Pesticides
What is a pest?
First generation pesticides.
Second Generation pesticides
2.3 million metric tons worldwide
US 630 active ingredients
55% used on cotton
35% on corn
Maps of Use by pesticide http://water.wr.usgs.gov/pnsp/use92/
http://water.wr.usgs.gov/pnsp/crop/ Pesticide Use by Crop
Broad spectrum
Narrow spectrum
Persistence
Bioamplification
The case for pesticides
The case against pesticides
Silent Spring and Rachel Carson
Genetic resistance
Killing Natural predators
The Pesticide Arms race with evolution
1940 31% lost to pests today 37%
Negative influences on wildlife
20% of honeybee colonies destroyed by pesticide
http://water.wr.usgs.gov/pnsp/fs-039-97/sw1.html pesticides in the hydrologic system
http://water.wr.usgs.gov/pnsp/fs-039-97/sw4.html pesticides found in surface waters
http://water.wr.usgs.gov/pnsp/fs-039-97/sw5.html seasonal entrance of pesticides into water
Influences on Human Health
Pesticide Regulation and What goes around comes around