What is the definition of a pesticide?

The definition of a pesticide is centered around its purpose, which is to control pest populations. Pesticides are chemical substances or mixtures that are specifically designed to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate pests, including insects, weeds, fungi, and other organisms that can harm crops, livestock, or human health. This key function distinguishes pesticides from other agricultural products.

While substances that enhance plant growth or serve as fertilizers play vital roles in agriculture, they do not align with the primary role of pesticides. Pesticides target pest organisms to reduce their impact on plants and ecosystems, a focus that differentiates them from growth enhancers, which aim to improve plant health and yield directly.

Natural remedies may be employed for pest control, but they are not fully defined as pesticides unless they meet specific criteria established by regulatory authorities based on their effectiveness and usage. Therefore, the term pesticide encompasses a broad range of chemical and biological methods to manage pests, highlighting the importance of pest control in agricultural practices.