What is a common effect of pesticide drift?

A common effect of pesticide drift is damage to non-target crops. Pesticide drift occurs when pesticides are carried by wind or air movement away from the intended application site, potentially affecting nearby plants, animals, and ecosystems. When pesticides land on non-target crops, they can cause significant harm, including phytotoxicity, which can manifest as discoloration, wilting, or even death of the plants. This unintended exposure can lead to economic losses for farmers and impact biodiversity in the area.

The other options do not accurately reflect the typical outcomes of pesticide drift. Enhanced pesticide effectiveness refers to improvements made in targeting pests without drifting to non-target sites. Greater pest resistance might occur over time due to factors unrelated to drift, such as overuse or improper application practices. Reduced environmental impact is contrary to the effects of pesticide drift, which often results in adverse consequences for the surrounding environment.