Final answer:
An applicator must always read the pesticide label as it is a legal requirement and provides information on safe and effective use. Understanding pesticide labels can also be part of a larger strategy for sustainable or organic agricultural practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, an applicator must always read the label on the pesticides they use. This is because the label contains crucial information about how to use the pesticide safely and effectively, and it is a legal requirement. Labels provide guidance on the correct dosage, application methods, and safety precautions to protect the user, other people, non-target organisms, and the environment.
Moreover, using pesticides responsibly is key to sustainable agriculture practices, as shown in contrast to organic farming, which avoids synthetic pesticides altogether. For instance, when pesticides are used on crops such as cotton, they may be applied directly on the plant's stem to target pests like the bollworm while sparing natural predators that help control these pests.
This selective application helps maintain ecological balance. In contrast, organic practices, as mentioned with reference to Camille's interest in organic food, completely eschew synthetic pesticides but can be more costly due to different management practices that are employed to control pests and maintain healthy crops.