
agricultural pest
An agricultural pest is an organism, such as an insect, weed, or disease-causing pathogen, that damages crops or reduces their productivity. These pests interfere with plant growth, quality, and yields, threatening food security and farmers' livelihoods. They can spread quickly and become difficult to control, often requiring management strategies like monitoring, biological control, or chemical treatments. Understanding pests is essential for maintaining healthy crops, minimizing economic losses, and ensuring sustainable agriculture.