I.

Introduction

Pest Control, any of a wide range of environmental interventions that have as their objective the reduction to acceptable levels of insect pests, plant pathogens, and weed populations. Specific control techniques include chemical, physical, and biological mechanisms. Despite all the control efforts used, pests annually destroy about 35 percent of all crops worldwide. Even after food is harvested, insects, microorganisms, rodents, and birds inflict a further 10 to 20 percent loss, bringing the total destruction to about 40 or 50 percent. With so many areas of the world facing serious food shortages, researchers seek to reduce this loss by improving pest control.