11: Plant–Insect Interactions and the Human Role Check Access

Humans have had to deal with historic and modern invasions of insect pests that destroy croplands and timber. This chapter describes various approaches, historic and modern, to deal with insect pests, including their successes and drawbacks. Short life-cycles and rapid evolution of insects lead to their fast adaptation to many methods of insect control. Synthetic insecticides are the most commonly used method to manage insect pests. Most synthetic insecticides are broad spectrum in action and target the insects’ nervous systems. DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is discussed, with its history. Organophosphates, like malathion, are widely used in agriculture and in residential landscaping. Neonicotinoids, with some resemblance to the structure of nicotine, are addressed. Integrated pest management (IPM) is a sustainable approach to managing pests that combines different techniques, including biological, physical and chemical methods, and attempts to minimize health and environmental risks. The search continues for successful and improved methods of managing insect pests, in order to produce adequate food crops and to protect stands of timber. At the same time, these efforts must be integrated with environmentally benign methods, in order to protect ecosystems and to conserve biodiversity.