What harm can pesticide runoff do?

Pesticide runoff can significantly harm non-target plants. When pesticides are applied, they are intended to target specific pests, but the runoff can carry these chemicals to surrounding areas, impacting other plants that were not the focus of the treatment. Non-target plants may suffer from exposure to these chemicals, leading to symptoms such as stunted growth, leaf damage, or even death, which can disrupt local ecosystems.

Understanding the broader environmental impact of pesticide runoff highlights the importance of proper application techniques and adherence to guidelines to minimize unintended damage to non-target species. Other options, while potentially related to pesticide use, do not specifically address the direct harm caused by runoff to plants outside the target area.