The Role of the USDA in Developing New Chemical Pesticides

Many needs for pesticides have never been adequately met. In addition, we may expect that attention will again be required for needs that had been met by persistent materials such as some of the chlorinated hydrocarbons. Moreover, leading entomologists continue to stress the need for the commercial availability of selective, safe, and nonpersistent insecticides as essential tools of pest management. The USDA assists in assuring the continuing availability of needed pesticides by (1) generating some of the data needed for registration for minor uses and markets, and (2) by conducting research which leads to alleviation of the cost of pesticide development by industry.