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Introduction:

Pest management technology has seen colossal development over the years, from traditional methods like crop rotation and biological control to modern methods involving AI, IoT, and biotechnology. Sensors and camera traps offer real-time reports of pest activity, allowing for early detection and directed interventions, and AI-based analytics process sensor and trap data to enable forecast of pest outbreaks and optimal treatment decisions. In this article, we examine the evolution of pest control technologies from the past to the current year.

Development History:

1. Before 1900s:

• During this time, sulfur was widely employed to manage mites and insects by most individuals. 

• Arsenic and tobacco spray were also utilized to repel pest infestations, in addition to crop rotation, biological control, and removal by hand.

2. 1900s-1950s:

• The discovery of chemical pesticides such as DDT, banned as early as 1945, had its use reinstated in 1950 for agricultural support and to counter the effects of pests on farming. 

• Pheromone traps were also invented for management and surveillance of insect populations.

3. 1950s-1980s:

• The evolution of integrated pest management (IPM) strategy came about. With the introduction of the IPM concept, the IPM was incorporated, and biological control developments in addition to pesticide residue concerns escalated.

• This era revolutionized pest control from chemical dependency to integrated methods and environmental consciousness.

4. 1990s-present:

• The development of precision agriculture, biotechnology, and digital technology, such as genetic engineering, brought the first GM crops with resistance to pests. Many developments in pest management, such as precision agriculture using GPS, drones, and satellite images, arose. 

• Moreover, biological pest control improved, pheromone traps became more efficient, and organic control of pests was developed that does not damage the environment.

Modern Technologies:

1. Precision Agriculture:

• Referred to as PA in agriculture, this technology combines GPS and GNSS with drones and satellite imagery. Data analytics technology is utilized for mapping the soil, extensive research, crop monitoring, and weather forecasting, focusing on interventions like variable rate seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides application. 

• The aim of this precision agriculture technology is obvious: elimination of pests impacting crops and the environment to yield more and better crops.

2. Biotechnology:

• Genetic engineering is used in biotechnology for pest control to produce pesticide-resistant crops and to sterilize pests or make them susceptible. 

• Biochemicals are mostly applied to interfere with pheromones in the mating of pests, while hormones are used to control pest growth and development. Targeted control, low chemical application, and safety to the environment are advantages.

3. Digital Tools:

Digital technologies applied for pest control are mobile applications for mobile pest identification and reporting, and crop monitoring.

• Mobile Apps: Mobile pest reporting and identification (e.g., PestLens, PlantSnap), Crop monitoring and management (e.g., FarmLogs, Granular)

• IoT Sensors: Soil temperature and moisture monitoring .Crop health and pest detection sensors. Weather forecasting tools and weather stations

• Drone Technology: Air crop monitoring and inspection. Pest detection and mapping and precision application of pesticides

• AI-Powered Platforms: Pest outbreak predictive analytics. Customized pest control suggestions. Automated record maintenance and reporting

Trends and Technologies in Emerging Pest Control:

• Biological Controls: Harnessing natural enemies or diseases for controlling pests by the incorporation of biological control remedies which uses organisms to cut the pest entry such as parasites, pathogens and competitors. For instance: ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps and Bt bacteria. 

• Predictive Analytics: AI-driven systems that can forecast outbreaks and choose the optimal treatment strategies.

• Smart Traps and IoT Devices: Real-time detection and automatic action.

• Drone Technology: Aerial application and crop surveillance.

• Eco-Friendly Alternatives: Natural and organic techniques such as essential oils and diatomaceous earth are used in this nature friendly substances. Without harming the environment it works on pest controlling and mitigating unwanted invaders such as mites, mosquitoes, cockroaches and bugs. 

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): An integrated approach incorporating biological, cultural, and chemical controls. This is the safe approach while dealing with pest management. 

Conclusion:

In conclusion, pest control technologies are constantly and moreover improving, offering more effective, efficient, and less harmful ways of managing pests and reducing crop loss. Pest control technologies are developing very rapidly, from traditional methods towards more accurate, efficient, and eco-friendly methods like IoT-based devices.

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