Which of the following is a key factor influencing pesticide efficacy?

The efficacy of a pesticide is significantly influenced by weather conditions such as temperature and humidity. These factors play a crucial role in determining how well a pesticide will perform once applied. For example, temperature can affect the rate of evaporation of pesticides, potentially reducing their effectiveness if they evaporate too quickly before they can adequately adhere to the target pests or plants. Similarly, humidity levels can influence the absorption of the pesticide by the target organism or its ability to spread over a surface, as higher humidity can enhance the absorption and reduce evaporation.

In contrast, while soil type and cost of the pesticide can impact overall pest management strategies, they do not directly influence the immediate effectiveness of the pesticide on the target pests when applied. Similarly, brand loyalty may affect purchasing decisions but does not play a role in how well a pesticide works under varying environmental conditions. Understanding how weather conditions interact with pesticide application is essential for optimizing pest control efforts.