ABSTRACT
Amurca is mentioned frequently as a pesticide by ancient Roman and Spanish writers. Although traditional pest management practices often included superstitious practices, many ancient practices were highly effective. Overuse of modern pesticides in traditional systems is common. Despite numerous instances of overuse, the quantity of pesticides used by most traditional farmers is still very small. The high cost of pesticides seriously limits their use in developing countries, as few farmers can afford to use them because of their high cost. Historically, chemical pesticide use by traditional farmers has been relatively minor. Chemical pesticide use is a major plant disease management strategy worldwide, and traditional farmers often have unrealistically high perceptions of the value of such pesticides. Because of the high cost and toxicity of chemicals, an objective of plant disease management strategies in developing countries should be to reduce or to eliminate chemical pesticide use.
