What is a significant drawback of emulsifiable concentrates (EC/E)?

Emulsifiable concentrates (EC/E) are formulations that can carry a high concentration of active ingredients, which can indeed lead to phytotoxicity. Phytotoxicity refers to the harmful effect that chemicals can have on plants, which can result in damage or injury. Due to their concentrated nature, when improperly applied or if environmental conditions aren't favorable, these concentrates can easily cause unintended harm to desirable plants or crops.

The other options do not highlight significant drawbacks of EC/E. For instance, it's not accurate to say they are safe to apply without precautions; all pesticides, including EC/E, require careful handling and proper safety measures during application to minimize risks. While some formulations may be more cost-effective than others, saying they are universally inexpensive overlooks variations in price across different products and formulations. Additionally, emulsifiable concentrates typically do not require large amounts of water for dissolution; rather, they need to be diluted appropriately according to label instructions, which suggests they are compatible with less water compared to other formulations that may require larger volumes for effective application.