What is the main goal of suppression in pesticide application?

The main goal of suppression in pesticide application is to reduce the pest population to acceptable levels. Suppression does not aim for total eradication, as it is often impractical or impossible to eliminate all pests from a given area. Instead, by applying pesticides, the focus is on managing the pest population to levels that do not cause significant harm to crops, humans, or the environment. This approach is particularly valuable in integrated pest management strategies, where the long-term health of the ecosystem is considered, and balance is sought rather than total extermination.

Achieving an acceptable level of pests allows for sustainable agricultural practices, enabling crops to thrive while minimizing the negative effects that pests can have on yields. This strategy recognizes the complex interactions within ecosystems and promotes beneficial organisms, rather than indiscriminately targeting all pests.