Oklahoma Service Technician Practice Exam

What is a potential consequence of using very fine droplet size during pesticide application?

1. Increased retention on plants

2. Higher likelihood of drift

3. Less evaporation

4. Greater absorption by the soil

The correct answer is: Higher likelihood of drift

Using a very fine droplet size during pesticide application can lead to a higher likelihood of drift. This occurs because smaller droplets are more susceptible to being carried away by wind and air currents, which can disperse the pesticide over unintended areas. Drift can pose risks not only to neighboring crops but also to non-target organisms, including beneficial insects and nearby vegetation. Considering the other options, while fine droplets might improve retention on surfaces, they also reduce the overall stability of the spray pattern against environmental factors like wind. Smaller droplets can indeed evaporate quicker, particularly in warmer conditions, which negatively impacts the effectiveness of the application. Lastly, the absorption of pesticides by the soil is more influenced by the formulation and characteristics of the pesticide itself rather than droplet size. Therefore, the increased risk of drift stands out as a significant concern when utilizing very fine droplets during applications.