What defines a selective pesticide?

A selective pesticide is defined as one that is specifically toxic to certain types of pests while being harmless to others. This selectivity allows for targeted pest management, minimizing disruption to beneficial organisms such as pollinators, predators, and other non-target species. This is particularly important in integrated pest management, where the goal is to manage pest populations effectively while maintaining the health of the surrounding ecosystem.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of what makes a pesticide selective. For instance, a pesticide that is toxic to every pest would not be considered selective, as it affects a wide range of organisms. Similarly, while some pesticides may need to come into direct contact with pests, this is not a characteristic limiting them to being classified as selective. Lastly, absorption into plant tissues refers to systemic pesticides, which can be harmless to some organisms but is not a criterion for selectivity.