Key pests

Pronunciation
/kiː pɛsts/
Category
Entomology
Singular
Key pest
Plural
Key pests

Definition

Insects that are considered particularly important in agriculture or other areas of human concern due to their significant impact on crops, stored products, or human health.

Etymology

From the combination of 'key' meaning 'essential' and 'pests' which refers to organisms causing harm.

Example

Among key pests in agriculture are aphids, whiteflies, and certain species of beetles.

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