What do active ingredients in pesticides specifically target?

Active ingredients in pesticides are specifically designed to target pests, which can include insects, weeds, fungi, or other unwanted organisms that affect agricultural production or the health of landscapes. By targeting these pests, the active ingredients effectively reduce their populations and the damage they cause, improving crop yields or maintaining the integrity of desirable plants.

While some other factors in the ecosystem, such as soil health or atmospheric conditions, play a significant role in the overall effectiveness and safety of pesticide application, the primary function of the active ingredients is to directly control or eliminate the targeted pests. Non-target organisms, which could include beneficial insects, wildlife, or plants, are not the intended targets of these pesticides, and strategies such as selective formulations and application techniques are important to minimize their exposure.