Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of a fumigant used in agriculture?

1. Indoxacarb

2. Methyl bromide

3. Chlorantraniliprole

4. Spinosad

The correct answer is: Methyl bromide

Methyl bromide is recognized as a fumigant widely used in agriculture, primarily for its effectiveness in controlling pests in soil and stored products. It is classified as a pre-plant nematicide and broad-spectrum soil fumigant, targeting various pests including insects and weeds. Its ability to penetrate soil and other materials makes it particularly useful for treating areas before planting, thereby reducing pest populations and enhancing crop yields. In contrast, the other substances listed serve different roles in pest management. Indoxacarb and chlorantraniliprole are labeled as insecticides but function primarily through contact or ingestion rather than as a fumigant. Spinosad is an insecticide derived from naturally occurring soil bacteria and, while effective as a treatment for many pests, it does not operate on the same principle as fumigants, which require gas phases to control target organisms. Thus, methyl bromide stands out as the only true agricultural fumigant among the options provided.