Abstract:
Pesticides have become an integral part of modern agriculture, serving as tools for insect control, weed management, fungal protection, and rodent eradication. However, the widespread and improper use of pesticides has led to significant negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem health. This review explores the different types of pesticides, their effects on biodiversity, and the urgent need to adopt alternative approaches that minimize the reliance on chemical pesticides in agriculture. The direct effects of pesticides are readily observable, as they can cause immediate toxicity to organisms. For example, birds consuming pesticide-coated seeds or the absorption of pesticides through the skin can result in harmful consequences. Additionally, pesticides can directly harm plants, leading to cellular damage and disruption of essential biochemical pathways. Indirect effects of pesticides arise from the depletion of prey populations, alterations in habitat conditions, and impacts on crucial pollinators like bees and butterflies. These indirect effects can disrupt natural ecosystems, reduce plant reproduction, and impede the establishment of natural enemies, ultimately affecting the entire food chain. To understand the decline in biodiversity caused by excessive pesticide use, it is imperative to shift towards sustainable agricultural practices. This entails reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and exploring alternative methods for pest management. Integrated pest management (IPM) approaches, which integrate a variety of techniques such as biological control, crop rotation, and habitat preservation, can help mitigate the adverse impacts of pesticides on biodiversity. Furthermore, the development and adoption of innovative and environmentally friendly pesticides, such as bio-pesticides, offer effective alternatives to conventional chemical pesticides.
Page(s):
71-94
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: International Journal of Forest Sciences, Volume: 3, Issue: 2, Year: 2023
Keywords:
ecosystem
,
Biodiversity
,
Sustainable
,
Environmental impact