Agrochemicals—The Pesticides Section

1. Different Sections, One Priority

The journal Agrochemicals publishes research on the different types of agrochemicals, as depicted in this Editorial [1], while extending this research to related definitions of agrochemicals [2]. In this context, there are different kinds of agrochemicals that are addressed, and which play a key role in the orientation of Agrochemicals, with their respective Sections, e.g., pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. The Section named Pesticides is an important component in the success of the journal, as it covers a wide range of topics and groups of active ingredients. Moreover, some of these active ingredients may overlap in their properties with other groups of agrochemicals; for example, an antixenosis substance can be related to both antibiosis effects and specific interactions with a target plant.

2. Section Pesticides

In its broader term, the definition of pesticides—as given by the United Nations—is as follows: “A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances that is used to prevent, destroy or control pests—including vectors of human or animal disease, and unwanted species of plants or animals. Pesticides may cause harm during, or otherwise interfere with, the production, processing, storage, transport or marketing of food, agricultural commodities, wood and wood products or animal feedstuffs—or that may be administered to animals so as to control insects, arachnids or other pests in or on their bodies” [3]. In its broader sense, however, pesticides include other substances, with various uses in the agriculture–food chain, as well as in public health safeguarding. Hence, pesticides—taken from the perspective of Agrochemicals—can include substances that have different target organisms than those which are conventionally assumed (e.g., insects, mites, nematodes, rodents). The best management practices in the use of pesticides are also covered by this Section; these are accompanied by aspects that determine the efficacy and the overall utilization of pesticides, such as resistance, mode of action, safe use, and socioeconomic dimensions. As such, emphasis is given to the environmental compatibility of the different types of pesticides and their use within integrated pest-management strategies.