Which statement about drift is accurate?

• A. Drift is the movement of pesticide toward the target.
• B. Drift is pesticide movement away from target; minimize with proper nozzle selection, droplet size, wind conditions, and spray height.
• C. Drift cannot be influenced by weather.
• D. Drift is beneficial for broad application.

Answer: (B)

Drift is unintentional movement of pesticide away from the target. The statement you’re looking for correctly notes that drift moves product off the target and that you can reduce it by using appropriate nozzle types, aiming for an appropriate droplet size, considering wind conditions, and keeping the spray height appropriate. Larger droplets tend to stay closer to the target and are less easily carried off by air currents, while fine droplets are more prone to being moved by wind. Wind speed and direction greatly affect how far droplets travel, so spraying in calm, stable conditions helps minimize drift. Keeping the sprayer closer to the target reduces the distance droplets must travel and lowers off-target movement. These practices help ensure the pesticide stays where it’s needed and reduce impacts on non-target plants, water, and people. Drift toward the target isn’t how drift works, weather can influence drift, and drift isn’t beneficial for broad applications.