Georgia Pest Control Practice Test

Which of the following statements is not true concerning pesticide absorption?

1. It is the process of being taken up by plants

2. It may be desirable in some situations

3. Increased adsorption by soil increases absorption by plants

4. Most pesticides break down after absorption by plants

The correct answer is: Increased adsorption by soil increases absorption by plants

The statement that increased adsorption by soil increases absorption by plants is not true because adsorption and absorption refer to different processes. Adsorption is the process by which substances adhere to the surface of soil particles, while absorption involves the uptake of substances into plant tissues. In many cases, increased adsorption can hinder rather than enhance absorption; when pesticides are strongly adsorbed by soil particles, they are less available for uptake by plants. Therefore, if a pesticide is more adsorbed to the soil, it may not be effectively absorbed by the plants, making this statement inaccurate. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective pest management strategies and optimizing pesticide application for plant health.