What is the primary purpose of an insecticide in agriculture?

The primary purpose of an insecticide in agriculture is to control insects. Insecticides are specifically designed to target insect pests that can cause harm to crops, livestock, and stored products. These substances work by disrupting the normal functioning of insects, ultimately leading to their death and helping to protect agricultural yields and maintain the health of ecosystems.

While controlling weeds, fungi, and rodents are crucial aspects of agricultural management, these tasks are addressed by different types of pesticides or control methods. Herbicides are used for weed control, fungicides target fungal infections, and rodenticides are employed to manage rodent populations. Each category of pesticide is formulated with specific active ingredients that are effective against their intended targets, thereby ensuring the efficiency of pest management practices in agriculture.