How can one determine if a plant is sensitive to a specific pesticide?

Consulting the pesticide label for plant safety information is the most reliable method for determining if a plant is sensitive to a specific pesticide. The pesticide label provides critical information including specific plant tolerance levels, recommended application rates, and any noted risks or potential damage to non-target plants. Regulatory agencies require pesticide manufacturers to conduct safety assessments and share these findings on product labels, ensuring that end users can make informed decisions based on research and data.

While observing a plant's growth in previous seasons may offer anecdotal insights, it does not provide definitive information about the sensitivity of that particular plant to the pesticide in question. Applying the pesticide and monitoring its effects could potentially harm the plant and is not a recommended practice for assessing sensitivity, as it assumes some level of risk without proper data. Conducting experimental trials in a lab setting could yield results but generally requires significant resources and time, making it impractical for everyday pest management decisions. Thus, the pesticide label serves as the most accessible and trusted source for determining plant sensitivity.