What can result from poor pesticide application practices?

The correct choice highlights the potential negative consequences of poor pesticide application practices, specifically the risk of damaging desirable plants and causing harm to people or animals. Ineffective or careless application of pesticides can lead to the unintended exposure of non-target organisms, including beneficial plants and wildlife. For instance, if pesticides drift from the target area due to wind, they may impact surrounding flora and fauna negatively, leading to potential ecological imbalances and loss of biodiversity.

Additionally, poor application techniques can also increase the likelihood of human and animal exposure to harmful chemicals, resulting in health risks. This includes acute effects such as poisoning or long-term effects associated with chronic exposure to pesticide residues. Moreover, improper handling and application can result in environmental contamination, further exacerbating the problem.

In contrast, the other options suggest outcomes that are not aligned with the realities of poor pesticide practices. Improved pest control and better adherence to laws and regulations are typically associated with effective, responsible pesticide use rather than the lack of care in application. Similarly, decreased cleaning effort is not a valid outcome following poor practices, as mishandled pesticides often lead to greater clean-up efforts due to spills, contamination, and the need to address the aftermath of unintended effects.