Read the following statements about the disadvantages of chemical agents:
(I) Chemicals pose a threat to human beings and animals due to their toxic nature.
(II) Chemicals contribute to environmental pollution and harm plants.
(III) The use of weedicides for weed removal leads to soil pollution.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → I, II and III
Pests and plant diseases are mostly controlled with chemicals such as insecticides, pesticides and weedicides. NCERT points out the harm they do, which is the reason for moving to biocontrol.
(I) Chemicals pose a threat to human beings and animals due to their toxic nature. — True. These chemicals are toxic and extremely harmful to human beings and animals alike.
(II) Chemicals contribute to environmental pollution and harm plants. — True. They pollute the environment (soil, ground water) as well as fruits, vegetables and crop plants.
(III) The use of weedicides for weed removal leads to soil pollution. — True. NCERT states that our soil is also polluted through the use of weedicides to remove weeds.
All three statements are correct.
NCERT Extract:
Microbes as Biocontrol Agents – “Biocontrol refers to the use of biological methods for controlling plant diseases and pests. In modern society, these problems have been tackled increasingly by the use of chemicals – by use of insecticides and pesticides. These chemicals are toxic and extremely harmful, to human beings and animals alike, and have been polluting our environment (soil, ground water), fruits, vegetables and crop plants. Our soil is also polluted through our use of weedicides to remove weeds.”