest and destroy crops, thereby reducing crop yields and quality.
Fungicides: Preventing Fungal Diseases
Fungicides are employed to prevent or control fungal diseases that can harm crops. These diseases can cause significant yield losses and reduce the quality of agricultural products.
Environmental and Health Implications of Herbicides
The extensive use of herbicides in agriculture has raised concerns about their potential environmental and health impacts. Herbicides can enter surface water through runoff or leaching, potentially causing biological impairments if present at sufficient concentrations. The potential exposure to herbicides like glyphosate is highest among farm workers, gardeners using glyphosate-based herbicides, and those living near farms or manufacturing plants where glyphosate products are produced. For the general public, exposure to glyphosate typically occurs through touching or eating food or water containing residues or inhaling mists or spray while using it.
Sources:
- Chemicals in the Farm Ecosystem
- Herbicides | US EPA
- Toxic herbicides: Map showing how high use is by state
FAQs
What are the three main types of pesticides used by farmers?
Herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.
What is the purpose of herbicides?
To control undesirable vegetation and minimize competition with crops, thereby maximizing crop productivity.
What is the most commonly used herbicide in the United States?
Glyphosate, primarily applied to genetically modified, glyphosate-resistant crops like soybeans, corn, canola, and cotton.
What is another widely used herbicide?
Atrazine, commonly applied to crops such as corn, soybeans, and sorghum.
What are insecticides used for?
To kill insects that can damage crops, potentially reducing crop yields and quality.
What is the purpose of fungicides?
To prevent or control fungal diseases that can harm crops, potentially causing significant yield losses and reducing product quality.
What are the potential environmental and health implications of herbicide use?
Herbicides can enter surface water through runoff or leaching, potentially causing biological impairments if present at sufficient concentrations. Exposure to herbicides like glyphosate is highest among farm workers, gardeners using glyphosate-based herbicides, and those living near farms or manufacturing plants where glyphosate products are produced. For the general public, exposure typically occurs through contact with food or water containing residues or inhalation of mists or spray during application.
How can exposure to herbicides be reduced?
By choosing organic produce, washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption, and minimizing the use of glyphosate-based herbicides in home and garden applications.