Oklahoma Applicators License Core Practice Exam

What could lead to the failure of a pesticide application?

1. Using a pesticide with a long shelf life

2. Choosing the correct application time

3. Pest resistance to the pesticide

4. Using the correct amount of pesticide

The correct answer is: Pest resistance to the pesticide

The success of a pesticide application can be compromised by pest resistance to a pesticide. Over time, some pests can develop resistance to certain chemicals, which means they are no longer affected by them. This can happen due to factors such as overuse, applying the pesticide at incorrect intervals, or not following the label directions. When pests become resistant, the pesticide fails to control the pest population effectively, rendering the application ineffective. This underscores the importance of integrated pest management strategies, including rotating different types of pesticides, to mitigate the risk of resistance and ensure ongoing effectiveness in controlling pest populations. The other choices, while relevant to semi-practical considerations of pesticide application, do not directly lead to the failure of pesticide efficacy in the same way as resistance does. For instance, using a pesticide with a long shelf life may be beneficial, and choosing the correct application time and using the correct amount are essential practices to optimize pesticide performance, but they won't necessarily render the pesticide ineffective if pests have developed resistance.