What Makes A Pesticide A "Good" Pesticide?
The criteria used by the World Bank for the selection and the use of pesticides in projects that it finances are basic indicators to describe what could be qualified as "good pesticides":
- They must have negligible adverse effects on human health
- They must be shown to be effective against the target species
- They must have minimal effect on non-target species and the natural environment
- The methods, timing, and frequency of pesticide application must
be aimed to minimize damage to natural enemies
- The pesticides used must be demonstrated to be safe for inhabitants
and domestic animals in the treated areas, as well as for the personnel applying them
- Their use must take into account the need to prevent the development of resistance in pests.
(World Bank, 1996 from MORSE and BUHLER, 1997)
Introduction | Concerns about Pesticides