Organic farming supports higher biodiversity. Research involving the Colorado potato beetle shows that this increased diversity can deliver a better ecosystem service in the form of more effective pest control.

This paper analyses the pesticide use pattern in agriculture and associated management system in Kerala. The recent declining rate in total consumption of pesticides is not a sign of relief as the use of harmful chemicals is rising. The pesticides used in agriculture include chemicals, which are banned and those suggested for restricted use only.

Synthetic pyrethroid insecticides are being used with greater frequency in the United States to replace residential and some agricultural organophosphorus (OP) and carbamate insecticides. The pyrethroids are considered to be less toxic to humans than the OPs and carbamates, but like many other classes of insecticides, they are acute neurotoxicants. Barr et al. (p.