Illinois Pesticide Applicator Practice Test

A highly soluble pesticide is...

1. Readily stored in plant tissues

2. Well adsorbed and unlikely to leach

3. Poorly adsorbed and more likely to leach

4. Biodegradable and non-toxic

The correct answer is: Poorly adsorbed and more likely to leach

A highly soluble pesticide has the characteristic of dissolving easily in water, which significantly affects its behavior in the environment. This solubility leads to a higher potential for leaching, meaning that the pesticide can easily move through the soil and into groundwater. When pesticides are poorly adsorbed to soil particles, they are not retained effectively in the soil and can be washed away during rain events or irrigation, increasing the risk of contamination of water sources. In terms of plant tissues, highly soluble pesticides are less likely to be stored, as they can move quickly through the soil and into water systems rather than being taken up and retained by plants. Additionally, biodegradability and toxicity are separate considerations and do not directly relate to solubility. Thus, understanding the solubility of a pesticide is crucial for managing its environmental impact, particularly regarding leaching and potential groundwater contamination.