What conditions are most favorable for applying a selective herbicide without damaging non-target plants?

Applying a selective herbicide with low volatility and at low pressure is considered the best practice for minimizing damage to non-target plants. Low volatility ensures that the herbicide remains in the intended area without evaporating or drifting to other plants, which could potentially cause harm. Additionally, using low pressure for the application reduces the chance of creating small droplets that can drift away from the target area due to wind or air movement, further protecting sensitive plants nearby.

In contrast, high pressure can create finer droplets that are more susceptible to drifting, while applying in hot weather can exacerbate volatility and increase the likelihood of the herbicide damaging non-target species. A very fine spray droplet may also lead to drift issues similar to high pressure applications. Thus, the combination of low pressure and low volatility creates a focused and controlled application environment that safeguards non-target plants while effectively managing unwanted vegetation.