Pesticide Chemistry

Pesticide chemistry focuses on the study and design of substances used to control pests affecting crops. These chemicals can be synthetic or naturally derived and include herbicides (for weeds), insecticides (for insects), and fungicides (for fungi). Understanding their molecular structure and behavior helps improve their effectiveness, reduce harmful side effects, and enhance safety for humans and the environment. Agricultural chemists analyze how pesticides interact with plants, soil, and pests, ensuring that they provide effective protection while minimizing risks to non-target organisms and ecosystems.