Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

Which type of insecticide specifically targets insect eggs?

1. Contact insecticides

2. Systemic insecticides

3. Ovicidal insecticides

4. Repellents

The correct answer is: Ovicidal insecticides

Ovicidal insecticides are specifically designed to target insect eggs. These insecticides function by either directly killing the eggs upon contact or preventing them from hatching, thereby disrupting the lifecycle of the insect. This targeted action is crucial in pest management, as it can significantly reduce pest populations before they mature into more damaging life stages. In contrast, contact insecticides are formulated to kill insects upon physical contact, affecting any life stage but not specifically targeting eggs. Systemic insecticides work by being absorbed into the plant, impacting feeding insects when they ingest the plant material; however, they do not specifically target eggs. Repellents are designed to deter insects from approaching or feeding, rather than eliminating them or their eggs. Overall, the use of ovicidal insecticides can be a strategic part of an integrated pest management approach, particularly when managing pests that lay many eggs, as it helps to interrupt their reproductive cycle effectively.