Biological, Cultural, and Chemical Control of Pests Practice Test

Phytotoxicity means plant injury caused by exposure to a pesticide or other chemical. This happens when a substance that's toxic to targeted organisms also harms non-target plants—for example, an herbicide can cause leaf burn or spotting on tomato plants if applied too aggressively, drift occurs, or the crop is particularly sensitive at that growth stage. This concept is about damage to plants, not about providing a beneficial effect, nor about the pesticide’s breakdown products, nor about toxicity to pests alone. To prevent phytotoxicity, follow label rates and application guidelines, minimize drift, and consider crop tolerance and timing.