5.6 Pesticides – Smedes video Lecture

Which statement best defines a pesticide as presented in the lecture?

• A chemical that boosts plant growth

• A chemical that is toxic to pests that harm crops

• A biological agent that improves soil fertility

• A nutrient that protects plants from drought

Match each pesticide type to its target organism.

• Rodenticides target rodents; Insecticides target insects; Herbicides target plants; Fungicides target fungi

• Rodenticides target insects; Insecticides target rodents; Herbicides target fungi; Fungicides target plants

• Rodenticides target fungi; Insecticides target plants; Herbicides target rodents; Fungicides target insects

• Rodenticides target plants; Insecticides target fungi; Herbicides target insects; Fungicides target rodents

Why can overuse of a pesticide lead to a population of pests that is mostly resistant to that pesticide over time?

• Pesticides add new genes to pests that make them resistant

• Overuse reduces crop diversity, which protects pests

• Genetic diversity means some pests have mutations that survive, and repeated use selects for those resistant individuals

• Pesticides cause pests to migrate to new areas where they become stronger

What does the term "pesticide treadmill" describe?

• A method of applying pesticides in rotating patterns across fields

• A cycle where farmers must constantly develop or use new pesticides as pests evolve resistance to older ones

• A strategy for breeding crops to avoid pesticide use altogether

• An exercise program for lab rodents used in pesticide testing

Which statement best defines genetic modification in crops used for pest management?

• Breeding plants through cross-pollination to improve yield

• Altering the crop’s genes to add a trait that provides resistance

• Applying stronger chemical pesticides to fields

• Rotating crops to reduce pest populations

BT corn is engineered to produce BT crystals. What is the primary function of these BT crystals?

• Increase corn yield by enhancing photosynthesis

• Kill caterpillars and other corn pests by acting as a protein-based insecticide

• Provide drought resistance by retaining water in plant cells

• Improve soil nitrogen fixation

Roundup Ready crops have a genetic modification that allows them to resist Roundup. Which practice does this enable for farmers?

• Avoid spraying any herbicides to protect beneficial insects

• Spray large amounts of Roundup to kill weeds without damaging the Roundup Ready crop

• Plant multiple crop species in the same field to confuse pests

• Harvest earlier to reduce weed competition

A farmer observes increasing numbers of insects surviving in fields planted extensively with BT corn. Based on the material, which explanation is most supported and which management implication follows?

• BT crystals are degrading in sunlight; therefore, farmers should spray more chemical insecticide.

• Insects are evolving resistance to BT; reliance on BT corn alone can select for resistant pests, so diversified management is needed.

• Roundup residues are harming beneficial insects; therefore, switch to Roundup Ready corn.

• The bacterial gene is lost each generation; therefore, replant non-GMO seed annually.

Which statement best describes why BT corn can reduce insecticide use?

• BT corn is resistant to glyphosate, allowing heavy herbicide application without crop damage.

• BT corn manufactures BT crystals within its cells that act as an insecticide against pests like caterpillars.

• BT corn requires more insecticide because pests evolve resistance to all chemicals.

• BT corn attracts fewer weeds, so herbicides are unnecessary.

As the percentage of acreage planted with BT corn increases, what trend is observed in insecticide use?

• Insecticide use increases proportionally.

• Insecticide use remains constant.

• Insecticide use decreases due to an inverse relationship.

• Insecticide use fluctuates randomly with no clear pattern.