How do modern farming practices affect pest management?

Modern farming practices significantly influence pest management, and one of the primary approaches is the reliance on synthetic pesticides. These chemicals are designed to target specific pest populations, effectively controlling their numbers and minimizing the damage they cause to crops. This reliance has been a common strategy in industrial agriculture, leading to increased crop yields and simplified pest control processes.

However, while synthetic pesticides can be effective in managing pest populations, their use also raises concerns regarding environmental impact, the health of non-target organisms, and the development of pesticide-resistant pest species. Therefore, while synthetic pesticides are a staple in modern farming practices, they do not guarantee complete pest elimination or neglect environmental considerations, highlighting the complexity of pest management in agriculture today.