What are indications that an aerial applicator may have made errors during application?

The presence of patches of dying plants and uneven crop coloration is a significant indication that an aerial applicator may have made errors during the application process. These signs suggest that there may have been an incorrect application of chemicals, such as pesticides or fertilizers, leading to either overexposure or underexposure in certain areas. When chemical applications are not uniformly distributed, it can result in uneven growth patterns, as some plants may receive too much of a product that could harm them, while others may not receive enough nutrients or protection, resulting in visible differences in health and coloration.

This contrasts with the other options, which do not provide direct evidence of application errors. Uniform crop growth and reports of higher yields suggest that the application was successful and effective, while increased pest activity may occur due to various environmental factors unrelated to the performance of the aerial applicator.