Which weather condition is likely to increase pesticide drift?

Strong winds are likely to increase pesticide drift because they can carry pesticide droplets away from the target area during application. When pesticides are sprayed, they are typically in a liquid form that can form droplets. Wind can disturb these droplets and disperse them over a much larger area than intended, potentially affecting non-target plants and organisms nearby.

In contrast, calm winds would minimize drift, as there would be less movement of air to carry the droplets away. High humidity can help droplets stay larger and fall to the ground more quickly rather than evaporating or being affected by wind. Cold temperatures can also slow down evaporation rates, helping to maintain pesticide droplet size.

Understanding the relationship between wind speed and pesticide drift is critical for applicators to ensure that they are applying pesticides effectively and responsibly, minimizing unintended impacts on surroundings.