Which is a benefit of using microencapsulated pesticides?

Microencapsulated pesticides are designed with a special coating that encapsulates the active ingredients, leading to numerous advantages in their application and effectiveness. The correct choice highlights the benefit of reduced volatility and improved safety. These pesticides are formulated to release their active ingredients slowly over time rather than all at once. As a result, the amount of pesticide that evaporates into the atmosphere is minimized, which not only reduces the risk of exposure to non-target organisms, including humans and wildlife, but also lessens environmental contamination.

Additionally, the slow-release mechanism allows for longer-lasting effects, meaning that the pesticides can target pests over an extended period without needing frequent reapplication. This contributes to safer application practices as the risk of acute toxicity from high concentrations in the environment is lower.

In contrast, the other options do not align well with the characteristics of microencapsulated pesticides. Immediate release poses risks of increased volatility, while lower cost of application and faster pest elimination may not be inherent advantages of microencapsulation, as the technology often focuses on prolonged effectiveness and safety rather than cost or speed.