What can result from mixing incompatible pesticides?

Mixing incompatible pesticides can lead to a loss of effectiveness of the pesticides. When two or more substances are mixed and are not compatible, they can interact in unpredictable ways that may degrade their active ingredients, alter their chemical properties, or cause them to become inactive. This degradation can diminish the intended pest control efficacy, resulting in a failure to effectively manage the pest populations and potentially allowing those pests to thrive.

Incompatible mixtures may also produce harmful residues or phytotoxic effects on crops, further impacting agricultural productivity. Therefore, understanding compatibility is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of pesticide applications and ensuring safety for crops, non-target organisms, and the environment.