Abstract

GONZALEZ-ARIAS, Cyndia Azucena et al. Pattern of use and sale of pesticides in Nayarit, Mexico. Rev. Int. Contam. Ambient [online]. 2010, vol.26, n.3, pp.221-228. ISSN 0188-4999.

Pesticides are compounds widely used in agriculture and for the control of vectors that transmit diseases to humans and animals. No studies, however, have provided data regarding the potential use of pesticides in Nayarit State, one of the main agricultural states in México. This paper presents the use of pesticides in Nayarit by obtaining the rate of their sales via a direct interview with establishment retailers. The data indicate that insecticides are the most used agrochemicals (45.9 %) in Nayarit State, followed by herbicides (30.5 %) and fungicides (20.1 %). According to chemical classification, organophosphates are the most sold and used pesticides in the State, followed by pyretroids, carbamates and organochlorine pesticides. This study provides detailed and updated data about the pesticide sales and their consequent use in each region of Nayarit. This database may serve as a background for future studies evaluating adverse effects of these environmental contaminants on human health and ecosystems.

Keywords : insecticides; herbicides; fungicides.