What is the primary purpose of pesticides?

The primary purpose of pesticides is to control pests that can negatively impact crops, livestock, and human health. Pests include a variety of organisms such as insects, weeds, fungi, and bacteria that can cause damage to agricultural products, spread diseases, and lead to economic losses. By effectively managing these unwanted organisms, pesticides help ensure healthy crops and livestock, and, consequently, contribute to food security and public health.

While promoting crop growth is essential for agriculture, it is not the direct purpose of pesticides. Pesticides function to mitigate the threats posed by pests rather than specifically enhancing growth. Regarding flavor and quality, while healthier crops may lead to better food quality indirectly through pest control, it is not their primary function. Finally, pesticides are designed to target harmful pests rather than repel beneficial insects, which play vital roles such as pollination and biological pest control.