What is extended residual toxicity particularly harmful to?

Extended residual toxicity refers to the duration that a pesticide remains active and toxic in the environment after application. This characteristic can be particularly harmful to pollinators because many pesticides are designed to target insects, and pollinators such as bees are essential for the pollination of numerous plants, including many crops. When pesticides have prolonged toxicity, they can adversely affect these beneficial insects long after the initial application, leading to population declines and disrupting ecosystems that depend on them.

The impact on pollinators is critical, as their health directly influences biodiversity and agricultural productivity. While the other groups mentioned, such as plants, birds, and humans, may also be affected by pesticide toxicity, the specific mechanisms and benefits provided by pollinators highlight the importance of their protection in the context of extended residual toxicity.