Why must pesticides only be used on the weeds, insects or diseases that are stated on the label?

Because these are the pests which the pesticide was designed to control and  these are the only uses approved by regulators. A pesticide is only proven  to be effective and safe when used for

• the control of pests named on the label; is
• applied at the correct rate; and
• in the way described on the label.

If you use a pesticide against the wrong [non approved] pests in the wrong crops in the wrong way, you are likely to cause damage to your crops and you may cause damage to your soil and the environment, to the consumers of your food, yourself and you may also increase the pest’s resistance to chemical control. For these reasons it is likely to be against the law of your country to use the pesticide against pests and in crops which are not listed on the label.

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