What major pest group do insecticides target?

• A. Weeds
• B. Plant Pathogens
• C. Insects
• D. Fungi

Answer: (C)

Insecticides are pesticides designed to control insects, the major pest group that damages crops by feeding, boring, or transmitting diseases. Because insects cause a lot of crop loss and can spread plant diseases, specific products are developed to kill or suppress them while leaving other organisms less affected when used correctly. Weeds are plants and are managed with herbicides, while plant pathogens such as fungi and bacteria are addressed with fungicides or bactericides. So the best choice is the group that insects belong to, since insecticides are formulated specifically to target those pests.