Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of a pesticide?

1. To enhance plant growth

2. To prevent pest damage

3. To improve soil quality

4. To increase crop diversity

The correct answer is: To prevent pest damage

The primary purpose of a pesticide is to prevent pest damage. Pesticides are chemical or biological substances specifically developed to control pests, which can include insects, weeds, fungi, and other organisms that negatively affect crops, livestock, or human health. By applying pesticides, farmers and agricultural professionals aim to protect their plants from harmful pests that can reduce yield and quality. While there might be practices or products that can enhance plant growth or improve soil quality, these are not the main function of pesticides. Similarly, increasing crop diversity is an agricultural practice to promote resilience and sustainability, but it is not a direct objective of pesticide use. Therefore, the focus of pesticides is distinctively on controlling pests to safeguard plants and agricultural productivity.