PLANT PEST MANAGEMENT FOR GAP STUDENTS

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April 4, 2000

Definition of a Pesticide- literally speaking ‘to kill a pest’

*herbicides –kill plants

*insecticides-kill insects

*fungicides-kill fungi

*molluscide-kill snails and slugs

*acaricide or miticide-kills mites

*piscicide-kills fish

Pesticide Formulations- the product is purchased, which contains a mixture of one or more active ingredients, inert ingredients, and other additives diluted for safety and ease of application. See last sheet for specific formulations.

The Pesticide Label

*Name-Trade, Brand, Common, Chemical

*Type of Pesticide

*Ingredients-active and inert

*Restricted of General Use

*Address and phone number of manufacturer

*EPA registration #

*Signal words-Danger, Warning, Caution

*Precautionary statement- (Harmful if…Do Not…Wear..)

*Statement of Practical Treatment (In case of…Do..)

*Environmental Hazards

*REI- Restricted Entry Interval

*Storage and Disposal

*Directions for Use- where to use it, for what pest, rate of application

Acute toxicity- based on a single, short term exposure (LD50). Symptoms vary with specific chemical, but could include rashes, fatigue, difficulty breathing, headaches, vomiting, nausea, etc.

Chronic Toxicity- due to multiple pesticide exposures….these are more difficult to detect and include things like nervous disorders, cancer, birth defects, etc.

Oral- through the mouth

Dermal –through the skin

Inhalation-through the lungs

 

First Aid for Pesticide Poisoning- The procedures are similar to other medical emergencies. Remember to have the pesticide label available for a physician.

1. check for breathing
2. stabilize the victim
3. Get professional medical attention immediately

Spills on the body- wash thoroughly with soap and water

Splashes into eyes- flush with a stream of gentle running water for 15 minutes

Inhalation- get victim to fresh air, do artificial respiration if necessary

Ingestion- When to induce vomiting? This depends on what pesticide is swallowed. Never induce vomiting if the victim has swallowed petroleum products or a corrosive poison (acids or bases). Give milk with acids and vinegar or lemon juice for bases.

Mixing pesticides can control more than one pest with a single application. Saves time, labor and fuel. Not all pesticides work well in combination, they must be compatible. Incompatible pesticides will not work effectively, may be harmful to the applicator, clog pumps and tanks, and be phytotoxic to plants.

1. read the label!!!
2. wear proper protective gear
3. use the same water that will be used in the tank
4. add the products in the same proportion, same sequence, and at the same temperature
5. test the mix

*Remember to add pesticides to one another in this order: wettable powders, flowables, soluble powders, surfactant and EC’s.

*Remember..DO NOT use any mixture that gives off heat. This is an indication that a chemical reaction has occurred.

 

Pesticide Safety Equipment- Protect Yourself! Always wear what the label recommends ans more if you feel it is appropriate.

*Clothing- Chemical proof outer layer- TYVEK

*Gloves- Unlined, water-proof, chemical resistant, covers the wrists, nitrile rubber, don’t tuck in sleeves

*Boots- waterproof, chemical resistant, wear trousers with hems outside of boots, don’t tuck in.

*Respirators-many types available: full-face, half-face, chemical cartridges, Kasco.

Pesticide Storage- Keep away from people, pets, and livestock. They should always be kept in a secure enclosure that is locked and has visible warning signs outside. Inside, the pesticide labels should be labeled and dated. Be sure to separate all chemical types and ventilate the storage area.

Pesticide Disposal- Purchase only what you need. Read the label for guidelines and remember to wear protective clothing.

For Concentrates

Use up the product

Return to dealer

Give it to another certified applicator

For Spray Mixes

Carefully measure only what you need for the application

Calibrate the equipment properly

If too much is mixed, apply it elsewhere in a manner consistent with the label

Equipment Rinsates

Rinse (wash ) the application site

Rinse at mixing site and then elsewhere in a site that is consistent with the label

DO NOT RINSE NEAR SEWER OR STORM DRAINS

The TRIPLE Rinse Method for Containers

1. Drain out containers for thirty seconds into spray tank
2. Fill up container with water ¼ of the way
3. Pour rinsate into spray tank allowing it to drip for 30 seconds
4. Repeat two more times for a total of three rinses

Keep Records- Remember to record pesticide application. Name of applicator, date and time, target pest, weather conditions, what/where/how much pesticide is being used, etc.

Control the Spill- isolate area, get help

Contain the Spill- do not let the spill run into a body of water

Clean the Spill- clean equipment, soil, absorbent materials

Pesticides and the Environment- All pesticides have the potential to cause environmental damage. Some of these ways are:

Pesticide absorption-chemical binds to foliage, surface litter, soil, and OM

Volatilization-conversion of a solid or liquid to a gas

Runoff- movement of water over land surface

Leaching- movement of water through the soil, as opposed to over the surface

Absorption- uptake of chemicals into plants, animals and humans

Groundwater contamination- of water tables and wells

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