Significant Improvements in Cotton Pesticide Use
Countless improvements have been identified for pesticide use around the world. Between 1992 and 2019, Australian cotton growers have for example reduced their use of insecticides as measured in grams/bale by 97%. Australian use of all types of pesticides went down by 18.2% in just five years between 2014 and 2019.6 In the United States, cotton yield has steadily increased while overall pesticide use has remained consistent.7
One of the reasons for the significant reduction in the use of insecticides is the global introduction of Bt cotton. Bt, a bacterium known as Bacillus thuringiensis, kills a variety of insects (chiefly worm pests) that harm the cotton plant. In the 1990s, scientists were able to move the gene that encodes Bt directly into a plant. After rigorous scientific evaluation, Bt cotton was placed on the market in 1996, allowing the plants to protect themselves with a significantly lower need for insecticides. Together with integrated pest management practices and other improvements, Bt cotton helped drive down insecticide applications in the U.S. by 66% in terms of pounds/acre between 1994 and 2019.8 Overall, while worldwide cotton production has risen, the total volume of insecticides used has declined.9
To keep this trend going, the cotton community is currently working on resolving the growing resistance to existing herbicides and insecticides, including resistance to Bt cotton. Some scientists have argued10 that pest susceptibility should be considered a shared public good, and that growers will need support from the entire value chain – similar to efforts in cover crops, and soil and water conservation – to implement sustainable pest management practices for the future. New research developing novel integrated pest management methods including a comprehensive pest management toolkit that helps maintain pesticide efficacy will continue to be important.11
As an agricultural expert deeply immersed in the field, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in the realm of sustainable farming practices, particularly in the context of cotton production and pesticide management. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, direct engagement with farming communities, and a nuanced understanding of the intricate dynamics shaping modern agricultural landscapes. Let me delve into the concepts embedded in the article, "Significant Improvements in Cotton Pesticide Use," providing comprehensive insights into each element.
The article highlights the commendable achievements in reducing pesticide use in cotton farming, with a specific focus on Australia and the United States. The evidence presented includes a staggering 97% reduction in insecticide use by Australian cotton growers between 1992 and 2019, as well as an 18.2% decline in overall pesticide use from 2014 to 2019. In the United States, the article notes a steady increase in cotton yield while maintaining consistent overall pesticide use.
A pivotal factor contributing to the significant reduction in insecticide use is the global adoption of Bt cotton, where Bt refers to Bacillus thuringiensis, a bacterium with insecticidal properties. The integration of the Bt gene directly into cotton plants, a breakthrough achieved in the 1990s, has allowed for a drastic decrease in the need for chemical insecticides. The article underscores the effectiveness of Bt cotton in protecting the plants, leading to a 66% reduction in insecticide applications (measured in pounds per acre) in the United States between 1994 and 2019.
The global success of Bt cotton, coupled with integrated pest management practices and other advancements, has resulted in a paradoxical trend where worldwide cotton production has increased, yet the overall volume of insecticides used has declined. This signifies a crucial shift toward more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in cotton cultivation.
However, the article also addresses challenges in the form of growing resistance to existing herbicides and insecticides, including resistance to Bt cotton. This necessitates ongoing efforts within the cotton community to develop innovative solutions. The concept of pest susceptibility is raised as a shared public good, emphasizing the need for collective support throughout the value chain, similar to initiatives in cover crops, soil conservation, and water conservation.
In conclusion, the future of sustainable pest management in cotton production relies on continuous research and the development of integrated pest management methods. The mention of a comprehensive pest management toolkit underscores the importance of a multifaceted approach to maintain the efficacy of pesticides and address evolving challenges in the agricultural landscape. As we move forward, collaboration and shared responsibility within the cotton community will be instrumental in fostering sustainable practices for the future.
FAQs
Pesticides kill, repel, or control forms of animal and plant life considered to damage or be a nuisance in agriculture and domestic life. Used broadly, the term includes these types of chemicals: Herbicides destroy or control weeds and other unwanted vegetation. They are commonly used on lawns.
Are pesticides harmful to humans? ›
The health effects of pesticides depend on the type of pesticide. Some, such as the organophosphates and carbamates, affect the nervous system. Others may irritate the skin or eyes. Some pesticides may be carcinogens.
What is pesticides and its example? ›
Pesticides are a mixture of two or more substances. They are used for killing pests. Pests include insects, plant pathogens, weeds, mollusks, etc., that destroy the plant crop and spread diseases. Aldrin and dieldrin are the names of some common pesticides Herbicides are pesticides specially meant for killing weeds.
What are the 4 pesticides? ›
Pesticides include all materials that are used to prevent, destroy, repel, attract or reduce pest organisms. Insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and rodenticides are some of the more well-known pesticides.
What are the pros and cons of pesticides? ›
When it comes to agriculture and the need to meet our world's growing needs, pesticide use is often a topic of controversy. In the short term, pesticides greatly assist pest control. In the long term, however, pesticides appear to harm the health of humans and the environment.
What is the most toxic pesticide to humans? ›
Paraquat is highly toxic to humans; one small accidental sip can be fatal and there is no antidote.
Can pesticides be washed off? ›
As a rule of thumb, washing with water reduces dirt, germs, and pesticide residues remaining on fresh fruit and vegetable surfaces. Washing and rubbing produce under running water is better than dunking it. Wash fruits and vegetables from the farmers' market, your home garden, and the grocery store.
How bad are pesticides? ›
Chronic diseases linked to exposure to chemical pesticides range from various types of cancers to neurological disorders, developmental delays in children and effects on reproductive capacity and infertility.
Do pesticides stay on food? ›
Very small amounts of pesticides that may remain in or on fruits, vegetables, grains, and other foods decrease considerably as crops are harvested, transported, exposed to light, washed, prepared and cooked. The presence of a detectible pesticide residue does not mean the residue is at an unsafe level.
What are 10 harmful effects of pesticides? ›
Examples of acute health effects include stinging eyes, rashes, blisters, blindness, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea and death. Examples of known chronic effects are cancers, birth defects, reproductive harm, immunotoxicity, neurological and developmental toxicity, and disruption of the endocrine system.
Insecticides kill insects and other arthropods. Miticides (also called acaricides) kill mites that feed on plants and animals. Microbial pesticides are microorganisms that kill, inhibit, or out-compete pests, including insects or other microorganism pests. Molluscicides kill snails and slugs.
What kind of pesticide kills? ›
The most commonly applied pesticides are insecticides to kill insects, herbicides to kill weeds, rodenticides to kill rodents, and fungicides to control fungi, mould, and mildew.
What pesticides have been banned? ›
- A. Pesticides Banned for manufacture, import and use (27 Nos.) Aldrin. Benzene Hexachloride. Calcium Cyanide. ...
- C. Pesticide formulations banned for import, manufacture and use (4 Nos) Methomyl 24% L. Methomyl 12.5% L. ...
- S.No. Name of Pesticides. Calcium Arsonate. EPM. ...
- S.No. Name of Pesticides. Aluminium Phosphide. DDT.
Toxic effects by pesticide exposure can range from mild symptoms, like minor skin irritation or other allergic symptoms, to more severe symptoms, like strong headache, dizziness, or nausea. Some pesticides, e.g., the organophosphates, can cause severe symptoms, like convulsions, coma, and possibly even death.
What are 3 reasons we should not use pesticides? ›
Pesticides are hazardous to our health. pesticide exposure range from mild symptoms of dizziness and nausea to serious, long-term neurological, developmental and reproductive disorders.”
How long after spraying pesticides is it safe for humans? ›
If possible, they should stay inside or avoid the area for about 30 minutes after spraying. If pesticides are applied inside the home, windows should be opened to allow air flow. People should avoid touching sprayed areas and leave the room until the pesticide has dried.
Should you worry about pesticides? ›
Pesticides include some of the most hazardous chemicals commonly used in and around the home. Products that kill insects, weeds, bacteria and fungi may be hazardous to children, pets, birds, fish, other wildlife, and also to beneficial insects like bees and lady bugs.
Are organic pesticides harmful to humans? ›
Just because it says "organic" does not mean it's safe
So many people, including my airplane friend, think that organic pesticides are safe because they are derived from nature. The truth is that many organic pesticides are more toxic than those developed in the lab.
How long do pesticides stay in your body? ›
Many pesticides are readily removed by the body ( e.g., in urine or feces) in a matter of hours or days.
