During piscicide application, why is the timing of the application important?

The timing of piscicide application is crucial primarily because it allows for optimal conditions for the chemical's effectiveness and behavior in the aquatic environment. Applying piscicides during specific times can enhance their reactions with sunlight, especially in cases where photodegradation may occur. Sunlight can affect the stability and efficacy of certain aquatic chemicals, leading to their breakdown or conversion into less toxic forms. Therefore, if the application happens when sunlight exposure is at its peak, it could significantly influence the impact of the piscicide on the target species.

Moreover, while factors like matching fish feeding times, ensuring proper dispersion, and minimizing human water use are important considerations in overall aquatic pest management practices, they do not play as central a role in the effectiveness of the chemical through its interaction with sunlight as the timing linked to sunlight reactions does. Understanding the chemical properties and environmental interactions is essential for planning effective piscicide applications.