What does a lower LD50 value indicate about a pesticide?

A lower LD50 value indicates greater toxicity because the LD50 (lethal dose for 50% of the test population) measures the amount of a substance required to kill half of a tested population, often in laboratory animals. When the LD50 value is lower, it means that a smaller amount of the pesticide is needed to achieve this lethal effect, which directly reflects its potential harmfulness to organisms. This is an important consideration in pesticide application, as a pesticide with lower toxicity (higher LD50 value) would be safer for non-target species, including humans, wildlife, and beneficial insects. Understanding the LD50 values helps applicators make informed decisions about the safety and environmental impact of the products they use.