Term (Latin pestis = plague, caedere = to kill) for chemical substances that kill, expel or inhibit the germination, growth or reproduction of troublesome or harmful animal and plant organisms. These include pesticides and biocides. In the narrower sense, pesticides are agents used to control animal pests.
Definition according to the EU
In some cases, pesticides are equated with insecticides. In a broader sense, however, pesticides are all plant protection products and pest control agents. According to EU regulations, there is a definition of "pesticide" that includes both plant protection products and biocidal products. However, the term "pesticide" is rarely used in the legal provisions of German-speaking countries. The picture on the left shows a vine treated with conventional plant protection (chemical sprays).
Differences between biocides and pesticides
In the narrower sense, biocides (bios = life, caedere = to kill) are active substances, chemicals and microorganisms used in pest control in the non-agricultural sector against harmful organisms (such as rats, insects, fungi, microbes), i.e. disinfectants, rat poisons or wood preservatives. Products used in agriculture for plant cultivation, on the other hand, are not referred to as biocides but as plant protection products . Biocides are also referred to as non-agricultural pesticides for the purpose of differentiation.
Biopesticides
Biopesticides are non-synthetic plant protection products. Compared to chemically-synthesised pesticides, they are characterised by lower toxicity, higher selectivity and better compatibility with organic plant protection. One such biopesticide was developed against bee mortality from the venom of a tarantula and the toxic substances of the snowdrop. In contrast to conventional pesticides, it (allegedly) has no negative effects on bees. However, the use of such substances is more complicated and requires special expertise. In viticulture, attempts are being made to use biopesticides as an alternative...
