Which of the following factors does NOT affect the spray rate?

The factor that does not affect the spray rate is the color of the pesticide. Spray rate, which is the amount of pesticide applied over a certain area within a specific time frame, is primarily determined by the physical properties of the spraying equipment and the conditions during application.

Nozzle size is critical because it directly influences the volume of liquid being expelled and the droplet size produced. A larger nozzle allows more liquid to flow through, resulting in a higher spray rate. Pressure also plays a significant role in determining how fast the liquid exits the nozzle and the droplet formation, impacting both coverage and uniformity of application. Similarly, the speed of application is a key factor since moving faster while spraying means less pesticide is applied over a given area in the same amount of time, which can alter the effective application rate.

Color, however, does not impact how the pesticide is delivered through the spray equipment or the efficiency of the application process. It could have an influence on visibility for users or even potential absorption rates in some cases, but it does not directly correlate to the actual rate at which the pesticide is sprayed.