What does the term 'pesticide' encompass?

The term 'pesticide' encompasses a broad range of substances designed to control various types of pests that can harm plants, crops, and health. This definition includes herbicides, which target unwanted plants; insecticides, which focus on insects; fungicides, designed to eliminate fungi; and rodenticides, used to control rodents. By including all these categories, the definition captures the full scope of pest management chemicals available for agricultural and non-agricultural use. The diversity in the types of pesticides reflects the multiple challenges posed by different pests in various environments and underscores the importance of having a comprehensive regulatory framework and safety practices in place for their usage.