Presentation
Pesticides its types and their impacts
Members Group
1.Aqsa Essa 2nd
2.Batool Zahra
3.Nazira Hanif
4.Naba Ali
5.Sana
6.Hamid Farooq
Table of Contents
1. Introduction & Historical Background
2.Types of pesticides
3. Impacts of pesticides
4. Some Emerging questions about Pesticides its types and
their impacts
5. Conclusion
1. Introduction & Historical Background
What are Pesticides?
• A pesticide is any substance used to kill, repel, or control
certain forms of plant or animal life that are considered to
be pests.
• Over 1000 different pesticides are used around the world.
• Pesticides are used in public health to kill vectors of disease,
such as mosquitoes, and in agriculture to kill pests that
damage crops.
Historical Background
• The use of pesticides has a long history dating back to
ancient civilizations, where early methods involved the
application of natural substances like sulphur and arsenic.
•About 4000 years ago the first known pesticide was
elemental sulphur.
•In 15th century arsenic, mercury and lead were being
applied to crops for kill the pests.
Cont…
• In 17th century nicotine sulphate was extracted from
tobacco leaves for use as an Insecticide.
• In 19th century introduction of two more natural pesticides,
pyrethrum and rotenone.
• In 1939, Paul Muller discovered that DDT was a very effective
insecticide
15th 17th 19th
Century Century Century
3. Types of pesticides
• There are many different types of pesticides and each is meant to be
effective against specific pests. The term "-cide" comes from the Latin
word "to kill."
Following are some pesticides;
1. Insecticides:
• Insecticides target and control insect populations. Common examples
include organophosphates, pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids.
• These chemicals disrupt the nervous systems of insects, but their
widespread use has been associated with unintended consequences,
such as the decline of pollinators like bees.
• 2. Herbicides:
• Herbicides are designed to control or eliminate unwanted
plant species.
• Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, has faced scrutiny due
to its potential environmental persistence and links to
health concerns.
• Alternatives, such as natural herbicides or integrated weed
management, are being explored to reduce reliance on
chemical herbicides.
Cont…
3. Fungicides:
• Fungicides target and control fungal infections in crops. While
they play a crucial role in preventing crop diseases, their impact
on non-target fungi and the development of resistance in target
species pose challenges. Sustainable alternatives, including
biological control agents, are being researched.
4. Rodenticides:
• Rodenticides aim to control rodent populations. The potential
for secondary poisoning in non-target animals and the
development of resistance in rodents are significant concerns
associated with their use. Integrated pest management (IPM)
approaches are increasingly advocated for rodent control.
4. Impacts of pesticides
1. Environmental Pollution:
– Water Contamination: Pesticides can leach into soil and water, contaminating
groundwater and surface water. This can have adverse effects on aquatic
ecosystems and non-target organisms.
– Air Contamination: Pesticides can volatilize into the air and be carried over
long distances, leading to air pollution.
2. Impact on Non-Target Organisms:
– Biodiversity Loss: Pesticides may harm non-target species, including beneficial
insects, birds, and aquatic organisms. This can disrupt ecosystems and lead to a
decline in biodiversity.
– Secondary Pest Outbreaks: Pesticides can disrupt natural predator-prey
relationships, leading to an increase in the population of certain pests, as their
natural enemies are killed.
3. Human Health Concerns
– Residue in Food: Pesticide residues can remain on or in food
crops, and their consumption may have health implications for
humans. This is particularly concerning in the case of fruits,
vegetables, and other food items.
– Occupational Exposure: Farmworkers and others involved in the
production and application of pesticides may be exposed to these
chemicals, leading to health issues such as skin irritation,
respiratory problems, and more severe long-term effects.
Cont…
4.Development of Pesticide Resistance
– Target Organism Resistance: Pests can develop resistance to
pesticides over time, reducing the effectiveness of these chemicals
and requiring higher doses or more potent formulations.
– Non-Target Organism Resistance:
– Non-target species may also develop resistance
to pesticides, affecting their populations and
disrupting natural ecosystems.
Cont…
5.Soil Degradation
– Microbial Impact: Pesticides can affect soil microbial communities,
leading to a decline in beneficial soil organisms and potentially
impacting soil fertility.
6.Persistence and Bioaccumulation
– Persistent Chemicals: Some pesticides are designed to be persistent,
meaning they remain in the environment for extended periods. This
persistence can lead to long-term exposure for both non-target
organisms and humans.
– Bioaccumulation: Pesticides can accumulate in the tissues of living
organisms, especially those higher up the food chain. This
bioaccumulation can lead to higher concentrations of pesticides in
predators and have cascading effects on ecosystems.
5. Some Emerging questions about Pesticides its
types and their impacts
1. What is the historical significance of pesticides, and how has their use
evolved over time?
2. What are the major types of synthetic pesticides, and how do they differ in
their modes of action? c. How do pesticides impact nontarget organisms,
especially pollinators like bees?
3. What are the environmental and health concerns associated with the use of
traditional pesticides?
4. How does integrated pest management (IPM) differ from conventional
pesticide use, and what are its advantages?
5. What role do bio pesticides play in modern agriculture, and how do they
compare to synthetic pesticides?
6. How can sustainable agricultural practices contribute to reducing the
reliance on chemical pesticides?
6. Conclusion
• In conclusion, the history of pesticides reflects a continuous effort to
balance the need for crop protection with environmental and human
health considerations.
• While synthetic pesticides have played a crucial role in increasing
agricultural productivity, their adverse effects have prompted a
revaluation of pest control strategies.
• The shift towards integrated pest management and the development
of bio pesticides signal a promising path for sustainable agriculture.
Ongoing research and a holistic approach are essential to address the
challenges associated with pesticide use, ensuring the long-term
health of ecosystems and food systems.
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