What are pesticides primarily developed to control?

Pesticides are primarily developed to control pests, which includes a broad range of organisms such as insects, weeds, fungi, bacteria, and rodents that can harm crops and other plants. The primary goal of pesticide use is to protect agricultural productivity and the health of plants by managing these harmful organisms that can cause damage or disease. They can come in various forms, including insecticides for insects, herbicides for weeds, and fungicides for fungi, all designed specifically to target these troublesome agents without adversely affecting the plants themselves.

In contrast, while invasive plant species may be controlled through specific herbicides, not all pesticides are designed for that singular purpose. Soil erosion and water pollution are environmental issues that may be influenced by agricultural practices, but they are not direct targets of pesticide applications. Thus, the correct understanding of pesticides focuses on their primary role in pest management rather than broader environmental concerns or specific invasive species.