Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which statement is incorrect regarding pesticide residues?

1. Residues may remain for an extended time

2. Residue information is crop-specific

3. Residues can only be found on target crops

4. Residues can also be found on other surfaces

The correct answer is: Residues can only be found on target crops

The statement that residues can only be found on target crops is incorrect because pesticide residues can indeed be found on a variety of surfaces beyond just the target crops. These can include non-target plants, soil, water sources, and various surfaces in the surrounding environment. Pesticides can drift, move through water runoff, or be transferred from treated surfaces, leading to residues being detected where the pesticide application was not intended. Understanding the potential distribution of pesticide residues is important for assessing the environmental impact and safety related to pesticide use. In contrast, it is true that residues can remain for an extended time, depending on factors such as the type of pesticide, environmental conditions, and the breakdown processes. The specificity of residue information to crops is also essential for understanding how different crops may absorb and retain pesticides differently.