The term used for how long a pesticide remains effective after application is which of the following?

• A. persistence
• B. residue
• C. concentration
• D. resistance

Answer: (A)

Persistence is the measure of how long a pesticide stays effective after it’s applied. It describes the duration of active control as the chemical degrades, binds, or otherwise becomes less active over time due to factors like sunlight, temperature, moisture, and microbial action. This is different from residue, which refers to the amount of the chemical left behind on surfaces or in the environment, not how long it continues to work. Concentration is about the initial amount or strength of the product used, not how long its effects last. Resistance refers to pests evolving the ability to withstand the pesticide, not the chemical’s duration of action. So the term that best answers how long a pesticide remains effective after application is persistence.