Final answer:
The correct statement is that fungicides are used to control fungi, whereas rodenticides are used to control and eliminate rodents. Fungicides work by targeting unique components of fungi, and fungal insecticides can be a more sustainable option than chemical pesticides.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that accurately describes fungicides and rodenticides is: C) Fungicides inhibit the growth of fungi, while rodenticides are designed to control and eliminate rodents.
Fungicides are chemicals or biological agents used to control fungal pathogens that can damage crops, causing diseases like blight or rust. These include agents that target the unique components in fungi, such as ergosterols in cell membranes, or chitin in their cell walls. In contrast, rodenticides are substances aimed at managing rodent populations, which can cause damage to crops, property, and also spread diseases. Unlike fungicides, rodenticides are not used to treat plant diseases, nor do they target fungal infections.
Fungal insecticides, which fall under the broader category of biopesticides, offer several benefits over chemical pesticides, including being more environmentally friendly and targeting specific pests without harming non-target species. They can help reduce the dependency on chemical pesticides, which pose risks to human health and the environment.