The rapid expansion of avermectin as a biological pesticide in agricultural practices has raised significant concerns. With the prohibition of five highly toxic pesticides, avermectin's usage has surged. However, the increasing resistance of pests to this bio-pesticide, coupled with unscientific application methods, has led to a worrying decline in its effectiveness. This article delves into the challenges facing avermectin, including resistance issues, and the implications for sustainable agriculture.
Avermectin, a derivative of the soil bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis, is celebrated for its high biological activity against a variety of crop pests and mites. It is an antibiotic insecticide and miticide known for its broad-spectrum efficiency, low-residue, and safety for livestock and the environment. Its unique mode of action can effectively control pests that have developed resistance to other commonly used insecticides and miticides, making it an ideal choice for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
Avermectin is not only used in agriculture to control pests on vegetables, fruits, wheat, rice, cotton, and tobacco, but it is also widely used in veterinary medicine to treat internal and external parasites in poultry. As a broad-spectrum anthelmintic, it has potent activity against nematodes, insects, and mites. The versatility of avermectin allows it to be used in conjunction with most pesticides, expanding its insecticidal spectrum and improving control effectiveness and speed.
With the phase-out of highly toxic pesticides, the development of downstream products and the extension of application ranges have led to an increased market demand for avermectin. The Ministry of Agriculture has recommended it as a pollution-free pesticide, and for over a decade, it has been a mainstream choice for farmers due to its high efficiency, low toxicity, and selectivity.
Despite its advantages, the overuse and misuse of avermectin have led to a troubling increase in pest resistance. Reports indicate that the concentration of avermectin in products has escalated from 0.2% to 3% to combat more severe infestations, suggesting that pests are becoming increasingly tolerant. This trend is particularly evident in China, where resistance has become a significant issue, especially in the southern regions where the effectiveness of avermectin has diminished considerably.
Biological pesticides like avermectin tend to develop resistance at a faster rate than chemical pesticides. This is due to their specific modes of action, which pests can adapt to more quickly. In contrast to practices in agriculturally developed countries, where pesticide rotation is common to prevent resistance, Chinese farmers have traditionally used the same pesticide year after year, exacerbating the problem.
Experts warn that the current trend of increasing resistance could accelerate the obsolescence of avermectin products. The need for scientific pest management practices, including the rotation of pesticides and the adoption of integrated pest management strategies, is more crucial than ever to extend the lifecycle of valuable bio-pesticides like avermectin.
Avermectin's development is at a crossroads, with its potential undermined by the growing resistance of pests. To ensure the sustainable use of this bio-pesticide, it is imperative to adopt more scientific application methods and resistance management strategies. The future of avermectin depends on our ability to use it wisely and preserve its efficacy for generations to come.
For more information on avermectin and its use in agriculture, readers can refer to the following sources:
Please note that the original source provided (http://www.cospcn.com) could not be verified for updated statistics and data, and therefore, more authoritative sources have been recommended for further reading.
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