Which of the following is true about desiccants?

Desiccants are substances specifically designed to absorb moisture and reduce humidity in their surroundings. The correct statement regarding desiccants is that they are used to dry or remove moisture from plant parts. This property makes them particularly useful in agricultural and horticultural practices, where moisture can lead to spoilage, disease, or reduced marketability of plant products.

Desiccants work by drawing moisture away from the surfaces they come into contact with, which can help in preserving plant materials or preventing the development of diseases associated with excess moisture. This understanding of desiccants is essential for effective pest and plant management strategies.

The other options do not align with the function of desiccants. For example, rather than promoting moisture retention in plants, they actively work to reduce it. They are not exclusively effective on arthropods, as their primary function does not pertain directly to pest control but rather to moisture management. Finally, desiccants do not enhance the growth of fungi; in fact, they typically inhibit conditions favorable for fungal growth by decreasing humidity levels.