When comparing pesticides, a higher LD50 means the pesticide is:

The correct answer is that a higher LD50 indicates the pesticide is less toxic. The LD50, or lethal dose for 50% of the population, is a standard measurement used to assess the toxicity of substances, including pesticides. A higher LD50 value means that a larger amount of the pesticide is required to be lethal to half of a test population, suggesting that it poses less risk to health or safety.

In the context of pesticide use, understanding LD50 values helps applicators gauge the potential risks associated with different chemical options. Pesticides with lower LD50 values (indicating higher toxicity) typically require more stringent handling and application precautions compared to those with higher values.

While some may mistakenly connect toxicity to effectiveness, that is not the case with LD50. Effectiveness depends on the pesticide’s target and its mode of action, rather than solely its toxicity level.