What is the primary purpose of a pesticide?

The primary purpose of a pesticide is to prevent, destroy, control, repel, or mitigate pests. Pesticides are formulated to target specific organisms that can harm crops, ornamental plants, or landscapes. This includes a wide range of pests such as insects, weeds, fungi, and bacteria that can negatively impact plant health and agricultural productivity.

While enhancing plant growth, providing nutrients, or improving soil quality might be beneficial aspects of gardening or agriculture, they do not define the main role of pesticides. Pesticides are specifically designed as pest management tools to protect plants and improve yield by minimizing the damage caused by harmful organisms. By effectively managing pests, the use of pesticides plays a crucial role in sustaining healthy plant growth and maintaining agricultural practices.