How would you define the term "pesticide"?

The term "pesticide" is defined as a substance used to kill, repel, or control pests, which encompasses a variety of organisms that can be harmful to crops or human health. This definition includes a broad spectrum of substances that target not only insects but also weeds, diseases, and other types of pests.

The correct answer emphasizes the multifunctional role of pesticides in agricultural and pest management practices, recognizing that pests can be insects, weeds, or pathogens that harm plants and reduce agricultural productivity. This comprehensive definition reflects the diverse nature of pest control methods and substances, illustrating that pesticides are not limited to one category of pest but rather address multiple pest-related challenges in farming and gardening.

The other choices are too narrow in their definitions. For example, stating that a pesticide is used exclusively for killing insects limits its role to just one type of pest. Similarly, defining it as a substance that only manages crop diseases ignores the integral part that herbicides (which control weeds) and insecticides play in integrated pest management. Lastly, describing pesticides as a method of organic farming misplaces the focus, as pesticides can be synthetic or natural and are not confined to organic practices alone. This reflects a misunderstanding of the term, which should encompass all pest control substances rather