What is a key characteristic of a pesticide with a small LD50 value?

A pesticide with a small LD50 value is an indication of its high toxicity. The term LD50, or lethal dose for 50% of the population, reflects the amount of a substance required to cause death in half of a test population. When the LD50 value is low, it means that a relatively small amount of the pesticide is sufficient to cause harmful effects or death, indicating that the chemical acts effectively at low doses. This inherent toxicity is a critical factor when evaluating pesticide safety and application, as it directly informs the risk management practices necessary for handling and using the product.

While factors such as stability and effectiveness are important in the overall assessment of a pesticide, they do not directly correlate with the toxicity indicated by the LD50 value. Thus, a small LD50 signifies a pesticide's potential for greater harm, emphasizing the necessity for careful use and adherence to safety guidelines.