Pesticides and Herbicides

Introduction

Crops (plants used for animal consumption) and animals are attacked by various insects, fungi, and algae.   Killing these pests keep crops and animals healthy to make farming more productive.

To 1790

1790-1799

1800-1809

1810-1819

1820-1829

1830-1839

1840-1849

In 1842, the English scientist, John Lawes, patented the method for making what he called superphosphate, the first chemical fertilizer that improved soil productivity, reduced disease sources, and made the barnyard smell much better. ^{Asimov 345}

1850-1859

1860-1869

1870-1879

1880-1889

1890-1899

In 1892, the boll weevil, a central American beetle, was seen in Texas and spread across the cotton-growing regions to severly damage cotton crops. ^{Carruth 361}

1900-1909

1910-1919

1920-1929

1930-1939

1940-1949

1950-1959

1960-1969

1970-1979

1980-1989

1990-1999