MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

What is one consequence of pesticide drift?

1. Increased fruit yield

2. Injury to non-target plants and animals

3. Enhanced soil health

4. Temperature regulation in the environment

The correct answer is: Injury to non-target plants and animals

Pesticide drift refers to the movement of pesticide active ingredients away from the target application site, often as fine droplets or particles carried by wind or other environmental factors. One major consequence of this drift is the potential injury to non-target plants and animals. When pesticides drift, they can unintentionally come into contact with nearby ecosystems, which may include beneficial organisms such as pollinators (like bees), other wildlife, or even crops that are not intended to be treated. This can result in adverse effects such as phytotoxicity in plants, harm to beneficial insect populations, and disruptions to the ecological balance. In contrast, options like increased fruit yield, enhanced soil health, and temperature regulation do not directly relate to the phenomenon of pesticide drift. Pesticide drift is not beneficial; rather, it may lead to negative ecological impacts, making the understanding of drift crucial for safe and responsible pesticide application practices.