What is a drawback of granular pesticide formulations?

Granular pesticide formulations have the characteristic of not adhering well to plant foliage, which is why the chosen answer is correct. This lack of adhesion can lead to unintended consequences, particularly in relation to non-target species. When applied, granules may not effectively remain on the plant surfaces, resulting in the pesticide potentially being washed off or blown away, thereby increasing the risk of exposure to non-target organisms in the environment. This is a significant consideration for applicators who must manage the impact of pesticide applications on beneficial insects, plants, and other wildlife.

While other drawbacks can occur with different pesticide formulations, they do not specifically pertain to the nature of granular formulations. For instance, the risk of drift is more commonly associated with liquids, especially sprays, that can easily move off-target in the wind. Granules are less likely to drift due to their weight and application methods. Agitation is typically required for liquid formulations to ensure even distribution before use, but this characteristic is not relevant for granular pesticides. Furthermore, the statement about immediate degradation in sunlight pertains more to specific formulations and is not a universal drawback of granular pesticides, which may not be affected by sunlight in the same way as liquid products.