Which of the following is a correct definition for overspray?

• A. Overspray is the direct application beyond the boundaries of the target area.
• B. Overspray is movement of pesticides in air currents to off-target areas.
• C. Overspray is the accumulation of pesticides in soil over time.
• D. Overspray is the selective uptake of pesticides by target organisms.

Answer: (A)

Overspray is the direct application of pesticide beyond the boundaries of the target area. It means part of the spray lands outside the intended treatment zone, which can happen if you spray too close to the edge, misjudge the boundary, or if conditions cause the spray to extend beyond the target. This concept emphasizes preventing applications that spill over into adjacent areas, protecting non-target crops, water sources, and people. It’s related to drift in that air movement can also cause off-target deposition, but overspray specifically refers to the portion of the application that crosses the defined boundaries.