The airborne spread of pesticides is seriously underestimated. A new study in Italy shows that pesticides spread in the apple-growing region of South Tyrol do not remain in the orchards. They spread throughout the valley and end up high up in the mountains. They not only affect the area of cultivation, but damage whole ecosystems. The study was conducted in the Venosta Valley in South Tyrol, the largest apple-growing region in Europe. Its apples are known for their perfect appearance, indicating the use of large quantities of pesticides during production.