What can happen if a pesticide is over-applied?

Over-applying a pesticide poses significant risks, particularly to non-target organisms. When a pesticide is applied in greater quantities than recommended, it can create a scenario where these substances not only impact the intended pest but also harm beneficial organisms and wildlife. This increased toxicity can lead to a disruption in the ecosystem, causing death or harm to non-target species such as pollinators, aquatic life, and other beneficial insects.

Furthermore, over-application can result in legal ramifications. Regulatory bodies impose strict guidelines on pesticide application to safeguard the environment and human health. If the application exceeds these guidelines, the applicator may face fines, loss of licenses, or other legal penalties.

In contrast, the other options suggest outcomes that are either incorrect or misleading. For instance, over-application is unlikely to lead to crop improvement or enhanced growth; rather, it could cause phytotoxicity, damaging the crops instead. The notion that it may result in a quicker evaporation rate or enhance pesticide effectiveness is also inaccurate. Excess pesticide does not improve efficacy and can lead to waste and environmental contamination instead. Therefore, the significant negative implications of over-application reinforce the correctness of the selected answer.