What defines a selective pesticide?

A selective pesticide is characterized by its ability to target only a limited number of pest species, while having minimal effects on non-target organisms, including beneficial insects and other wildlife. This selectivity allows the pesticide to manage specific pest populations without causing widespread harm to the ecosystem or reducing the diversity of other species.

Using selective pesticides is important in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, as they help to preserve beneficial insects that can contribute to pest control naturally. For example, a selective herbicide may control certain types of weeds while leaving others unharmed, promoting a balanced ecosystem in agricultural or aquatic environments.

In contrast, options that describe pesticides affecting all pest species equally, having a broad spectrum of action, or being non-toxic to aquatic life do not embody the defining characteristic of selectivity. A pesticide that affects all pest species or possesses a broad spectrum of action would not discriminate between harmful and beneficial organisms, which is contrary to the purpose of a selective pesticide. Meanwhile, while non-toxicity to aquatic life is an important consideration, it does not inherently define the selectivity of the pesticide itself.