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Which type of pesticide would least likely be used if someone wanted to protect specific crops from certain insects?

  1. Broad-spectrum pesticide

  2. Narrow-spectrum pesticide

  3. Selective pesticide

  4. Organic pesticide

The correct answer is: Broad-spectrum pesticide

A broad-spectrum pesticide is designed to target a wide range of pests, including beneficial insects, which can lead to unintended consequences for the ecosystem. When aiming to protect specific crops from particular insects, it is more effective to choose a pesticide that minimizes the impact on non-target species. Narrow-spectrum and selective pesticides are formulated to target specific pests while preserving beneficial insects, making them better suited for protecting specific crops. Organic pesticides can also be designed to be less harmful to non-target organisms. Thus, a broad-spectrum pesticide would be the least suitable choice for targeted pest control in specific crop scenarios, as it lacks the precision required to safeguard beneficial insects and can disrupt the balance of the agricultural environment.