ɪn tˈuː θˈaʊzənd bˈiː.sˈiː.ˈiː., ˈeɪntʃənt ɹˈɛkɚdz ɪn tʃˈaɪnə dᵻskɹˈaɪb ðɪ ˌæplɪkˈeɪʃən ʌv mˈɪnɚɹəlbˈeɪst dˈʌsts ˈiː.dʒˈiː., dˌaɪəɾəmˈeɪʃəs ˈɜːθ tə plˈænts tə kəntɹˈoʊl ˈɪnsɛkts.
In 2000 B.C.E., ancient records in China describe the application of mineral-based dusts (e.g., diatomaceous earth) to plants to control insects.