The challenge of Plant Pretection by the year 2000

Abstract

What is the real relevance of plant protection to man's present and future needs? The answer must take into account three important points: • The effects of modern control agents on crop yields • Their economics • The feasibility and chances of alternatives. Under present and foreseeable circumstances, the benefits from the rational, selective use of agrochemicals in general vastly outweigh their disadvantages. However, to continue to meet future food and fibre needs of the world population, we must overcome present constrail').ts that impinge on our production capacity. Soil erosion and water quality, including rainfall, the genetic quality of plants, and energy limitations are all challenging incentives to develop novel management systems and practices that are economical, environmentally and ecologically sound, and socially acceptable. The major consequences of these constraints on future plant protection research are predicted to be the following: • Biotechnology will be an important component of plant protection strategy and research. • Biorational approaches in the design of new active molecules will be the logical way to apply increasing knowledge of pest physiology and biochemistry, of interactions between plants and pests, and of comparative toxicology in vertebrates and invertebrates. • Integrated pest management and soil conservation practices, such as reduced or zero tillage, will achieve great importance and will require new and improved products. • More target-oriented delivery systems will be required for crop protection agents, and this of course will call for more specific formulations and spraying devices.