FFA Floriculture Practice Test

Which group includes "soft" pesticides suitable for plant pest control?

1. Organophosphates and carbamates

2. Insect growth regulators and botanical insecticides

3. Chlorinated hydrocarbons and synthetic pyrethroids

4. Antibiotics and fungicides

The correct answer is: Insect growth regulators and botanical insecticides

The group identified as including "soft" pesticides suitable for plant pest control is composed of insect growth regulators and botanical insecticides. Insect growth regulators (IGRs) function by interrupting the development of pests, effectively preventing them from maturing into reproductive adults while having minimal harm to beneficial insects and the environment. They target specific biological processes in pests, which makes them less toxic compared to traditional pesticides. Botanical insecticides are derived from natural plant extracts and are often bio-based, offering a less harmful alternative for pest control. Many of these products degrade quickly in the environment and are less likely to cause long-term damage to ecosystems. This combination of IGRs and botanical insecticides aligns with the principles of integrated pest management by providing effective pest control while being gentler on beneficial organisms and reducing harmful residues in the environment, thereby affirming their classification as "soft" pesticides.