What type of pesticides should be used when looking for selectivity and low persistence?

The selection of BT (Bacillus thuringiensis), narrow-range oil, and spinosad highlights an effective choice for achieving selectivity and low persistence in pest management. Each of these options has unique characteristics that contribute to this goal.

BT is a biological insecticide that specifically targets certain larvae, making it highly selective for particular pests while being safe for non-target organisms. This selectivity is crucial in integrated pest management, helping to preserve beneficial insects and minimize environmental impact. Additionally, BT has a natural degradation process, resulting in low persistence in the environment, which further supports non-target species and reduces potential long-term ecological harm.

Narrow-range oils, often derived from plants, work by suffocating pests rather than being highly toxic. Their mode of action is very specific, affecting only the targeted pests while posing minimal risk to the ecosystem. They also break down relatively quickly, limiting their persistence in the environment.

Spinosad, a naturally derived insecticide from a soil bacterium, is known for its effectiveness against a variety of pests while having a targeted action that minimizes harm to beneficial insects. Its moderate persistence allows for effective pest control without lingering long in the environment.

In contrast, choosing options that include chlorinated hydrocarbons, systemic pesticides