What was the most significant class of pesticide in the early years of pesticide development?

In the early years of pesticide development, inorganic pesticides were indeed the most significant class. This group includes substances like arsenic, copper sulfate, and lead arsenate, which were among the first types of pesticides widely used in agriculture. Their importance stemmed from the fact that they were some of the first chemicals utilized to control pests and diseases in crops.

Inorganic pesticides played a crucial role in shaping early agricultural practices, providing a means to manage pests that were threatening food production. They were favored for their availability and effectiveness compared to traditional pest control methods at the time.

While botanical pesticides, microbial pesticides, and synthetic organic pesticides have developed and gained importance in later years, especially with the advancement of technology and a better understanding of environmental impacts, they were not as prominent in the formative years of pest management when inorganic options were dominant.