Question

First commercial pesticide was

• A. DDT
• B. 2,4-D
• C. Burgandy mixture
• D. Bordeaux mixture

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Bordeaux mixture

The correct option is D.

Explanation for the correct option

1. Bordeaux mixture was one of the first fungicides, which is made up of hydrated lime, copper sulphate, and water.
2. The Bordeaux combination fungicide, which was discovered by chance in 1882, was effective on vine downy mildew disease.
3. Bordeaux combination was the first fungicide to be widely used around the world, and it is credited with moving into a new era in agricultural technology.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. The full form of DDT is dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT).
2. DDT is an organochlorine chemical that is crystalline, colorless, practically odorless, and almost tasteless.
3. Its insecticidal properties are well-known.
4. In 1874, it was first synthesized.
5. It was, however, still unknown at the time.
6. Paul Hermann Muller was the first to discover DDT in 1939.
7. He identified the insecticidal characteristics and insecticidal activity of DDT.
8. Following this, DDT was commercially synthesized.

Option B:

1. 2,4-D stands for 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid.
2. It is a commonly used chemical that is used as a pesticide since the 1940s to suppress broadleaf weeds.

Option C:

1. Burgundy mixture is a fungicide analogous to Bordeaux mixture, but instead of lime, it contains sodium carbonate.
2. This mixture is used to trees and tiny fruits (like grapes) as a fungicidal spray.

Final Answer: First commercial pesticide was Bordeaux mixture.