Crops often fall ill or get infested with pests, which can lead to significant losses in agricultural production. To ensure a good harvest, farmers typically rely on resistant crop varieties, proper fertilizer and water management, and biological or cultural control methods. However, spraying pesticides remains a common emergency measure. Unfortunately, many farmers misunderstand the proper use of pesticides, believing that every pest sighting requires immediate treatment. As a result, they may spray multiple times—sometimes even over ten times—during a single growing season. This not only increases costs but also leads to environmental pollution and contamination of crops and farm products.
First, the mindset of "see a pest, fight it" is not always realistic. Most farming takes place in open environments, and even controlled settings like greenhouses are still exposed to natural elements. It's impractical to completely eliminate all pests and diseases. Instead of aiming for total eradication, we should focus on managing them effectively.
Second, agriculture is an industry governed by economic principles. The core idea is that the value of the output must exceed the input. If pest populations are low and cause minimal damage, the cost of manual intervention may outweigh the benefits. That’s why current agricultural practices set specific thresholds for pest and disease levels. Only when these thresholds are exceeded does it make economic sense to take action.
Many so-called pests and weeds aren’t as harmful as they seem. Sometimes, they appear at the wrong time or place, but they play important roles in the ecosystem. For example, Setaria viridis is the ancestor of cultivated millet, and the mosaic virus in tulips actually enhances their beauty. Our attitude toward these organisms needs to shift—from hostility to tolerance, from prevention to sustainable management. This means allowing some pests to coexist without causing major harm.
Controlling pests based on economic thresholds and established guidelines is a positive step forward in agriculture and plant protection. Society and consumers should support this approach. To reduce pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables, people shouldn’t expect produce to be 100% free of insects. In most cases, simply removing visible pests before eating is sufficient. By adopting a more balanced perspective, we can promote healthier farming practices and a more sustainable food system.
Smart Factory
Smart Factory
Automated Precision Inc. , https://www.apiasean.com