MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which factors can influence pesticide selectivity?

1. Only the pesticide's chemistry

2. The target pest's environment

3. The age of the target pest

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

Pesticide selectivity refers to the ability of a pesticide to target specific organisms while minimizing impact on non-target species. Several factors play a crucial role in determining this selectivity. The pesticide's chemistry is foundational, as different chemical classes of pesticides interact differently with various biological systems. These interactions can dictate how effectively a pesticide affects its target, which can include aspects such as its mode of action and the specific physiological pathways it disrupts. Additionally, the target pest's environment significantly influences selectivity. Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and the presence of physical barriers can affect how the pesticide is distributed and how it interacts with the target pest. For instance, certain pests may metabolize or degrade pesticides differently in varying environmental conditions, altering the effectiveness and selectivity. Furthermore, the age of the target pest can impact susceptibility to pesticides. Many pests undergo different life stages that may exhibit varying sensitivity to certain chemicals. For example, juvenile stages might be more vulnerable to certain pesticides than adults or vice versa. Given these interconnected aspects, it's clear that all the mentioned factors—pesticide chemistry, target pest environment, and the age of the pest—contribute to determining pesticide selectivity. Therefore, the most comprehensive understanding acknowledges that all these elements work together