What does "adequate spray coverage" mean in pesticide application?

"Adequate spray coverage" refers to the thoroughness with which a pesticide is applied, ensuring that it effectively reaches all areas where pests may be hiding or feeding. This concept is crucial because pests can be located in various parts of a plant or area, and if the pesticide does not cover these areas sufficiently, its effectiveness is significantly reduced. Achieving adequate coverage involves not just the quantity of the pesticide but also the spray technique, the equipment used, and environmental factors like wind and humidity that can affect how and where the pesticide disperses.

In contrast, applying the pesticide from a distance may lead to poor coverage if the spray droplets do not reach the intended surfaces. The total amount of pesticide used is important, but simply using a higher volume does not guarantee adequate coverage if the distribution is uneven. Finally, checking for visual pesticide residues helps assess application effectiveness but does not directly define adequate coverage during the actual application process. Thus, ensuring that the pesticide reaches all areas where pests may be present is the essential principle underlying adequate spray coverage.