What is the primary factor that determines the success of aerial pesticide application?

Accurate calibration is indeed the primary factor that determines the success of aerial pesticide application. This process ensures that the right amount of pesticide is dispensed over the target area, which is critical for achieving the desired pest control while minimizing environmental impact and avoiding damage to non-target organisms. Proper calibration helps to ensure uniform coverage, thus maximizing the effectiveness of the application.

In aerial applications, where the aircraft disperses the pesticide from above, obtaining the correct dosage is crucial due to the difficulty of conventional ground applications. If the calibration is off, it could lead to over-application, resulting in harm to the environment, crop damage, or even pesticide resistance. Conversely, under-application could fail to control the target pest effectively, leading to inadequate results.

While factors like the choice of pesticide, weather conditions, and altitude can influence the effectiveness of the application, they do not substitute the need for proper calibration. For example, the weather has a significant impact on drift and evaporation but without accurate calibration, even the best pesticide choice can lead to ineffective applications. Similarly, while altitude can affect droplet size and distribution, it's only effective if the calibration is done correctly to match the specific needs of the aerial application.