Which conditions are more likely to result in pesticide drift?

Pesticide drift occurs when pesticide particles are carried away from the target application site by air currents, and specific conditions can exacerbate this phenomenon. The choice that highlights the risk associated with pesticide drift involves highly volatile pesticides and hot air temperatures during a broadcast application.

Highly volatile pesticides are more likely to evaporate easily and disperse into the air under warm conditions. When temperatures are elevated, the volatility increases, leading to a higher likelihood that the pesticide will become airborne. This combination of high volatility and hot temperatures creates an environment conducive to drift, as the lifted particles can travel significant distances before settling.

In contrast, other choices describe conditions that do not promote drift effectively. Stable atmospheric conditions and cool temperatures can limit the movement of air and decrease the likelihood of spray drift. Moderate humidity and low wind speeds create conditions where droplets are less likely to evaporate quickly and drift off-target. Similarly, low temperatures and damp conditions can minimize evaporation and keep the pesticide close to the intended application area.

Thus, the correct answer underscores the importance of temperature and pesticide formulation volatility in assessing the risk of pesticide drift during applications.