Crop sensitivity to a pesticide can vary with what factor?

Crop sensitivity to a pesticide is often closely linked to the crop's growth stage. Different growth stages can exhibit varying levels of tolerance or vulnerability to pesticide applications. For example, a crop might be more sensitive during germination or early development stages when its tissues are still forming and physiologically immature. Conversely, mature crops might possess certain defense mechanisms that offer greater tolerance to the same pesticide.

During critical development phases, such as flowering or fruit set, crops may also respond differently to chemicals depending on their physiologic state. Understanding how the growth stage influences sensitivity enables better timing of pesticide applications to minimize crop damage while effectively controlling pests.

While factors like soil type, weather conditions, and pest populations can influence the overall effectiveness of a pesticide and its impact on the crop ecosystem, the direct sensitivity of the crop itself primarily hinges on its growth stage. Therefore, recognizing when a crop is most susceptible allows for targeted strategies that protect yield and health.