Insecticides are chemical substances used to kill insects. They play a critical role in pest management by controlling or eliminating insect pests that threaten crop production and public health.
The use of insecticides is common in Kenyan agriculture to protect crops from insect pests that can cause extensive damage, leading to significant yield and quality losses. However, their use needs to be balanced with environmental and health considerations, promoting practices that reduce adverse impacts.
Examples:
- Farmers may apply insecticides to control common pests like aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars that attack crops such as kale, maize, and beans.
- There is a growing emphasis on the judicious use of insecticides, incorporating them into broader Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to minimize reliance on chemical controls and promote ecological balance.
While insecticides can effectively reduce pest populations and ensure crop protection, their use should be carefully managed, adhering to recommended rates and timings, to minimize environmental impact and prevent the development of pest resistance.
Related Terms: Pesticides, Integrated Pest Management, Pest resistance, Environmental impact, Crop health
