Until the 1950s, it was common practice worldwide to use massive amounts of chemicals in the fight against pests, because little was known about the negative effects. Climate change also contributes to negative development. Conventional agrochemicals with large-scale use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides have come under increasing criticism since the 1980s and are considered incompatible with sustainability and organic agriculture. However, a radical shift away from these practices is hardly realistic in the short term, also due to crop failures.
A variety of microorganisms, nematodes, fungi, insects, harmful birds and other animals (vertebrates) can cause considerable damage, as well as high yield and quality losses. This is particularly true in intensive crops such as cereals, vegetables, fruit and grapes. The harvest loss for wheat is at least 30% and for rice around 50%. Plant protection is therefore of particular importance in terms of safeguarding the world's food supply.
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Dozent, Önologe und Weinbauberater, Bad Kreuznach