What is a potential outcome of high evaporation rates in pesticide applications due to temperature?

High evaporation rates during pesticide applications can lead to a reduced effectiveness of the pesticide. This occurs because when temperatures are elevated, the liquid formulation of the pesticide can evaporate quickly, resulting in smaller amounts being deposited on the targeted area. If the pesticide does not remain in contact with the target organisms long enough, its potential to act effectively is diminished.

Furthermore, as the pesticide evaporates, it can also lead to off-target drifting, which means that the materials may not reach the areas where they are needed to control pests. This loss of active ingredient not only impacts effectiveness but can also result in higher rates of chemical residues in unintended locations, complicating pest management efforts.

In contrast, other choices, such as increased droplet size and higher water solubility, do not explain the detrimental effect that high evaporation rates have on pesticide efficacy, while stating there is no effect on potency completely overlooks the significant impact temperature can have on pesticide performance.