Pesticides
Pesticides are chemicals used to prevent or control weeds,
insects, diseases and vertebrate pests. They include herbicides, insecticides,
fungicides and vertebrate poisons. These products are rigorously tested and
there are strict guidelines for their application to ensure safety, performance
and value. Pesticides have helped Alberta farmers produce an abundant
supply of highquality, reasonably priced food products. However, from a
wildlife perspective, pesticides may also eliminate non-target species, reducing
biodiversity. Special effort is required to maintain the local diversity of
native flora and fauna in intensively cultivated areas.
Department of the Environment. State of the Environment Report, Terrestrial Ecosystems. Edmonton: n.p., 2001. With permission from Alberta Environment.
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