Protectant pesticides are fungicides that

• A. Destroy fungi that invaded plants
• B. Prevent infections before fungi reach infection stage
• C. Apply to seeds
• D. Remain in soil

Answer: (B)

Protectant fungicides form a protective barrier on plant surfaces to block fungal spores from germinating and penetrating tissues. They work by preventing infection, so timing is key: they must be applied before the pathogen arrives or before it can establish itself. They are not designed to kill fungi that have already invaded the plant—that would be curative or eradicant action. While some products may be used as seed treatments, the essential idea here is prevention of infection on the plant surface. They may not stay on the surface indefinitely and can be washed away by rain, which is why re-application is often necessary.