Final answer:
It is true that an applicator must evaluate the potential impact on non-target areas and pests before applying a pesticide. This is in line with the principles of Integrated Pest Management, which emphasizes minimal environmental disruption and targeted application.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, prior to applying a pesticide, an applicator should evaluate the equipment, the condition at the site to be treated, and the surrounding area. This evaluation is crucial to determine the likelihood of affecting non-target pests or areas during the application process.
According to the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), when pesticides are necessary, they should be selected and applied in such a way as to minimize environmental disruption. This often involves selecting non-persistent products and applying them in the most targeted way possible.
For example, if pesticides are used in cotton farming, they may be applied directly to parts of the plant's stem rather than spraying the entire field, which protects natural enemies of pests like the bollworm.
Pesticides are substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating pests, but they can also cause risk to humans, animals, and/or the environment. To reduce these risks and avoid unnecessary damage, it is vital to carefully assess the potential for collateral damage and to use ecologically based control measures before resorting to chemical intervention.