New pesticide molecules, formulation technology and uses: present status and future challenges.

Abstract

to highly specific synthetic and biological materials that control only specific pests. Early use patterns showed that most pest control products were naturally occurring and basic poisons. They were nonselective in nature, persistent and toxic to many forms of life. Insecticides included arsenic, lead and fluoride. Herbicides included ashes, salts, and smelter sludges. Fungicides included chalk, woodash and sulphur. During 1800 century Insecticides included botanicals, nicotine, rotenone and pyrethrums. These products were more specific in terms of control, but not very stable for use in agriculture given rapid breakdown in the environment. It was the century where disease control using sulfur and copper compounds became common on fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants. The modern era of synthetic organic pesticides began in the 1930’s. The research behind medical (including antibiotics) and military uses funded research that led to the discovery of many pesticide families that are still in use today. A real breakthrough in weed control occurred with the introduction of 2, 4-D in the 1940’s for broad-spectrum broadleaf weed control in corn and cereal crops. The early twentieth century