Pests are destroying the valuable products, or economically important materials. In such case they have to be controlled however the ethical concerns attempts to protect a life and in such case how do we imply such measures on a live organism which is destructive?
A 1986 text: Article Controlling vertebrate pests with fluoroacetate: Lessons in ...
2008: Article Perspective: The ethics of rodent control
1991:
Article Issues and Ethics in Commercial Releases of Arthropod Natural Enemies
And: Article What can pest management learn from laboratory animal ethics?
Human is the best creation of almighty. The other creatures are supposed to be used for the well being of human society. From that sense, to control pests that causes devastating affect to the man and their assets is usually thought as an ethical concept. But, if we consider the religious concern, then it can be a matter of controversy. But as we the scientists try to do something for the mankind, so I think it can be done without no hesitation.
It is a debate between actual human necessity and the need for those pests to survive in their ecosystems or the artificial ecosystems we (humans) have created for them. A lot more research and common sense is required in this area, and this might not purely be dependent on science or 'the well being of human society' as Sahadat Hossain insinuates above.
Jose Maria Filgueiras-Nodar has given articles that highlight this conundrum.
My current opinion: Plants that are more resistant or tolerant to pests might be a more lenient way to go. Some cultural garden husbandry must be put in the mix.
The most ethical concerns are application of recommended pesticides with recommended doses of label claim. The spray should be done considering the waiting period for harvesting time. I link both application of label claim pesticides considering waiting period before harvest with ethics.
This is where the concept of plant health management becomes very important. Management of animal pests in agriculture should focus on ensuring the health of the crop for optimum yield. The pests need not be completely eliminated, even when possible, at the farm level, but for export purposes, the quarantine requirements must be satisfied. A pest, as long as it is inimical to the economic and social well being of man, deserves no sympathy or emotional consideration, enhancing the food security of the increasing human population should drive agricultural research.
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