What happens to the pesticide delivery rate as the speed of travel increases?

As the speed of travel increases, the pesticide delivery rate typically decreases. This phenomenon occurs because the application equipment has less time to spray a given area as the vehicle or equipment moves faster. In practical terms, if the amount of pesticide being dispensed does not change but the speed does, the overall area being covered is utilized over a shorter duration, leading to a reduction in the amount of pesticide applied per square foot in relation to time.

For effective pest management, maintaining an appropriate delivery rate is crucial. An increase in speed can result in uneven coverage, which might lead to ineffective application and potential pest resistance. Therefore, understanding the relationship between travel speed and delivery rate is essential for achieving desired outcomes in pest control while adhering to safety and environmental standards.