Question

The pesticides used in organic farming are
A. Organochlorines
B. Carbamates
C. Margosa, nicotine and pyrethrum
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Organic farming is a cultivation technique based on traditional and natural ways. Usage of eco-friendly manures, insecticides and pesticides are some of the characteristic features of organic farming.

Complete answer: Organic farming is a semi-traditional technique, which involves the cultivation of plants and rearing of animals (animal husbandry) in natural and eco-friendly ways. It involves the use of biological materials, avoiding the use of synthetic substances to maintain soil fertility and ecological balance thereby, minimizing pollution and balancing the fragile environment. Organochlorine pesticides are chlorinated hydrocarbons (chlorine inside chain) that are used as mosquito repellants and pesticides. They include Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dieldrin, chlordane, toxaphene, etc.
Carbamate is a derivative of carbamic acid. They are used as sprays to kill insects by affecting their brains and nervous systems. They are highly effective against mosquitoes. Margosa/neem is used as sprays and natural oils. They work by dehydrating the cell membrane of the pest thus, killing them eventually. Nicotine is used as an alternative to synthetic nicotinic products. Apart from being a natural insecticide, it is also an anti-herbivore. Pyrethrum is obtained from chrysanthemum flowers. They are commonly used to prevent infestation by mosquitoes, fleas, flies, moths, ants and many other pests.
Hence, the correct answer is option D.

Note: Other natural pesticides include eucalyptus oil, salt spray, onion and garlic spray.
Organic pesticides or insecticides have some side-effects when they are used in excessive quantities; hepatotoxicity, heme toxicity, renal toxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenicity