What is referred to as the way an agent kills or inhibits growth?

The term that describes how an agent kills or inhibits the growth of pests is known as the mode of action. This concept refers to the specific biochemical interactions that occur when a pesticide affects a target organism. It encompasses the biological effects that lead to the desired outcome of controlling pests, whether through interfering with physiological processes, disrupting essential cellular functions, or damaging the organism's ability to reproduce.

Understanding the mode of action is crucial for effective pest management, as it helps in selecting appropriate pesticides that target specific pests while minimizing impacts on non-target organisms. This knowledge also aids in developing resistance management strategies, ensuring that pests do not adapt to a pesticide.

In contrast, the mechanism of toxicity focuses on the detailed processes at the cellular or molecular level, which can further explain how the agent affects the pest but does not encapsulate the broader description of function as effectively. The active ingredient refers to the specific chemical component in the pesticide that provides its pest control activity, while the application method relates to how the pesticide is delivered to the target area, such as through spraying or granulation. Each of these aspects is related to the overall use of pesticides but does not define the fundamental way in which an agent acts against pests as clearly as mode of action does.