What are the signs of pesticide drift damage on crops?

Pesticide drift damage on crops is most commonly identified by symptoms such as distorted leaves and stunted growth. When pesticides are applied improperly—such as being carried by wind to unintended crops—the chemicals can adversely affect neighboring plants. Distorted leaves often manifest as curling, wilting, or unusual shapes, indicating that the plant's physiological processes have been disrupted. Stunted growth indicates that the plant may not be able to develop properly due to the harmful effects of the pesticide, affecting its overall health and yield potential.

Though wilting flowers and delayed growth can be signs of stress in plants, they are not as specifically indicative of pesticide drift as the symptoms identified in the correct answer. Increased pest activity and heightened disease resistance are also not commonly associated with pesticide drift; rather, these could suggest different agricultural issues or pest management practices that do not relate directly to the effects of pesticide exposure. Thus, the choice regarding distorted leaves and stunted growth directly ties to the recognizable manifestations of pesticide damage on crops.