Final answer:
The statement is false; continuous use of herbicides can lead to the evolution of resistant weeds, raising sustainability concerns due to health and environmental risks. Option B is correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that using herbicides is sustainable because as we use them more, the need for them decreases as the weeds die off and can no longer multiply is false. Weed populations can be managed through three main approaches: chemical control with herbicides, biological control using natural agents, and cultural control through land maintenance changes.
Herbicides are designed to control unwanted plants and can be selective or non-selective. However, concerns such as human health risks, ecological impact, and the development of herbicide-resistant weeds, often referred to as 'superweeds', make the long-term reliance on herbicides unsustainable. Continuous usage of herbicides has led to some weeds developing resistance, potentially requiring increased usage or the development of new chemicals, which adds to environmental and health concerns.
Many herbicides are synthetic mimics of natural plant hormones and interfere with the growth of target plants. Some natural herbicides are used in organic farming, including corn gluten meal, vinegar, and D-limonene. These alternatives may be less effective than synthetic herbicides but are generally combined with mechanical and cultural weed control practices. Additionally, the integration of knowledge about climate change and biotechnology advancements help in making pest control and weed management safer through genetically engineered crops.
In conclusion, reliance on herbicides is not sustainable due to the potential development of resistant weed species and the associated environmental and health concerns. The correct answer to the question is option B) False.