What might be a consequence of not adhering to pesticide label instructions?

Not adhering to pesticide label instructions can result in legal penalties and safety hazards for various reasons. Pesticide labels are designed to provide critical information on the proper use, dosage, application timing, and safety measures associated with the product.

When users do not follow these instructions, they may unintentionally violate regulations set by governing bodies, which can lead to fines, loss of licenses, or other legal consequences. Additionally, improper use of pesticides can create safety hazards not only for the applicator but also for the surrounding environment, non-target organisms, and the general public. This could mean increased risks of pesticide drift, contamination of water sources, or harm to beneficial insects.

The other outcomes, such as increased pest populations, improved crop yield, and enhanced plant growth, do not accurately reflect the consequences of failing to follow the instructions on pesticide labels. Ignoring the guidelines is more likely to lead to pest resurgence or damage rather than any form of improvement in crop yield or plant health.