What defines local effects of pesticides?

Local effects of pesticides are specifically those that occur at the area of contact. This means that when a pesticide is applied, its effects—whether they are harmful or beneficial—are observed in the specific location where the pesticide interacts with the target organism, such as a pest or plant.

This definition emphasizes the immediate consequence of the pesticide application, contrasting with systemic effects, which would involve the pesticide being absorbed and affecting other parts of the organism or environment beyond the original site of application. Local effects are important for understanding the direct impact of a pesticide in pest control practices, helping to assess the efficacy and safety of various treatments in specific applications.

The other options highlight different aspects of pesticide effects that are not limited to the site of contact, such as systemic effects and long-term exposure consequences, which are not relevant when defining local effects. Additionally, the notion of effects that do not produce visible symptoms does not directly correlate with the definition of local effects, as local effects can still be notable even if they are not immediately apparent.