CIGR Handbook of Agricultural Engineering, Volume III Plant Production Engineering, Chapter 1 Machines for Crop Production, 1.5. Pest Control Equipment

First paragraph: In agricultural production a pest is anything that impedes or competes with the desired crop. The pest may be other plants (weeds), insects, fungi or diseases. Control of these pests is accomplished by chemical means, nonchemical treatments, or a combination of measures sometimes known as integrated pest management (IPM). IPM strives for pest control using biological, chemical and physical means that are effective, economical and environmentally friendly.