Iowa Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Temperature plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of pesticides, and the answer that states higher temperatures can increase evaporation and degradation, while lower temperatures can reduce effectiveness recognizes these dynamics accurately.

At higher temperatures, pesticides may evaporate more quickly, which can reduce the amount of active ingredient available for pest control. The increased temperature can also accelerate the degradation of certain pesticides, leading to a decrease in their residual effectiveness. Conversely, lower temperatures can slow down the chemical reactions involved in the pesticide's action, potentially making them less effective against target pests. This variation in effectiveness based on temperature is important for applicators to understand, as it can significantly impact pest management strategies and results.

Understanding how temperature influences both evaporation and degradation can help pesticide applicators choose the right products and timing for application, ensuring they achieve the desired pest control while minimizing environmental impact.