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The Decision-Making Process and Insect Control

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 May 2012

H. Hurtig
H. Hurtig
Affiliation:
Research Branch Executive, Canada Department of Agriculture, Ottawa, Ontario
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Abstract

The decision-making process in insect control at the practical level involves not only the complex relationships between pests and their environment, but also equally complex human relationships and values. The actions advantageous to one of our resources may be harmful to another. Ultimately, the process of decision-making, at the individual problem level, must be integrated with economic factors, public health and sociological considerations. Calculated risks must be taken, but decision-making should he based on the evaluation of data bearing on efficiency, economy and safety of use of any method, including pesticides. Integrated control as a newly repopularized concept is examined in relation to the economics of its potential application in Canada. The concept of safety of pesticide residues in food is discussed and related to “good agricultural practices.” Three operative levels of decision-making are examined; the regulatory, quarantine and pest suppression activities and the role of the local advisory committees on pest control. The author expresses concern that the current public preoccupation with establishing safeguards for pesticide use does not begin and end merely with legislative action and strengthening of enforcement agencies. A desirable parallel result likely to be overlooked would be administrative and financial support for research on how the use of pesticides may be developed in the best interests of the community as a whole.

Type
Articles
Information
The Canadian Entomologist , Volume 96 , Issue 1-2 , February 1964 , pp. 221 - 230
Copyright
Copyright © Entomological Society of Canada 1964

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