Toxicity is the term used to describe the capacity of a _____ to cause short-term or long-term injury.

Toxicity is the term used to describe the capacity of a _____ to cause short-term or long-term injury.

• A. Bacteria
• B. Pesticide
• C. Fungus
• D. Fertilizer

Answer: (B)

Toxicity describes how harmful a substance can be to living organisms. In horticulture, this term is used with pesticides because they are chemicals designed to kill or control pests, and their potential to injure humans, animals, beneficial organisms, or even plants depends on how much exposure occurs. The injury can happen quickly (acute toxicity) or develop over time with repeated exposure (chronic toxicity). This concept isn’t about bacteria or fungi themselves, which can produce toxins, but about the harmful potential of a chemical pesticide. Overuse of fertilizers can also cause harm, but toxicity in this context is most directly tied to pesticides.

Toxicity describes how harmful a substance can be to living organisms. In horticulture, this term is used with pesticides because they are chemicals designed to kill or control pests, and their potential to injure humans, animals, beneficial organisms, or even plants depends on how much exposure occurs. The injury can happen quickly (acute toxicity) or develop over time with repeated exposure (chronic toxicity). This concept isn’t about bacteria or fungi themselves, which can produce toxins, but about the harmful potential of a chemical pesticide. Overuse of fertilizers can also cause harm, but toxicity in this context is most directly tied to pesticides.