What does potentiation mean in the context of pesticides?

Potentiation in the context of pesticides refers to the phenomenon where the toxicity of one substance is increased by the presence of another substance. When two chemicals are mixed, if one of them enhances the toxicity of the other, this interaction is termed potentiation. This means that the combined effect is greater than the sum of the individual effects of each chemical involved.

This is particularly important in pesticide application because it can lead to unintended consequences, potentially harming non-target species or the environment. Understanding this concept helps applicators make informed decisions about pesticide use and mitigate risks associated with chemical interactions. The other options do not accurately reflect the definition of potentiation, focusing instead on decreased effectiveness, toxicity reduction through mixing, or application techniques unrelated to chemical interactions.