Ecological Considerations in Chemical Control

Abstract

Traditional approaches to insect-pest problems have centered on the development of techniques which attempt to destroy pests as they appear in threatening numbers and hopefully to eliminate them. These techniques have, for the most part, involved the use of chemicals applied with little reference to the complexities of agricultural ecosystems. In general, these control measures have been successful. However, we must put certain qualifications on the success of these traditional approaches. Their inherent limitations become clearer each year.