Why is coverage crucial for contact-type herbicides?

Coverage is crucial for contact-type herbicides because these pesticides function by directly coming into contact with the target pest to achieve effectiveness. Unlike systemic herbicides, which are absorbed and translocated through the plant, contact herbicides need to physically touch the target weed or pest to induce a toxic effect.

When applying contact-type herbicides, proper coverage ensures that the herbicide adequately coats the foliage or surface of the plants being treated. Insufficient coverage can lead to a lesser amount of the herbicide interacting with the target organism, potentially resulting in ineffective pest control. Thus, achieving thorough and uniform coverage is essential to ensure that the herbicide can perform its intended function effectively.