Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which factor is considered best for minimizing pesticide drift?

1. High application pressure

2. Heavy rainfall

3. Low sprayer height

4. Windy conditions

The correct answer is: Low sprayer height

Minimizing pesticide drift is crucial for ensuring that pesticides are applied effectively while reducing the risk of unintended exposure to non-target organisms and environments. Maintaining a low sprayer height during application is particularly effective in reducing drift because it minimizes the distance the pesticide particles must travel before reaching the target area. When the sprayer is closer to the ground or the crop, it reduces the possibility of the pesticide becoming airborne due to wind or other environmental factors. Other factors listed, such as high application pressure, can actually increase the potential for drift by creating smaller droplet sizes that are more susceptible to being carried off by the wind. Heavy rainfall can impact the effectiveness of the application but does not contribute to minimizing drift during the actual application process. Windy conditions are likely to exacerbate drift, as they can transport pesticide particles away from the target area. Therefore, keeping the sprayer at a low height is a proactive approach to achieving precise placement and minimizing potential environmental impact from pesticide applications.