Which of the following pesticides is commonly applied as a seed treatment?

Imidacloprid is widely used as a seed treatment pesticide due to its systemic properties and efficacy against a variety of pests, particularly those that affect seedlings and young plants. As a neonicotinoid insecticide, it is absorbed by the plant and provides protection against insect pests throughout the early stages of growth. This method of application allows for targeted pest control while minimizing exposure to the environment and non-target organisms.

In contrast, other options such as glyphosate, chlorpyrifos, and pyrethroids are typically used in different contexts. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide primarily used for weed control rather than seed treatment. Chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate insecticide, is generally applied in other forms such as soil drenching or foliar applications, not as a seed treatment. Pyrethroids are synthetic insecticides commonly used for treating surfaces and controlling insect pests but are not usually formulated for application directly onto seeds in the same manner as imidacloprid. This distinction highlights the specific role of imidacloprid in seed treatment applications compared to the other pesticides listed.