What type of pesticide is effective after a pest has attacked a plant?

The effectiveness of curative pesticides lies in their ability to eliminate or manage pests that are already present and causing harm to plants. These pesticides function by targeting pests directly after an infestation has occurred, allowing for the treatment of already damaged plants. This can involve killing the pests or disrupting their life cycles to prevent further damage.

Preventive pesticides, on the other hand, are designed to protect plants from potential pest infestations before they occur, which does not align with the needs of a plant already under attack. Systemic pesticides work from within the plant to deter pests, but they may not provide immediate relief once an infestation is visible. Insect growth regulators focus on disrupting the growth and development of insects, primarily preventing reproduction but may not address existing pests effectively.

Thus, curative pesticides are specifically formulated to respond to and manage situations where pests have already compromised the health of a plant, making them the appropriate choice in this scenario.