Comparative analysis of pesticide use across California crops

Pesticide use is a key component of efficient crop production, but is
associated with a suite of costs. Understanding the main drivers of
pesticide use will help us target research to develop effective
alternatives. Although economic models predict, and empirical tests
confirm, that the value of the crop being protected is an important
determinant of between crop variation in pesticide use, previous tests of
this prediction have examined only modest numbers of crops and have not
assessed the relative importance of crop value versus ecological
determinants of pesticide use. Here we analyze variation in pesticide use
across 93 crops grown in California, USA.We examine the joint roles of
crop value and ecological determinants of pesticide use, including (i) the
number of pest species associated with each crop; (ii) the distinction
between annual vs. perennial crops; and (iii) the distinction between
unprocessed vs. processed crops. We conclude that both economic and
ecological drivers influence the magnitude of potential crop losses,
thereby shaping farmer pest control practices.