Which of the following practices can help minimize pesticide drift?

Minimizing pesticide drift is crucial for ensuring that chemicals affect only the targeted pests without harming beneficial organisms or contaminating the surrounding environment. The practice of using formulations that are least harmful to beneficial insects plays an important role in this regard. By selecting pesticides that have a lower toxicity to non-target species, practitioners can reduce the impact of drift on beneficial insects such as pollinators, predators, and parasites that help maintain ecological balance.

In contrast, applying pesticides at high wind speeds can actually increase the chances of drift, making it less likely to control where the pesticide lands. Similarly, using equipment designed for high-volume application may not focus on precise application and can potentially lead to overspray and drift. Conducting applications during midday, when temperatures are higher, can lead to faster evaporation of pesticides and increased volatility, further contributing to drift risks. Therefore, selecting less harmful formulations effectively helps protect beneficial insects and the environment while minimizing drift.