What pesticides are used on organic foods 2024?

Penelope Gonzales | 2023-06-08 13:03:02 | page views:1422
I'll answer
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.20 Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.
40more

Gabriel Davis

Works at BioGenomics Research, Lives in Zurich, Switzerland.
As a specialist in the field of organic agriculture, I'd like to clarify the misconception that organic foods are not treated with any pesticides. In fact, organic farming does use certain types of pesticides, but they are derived from natural sources and are regulated to ensure they are safe for both the environment and human health.

Organic Pesticides

In organic farming, the use of synthetic pesticides is prohibited. Instead, organic growers rely on a variety of natural substances to manage pests. These substances are carefully selected to minimize harm to non-target organisms and the environment. Here are some of the common natural pesticides used in organic agriculture:


1. Neem Oil: Extracted from the seeds of the neem tree, neem oil has natural insecticidal properties that can control a wide range of pests without harming beneficial insects.


2. Copper Sulfate: While copper sulfate is a synthetic substance, it is allowed in organic farming because it is derived from copper, an element that is naturally occurring in the earth's crust. It is used as a fungicide to control fungal diseases.


3. Hydrogen Peroxide: This is a natural byproduct of plant metabolism and is used as a disinfectant and antimicrobial agent in organic farming.


4. Diatomaceous Earth: Made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae, this substance is abrasive and can physically destroy the exoskeletons of pests, thus killing them.


5. Pepper: Certain types of peppers, such as chili pepper, contain capsaicin, which can deter pests due to its spicy nature.


6. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): This is a bacterium that produces a protein toxic to certain insects but is safe for humans and other non-target organisms. It is used as a biological pesticide.

7.
Botanicals: Plant-derived substances such as pyrethrum, derived from chrysanthemum flowers, and rotenone, derived from the roots of certain plants, are used for their insecticidal properties.

8.
Insecticidal Soaps: These are fatty acid-based soaps that can kill pests on contact by disrupting their cell membranes.

Regulation and Safety

The use of these natural pesticides in organic farming is strictly regulated. Organic certification standards require that these substances be used as a last resort and only after other methods of pest control, such as crop rotation, companion planting, and the use of beneficial insects, have been tried and proven insufficient.

The goal of organic farming is to create a sustainable and balanced ecosystem that can naturally manage pests without the need for chemical interventions. The use of natural pesticides is just one part of a larger strategy to maintain the health of the soil, the crops, and the overall environment.

In contrast to the approximately 900 synthetic pesticides used in conventional farming, the number of approved natural substances in organic farming is significantly smaller. This is because each substance must undergo a rigorous evaluation to ensure it meets the strict criteria for organic use.

In conclusion, while organic foods are indeed treated with pesticides, these are natural and carefully regulated to ensure they are safe and effective. The organic farming community is committed to using these substances responsibly and in harmony with the principles of organic agriculture.


2024-06-11 05:35:53

Isabella Lopez

Studied at the University of Buenos Aires, Lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
These include alcohols, copper sulfate, and hydrogen peroxide. By contrast, there are some 900 synthetic pesticides approved for use in conventional farming. There are also many natural-based substances used as pesticides that are allowed in organic farming. These include neem oil, diatomaceous earth, and pepper.Feb 22, 2017
2023-06-10 13:03:02

Harper Woods

QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
These include alcohols, copper sulfate, and hydrogen peroxide. By contrast, there are some 900 synthetic pesticides approved for use in conventional farming. There are also many natural-based substances used as pesticides that are allowed in organic farming. These include neem oil, diatomaceous earth, and pepper.Feb 22, 2017
ask:3,asku:1,askr:137,askz:21,askd:152,RedisW:0askR:3,askD:0 mz:hit,askU:0,askT:0askA:4