winniethepooh wrote:

Is the use of 'when' in the non-underlined portion justified?
'When' is used to describe/indicate a time frame.

Wouldn't 'If' provide a better construction in this sentence?

Please provide reasons for your choice!

First off, I'd like to say that I'm not crazy about this sentence at all. That said, usually "if" is best left for statements emphasizing options available. In this case, obviously the farmers will want to control the pests, so there is no need to use "if". Then again, I wouldn't consider it wrong either.

Since the question isn't asking about the use of "when" here, I wouldn't get too caught up in it.

As for the choices, I would stick with the original.

krusta80 wrote: First off, I'd like to say that I'm not crazy about this sentence at all. That said, usually "if" is best left for statements emphasizing options available. In this case, obviously the farmers will want to control the pests, so there is no need to use "if". Then again, I wouldn't consider it wrong either.

Sorry, I don't find your explanation satisfactory, especially the bold part. I still feel that 'if' serves the purpose better.

krusta80 wrote:Since the question isn't asking about the use of "when" here, I wouldn't get too caught up in it.

Its not about this question, its about the GMAT test. What if there is such a construction in the underlined part of the real test? I want to be prepared for that

krusta80 wrote:As for the choices, I would stick with the original.

The correct answer is C.

Any answers, experts?

winniethepooh wrote:Any answers, experts?

Oh yeah...C is better because it avoids the passive case. Sorry to confuse!

Experts, please help!
No concrete logic here.