What can be the consequences of improperly calibrated pesticide application equipment?

Improperly calibrated pesticide application equipment can lead to over and under application of pesticides, which is the reason this choice is the correct answer. When equipment is not calibrated correctly, it may apply too much pesticide in some areas and too little in others.

Over application can result in unnecessary chemical use, increasing costs, potential harm to non-target organisms, and environmental contamination. It can also lead to phytotoxicity, which is damage to plants caused by chemical exposure. Under application, on the other hand, may fail to effectively control pest populations, leading to crop damage and reduced yield because the pest pressure remains unchecked or increases.

While time delays and excessive pest populations can be negative outcomes of poor application practices, they are not direct consequences of calibration issues. Improved pesticide efficacy is also not a feasible outcome; rather, the effectiveness can be compromised with mis-calibration. Therefore, ensuring that application equipment is calibrated properly is crucial for achieving the desired pest control results while minimizing negative impacts.