What are "pesticide characteristics"?

Pesticide characteristics encompass essential factors that define how a pesticide behaves, its effectiveness, and its potential impact on health and the environment. When considering toxicity, this characteristic relates to the potential harm the pesticide can inflict on organisms, including humans, animals, and beneficial insects. The formulation type refers to the physical form in which the pesticide is produced, such as liquid, granular, or aerosol, which affects application methods and efficacy. Persistence describes the duration that the pesticide remains active in the environment, influencing potential risks of residue and adverse effects on non-target organisms.

While the cost, sensory attributes like color and smell, and branding can be relevant to selecting and using pesticides, they do not encompass the critical scientific and practical characteristics that affect safety and effectiveness in real-world applications. Understanding the fundamental characteristics of pesticides is crucial for responsible use and environmental stewardship.