Question

Atrazine is a
A. Chemical pesticide
B. Herbicide
C. Fertilizer
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Atrazine in the pure state is a odourless, white crystalline solid and is extremely volatile, reactive and soluble in water. The melting point of atrazine is about 173-175°C. It is formed in the laboratory by the help of chemicals. It is used in agricultural practices for the eradication of weeds from the field.

Complete answer:
Pesticides are defined as chemicals or biological agents such as viruses, antimicrobials or disinfectants that help kill pests. They are simply chemical weapons used against pests, insects and rodents. They are mainly used for the protection of crops. For example, DDT, boric acid, acephate, metaldehyde etc.

Herbicides are defined as a class of pesticides which are employed for the eradication of unwanted plants. Atrazine functions as a herbicide, an atmospheric pollutant and a xenobiotic. It is the herbicide which assists in the control of undesirable plants which grow among different kinds of crops. Atrazine is mainly utilized to destroy unwanted plants, present in the fields or farms. The use of atrazine is prohibited by the EPA and the drizzle of this is done only by a trained individual.
Fertilizers may be natural or synthetic in origin. They are mainly added to the ground to improve the fertility of the land. Organic fertiliser is compost while synthetic fertilisers include urea, ammonia chloride, phosphorus etc.

So, the correct answer is option (B) Herbicide.

Note: Atrazine is also utilised to kill weeds present on the sides of the road and railway tracks. DDT's full form is Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane. It is a pesticide which is mainly used in India but it was banned in 1989 for agricultural practices as it has unfavourable impacts on nature as well as on humans.