What two factors are most important in avoiding vapor drift?

The two factors most important in avoiding vapor drift are temperature and pesticide volatility. Understanding that temperature plays a crucial role in the behavior of pesticides is essential because higher temperatures typically increase the volatility of certain pesticides. This means that under warmer conditions, pesticides can evaporate more easily into the air, increasing the potential for drift.

Pesticide volatility refers to the tendency of a substance to vaporize. Pesticides that have high volatility are more likely to turn into vapor and drift away from the intended application site if conditions are warm. Consequently, managing application practices to account for both temperature and the specific volatility of the pesticide being used can significantly minimize the risk of vapor drift.

The focus on these two factors is vital for effective pest management and environmental safety, ensuring that pesticides remain effective on the target site and do not adversely affect nearby areas or non-target organisms. In contrast, while other factors like wind speed and humidity also influence drift potential, the specific combination of temperature and the inherent volatility of the pesticide itself is more directly linked to vapor drift.