What term describes a pesticide that can target a wide variety of pests?

A broad-spectrum pesticide is designed to affect a wide range of pests, including various insects, weeds, and fungi. This type of pesticide intervenes in the ecological balance by being effective against multiple pest species, which is advantageous in situations where a diverse pest population is present. The ability to target numerous organisms makes broad-spectrum pesticides popular in agricultural and pest control practices, although their use requires careful consideration to avoid unintended harm to beneficial organisms, such as pollinators and natural pest predators.

In contrast, narrow-spectrum pesticides specifically target a limited number of pests, while selective pesticides are designed to affect specific pest species without harming beneficial ones. Residual pesticides have lasting effects in the environment but do not describe the breadth of pest control capability. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective pest management and ensuring minimal impact on non-target organisms.