Pests Are the Problem

Pests Destroy Crops

The most recent and comprehensive estimates of crop loss due to pests were made by Oerke and his colleagues in 1994*. They found that insects caused the largest crop loss by inflicting 15 percent decrease to potential output. In rice alone, US $45.4 billion is lost to insects globally, while wheat and potatoes both lost over 10.4 billion each. Because rice, wheat, and potatoes are all important food crops, especially for the developing nations of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, pest control is critical.

Pests Complexes Adapt

Insects have a remarkable ability to adapt to environmental pressures. Insects have a rich history of adapting to changes in cropping systems, cultural practices, and climate and adapting to tolerate or resist management strategies, including insecticides. An effective and sustainable insect management program requires the judicious use of multiple pest management tools. To satisfy the needs of a growing population, growers need full access to a broad range of tools to manage insect infestations. Insecticides such as chlorpyrifos have, and will continue to, play an important role in a sustainable insect management strategy.

*E.-C. Oerke, H-W. Dehne, F. Schonbeck and A. Weber. 1994. Crop Production and Crop Protection: Estimated losses in major food and cash crops. 808 pp
± Malaria Foundation International