Following is a list of various benefits for professional applicators who diligently maintain application records. The benefits are increased significantly with more information recorded. Pest Management Decisions Assess the best performance of pest control tactics and timing Plan for pesticide (insecticide, fungicide, herbicide) resistance management Know and plan for replanting restrictions due to residual soil […]
Management
Proactive Herbicide Resistance Management
Early detection of resistance means management will be easier, and it increases the potential to avoid the spread of the resistant biotype. Unfortunately, because resistant plants and susceptible plants look alike, resistance often is not detected until the resistant biotype has spread to 30% or more of the field and perhaps to surrounding fields. Therefore, […]
Pesticide Applicator BMPs
Proper pesticide use avoids harm to honey bees, their food sources, water, and habitat. Best Management Practices (BMPs) are not considered regulatory requirements (such as label directions and local ordinances), but they provide additional practical information for pesticide users, growers, beekeepers, and all of us who enjoy the “fruits” of pollination. The following BMPs apply […]
Bees in Peril
Beekeepers and producers of fruit, nut, and vegetable crops are concerned that the availability of honey bees is not keeping pace with the growing demand for pollination services. In the U.S., a phenomenon called ‘Colony Collapse Disorder’—first discovered in 2006—has caused mysterious and catastrophic losses. Scientists across the country have been looking for the cause […]
Special Wildlife Programs
The “Services”: 1. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (U.S. Dept. of the Interior) 2. National Marine Fisheries Service (U.S. Dept. of Commerce) The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 and its subsequent amendments comprise the major federal legislation that protects not only threatened or endangered wild plants and animals, but also critical habitats and ecosystems […]
Wildlife Stewardship
Wildlife Stewardship and Pesticide Management Often there is more than one product or management practice available to control a particular pest. But, ideally, the decision to purchase a pesticide should be based on more than a comparison of cost and performance among product choices. An important consideration is a review of the various pesticide labels […]
How to Prevent Water Contamination
There are a variety of common management practices that provide multiple benefits. Crop and Soil Management Strategies Crop rotation keeps pests off-balance, especially those that prefer a particular crop with its associated cultural practices. Cover crops provide crop residues, which enhance soil organic matter. Careful crop variety selection ensures that the crop is well-adapted to local […]
Spill Crisis Management
When a spill occurs, you will need to focus on several things, individuals’ safety, spill containment and cleanup, and who to call for assistance. This is not the time to be learning what to do. Train everyone working with pesticides (transport, storage, mixing/loading, application) in the emergency procedures that must be followed. Know whether you […]