Question

Which class of pesticides kills insects by preventing chemical reactions?

• A. Protoplasmic poison
• B. Physical poison
• C. Respiratory poison
• D. Nerve poison

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Physical poison

• Physical poison - The pesticide or toxicant will not react chemically but kill the insect either by asphyxiation or desiccation.

• Mineral oil closes the spiracles and causes asphyxiation. So mineral oil is used for soft bodied insects like aphids.

• Activated clay exerts a physical effect on wax monolayer and create spaces so that depletion of moisture in insect cell occurs. Activated clay is used in storage pest management.

• Eg: Mineral oil, Inert dusts - Ash, silicagel, activated clay.