Beneficial organisms, pesticide effects

Piorr H P (1992), Phytopathological advantages and risks of organic farming systems Future perspectives to improve organic cropping systems , in Altman J, Pesticide-interactions in Crop Production Beneficial and deleterious effects, CRC Press, Cleveland, 461 172. 

Piorr, H.-P. (1993). Phytopathological Advantages and Risks of Organic Farming Systems - Future Perspectives. In Altman, J. (ed) Pesticide Interaction in Crop Production. Beneficial and Deleterious Effects. CRC-Press Boca Raton. 

Organic fruit production relies first of all on the natural antagonistic relationships (relationship between the pest and beneficial), and pesticides etc. are used only if there is no longer any possibility of natural regulation. Some beneficials and their effects will therefore be briefly described. 

Most control strategies take advantage of the natural controls provided by the pest s natural enemies. When choosing a pesticide, consider what effect it will have on these beneficial organisms. Ask your pesticide dealer, agricultural extension agent, or other experts for advice. 

P. C. Jepson (Oregon State Univ., USA) discussed the effects of pesticides on natural enemies that play a critical role in 1PM. The factors governing the key processes underlying pesticide impact were analyzed to explore ways of mitigating the side effects on beneficial organisms. R. ffrench-Constant (Univ. of Bath, UK) described that neonicotinoid resistance was conferred by DDT-R gene in Drosophila, and therefore required no fitness cost. Y. Suzuki (NARO, Japan)... 

When the problem is identified, select a pesticide that will control the problem but damage few other organisms. A properly selected treatment is more likely to be effective and less likely to damage beneficial insects and other non-target organisms. 

Others may have concerns that are more scientific. There has been much concern about the spread of pollen from GE plants and how this movement could affect non-GE crops and native plants. If organic crops cross-pollinate with GE crops, it is possible that consumers would reject the crops. There is also the concern that GE traits could be transferred and persist in wild plants in such a way as to disrupt the natural ecology. I can imagine that Rachel Carson would have been concerned about the potential disruptive effects of pollen flow. At the same time, she may have thought GE plants could be beneficial if they could help reduce pesticide use. 

Although the beneficial effects of many organic halides are undisputed, certain synthetic chlorinated organics such as the chlorofluorocarbons and the pesticide DDT have caused lasting harm to the environment. 

Risk-benefit analysis as related to pesticides will be discussed from the following points of view (1) how does one determine risk, (2) what are the potential adverse health effects in man from exposure to pesticides, (it must be recognized that adverse effects of pesticides on wildlife and non-target organisms are also an important part of risk-benefit analysis. However, because of time limitations we will restrict our consideration to adverse health effects in man), (3) principles and problems concerning the estimation of risk to man from exposure to pesticides and (4) effects of pesticides that are considered to be beneficial. 

I think the effects of a pesticide which are generally considered beneficial are, for example, its effect on the cost of agricultural products. A new pesticide may decrease the cost of production of a food or fiber product. Therefore it should be considered beneficial for that reason. Likewise, the elimination of the use of an old pesticide may increase the cost of the food or fiber. Use of pesticides may provide increased recreational opportunities. Elimination or control of human disease organism would of course be considered a benefit. Likewise, the elimination or control of unwanted animals or plants would also be considered a beneficial effect of pesticides. 

The human condition today has benefited from successes in organic synthesis. Om food, clothing, homes, and health have been significantly improved by the creation of new substances based on carbon compounds. Safer and more effective agrichemicals, pesticides, herbicides, and food additives have improved om food qrrantity, quahty (e.g., nutrition). Beneficial pharmaceutical agents have helped us achieve an rmprecedented standard of health. Polymers and plastics affect om lives irrtmensely. The more exotic rrraterials of the rrano-age are of growing importance. Chemical synthesis enabled the developmerrt of nearly every one of these beneficial commodities. 

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