PESTICIDE APPLICATION TRAINING

Private Pesticide Applicator Manual

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

Table of Contents

Certification Process 3 Introduction How to Become Certified Pests of Agricultural Plants 5 Common Plant Feeding Insect Plants Common Weeds Common Plant Diseases Common Vertebrate Pests Pests of Agricultural Animals 21 Cattle Sheep and Goats Swine Horses, Mules, and Donkeys Poultry Pest Control 25 Principles of Pest Control Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Pest Control Methods Putting It All Together Summary Pesticides 30 Nature of Pesticides How Pesticides Work Factors Affecting Pesticide Activity Plant Growth Regulators, Desiccants, Defoliants and Antitranspirants Types of Formulations Using the Correct Formulation Labels and Labeling 39 Pesticide Registration in Kansas Parts of the Label Safe Use Precautions Pesticide Label Examples Protecting Your Body and the Environment 56 Using Pesticides Safely Protecting Humans Toxicity and Hazard Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning Fumigation Pesticide Accidents Treatment of Poisoning Cleanup of Pesticide Spills

1 Table of Contents Protecting Animals Protecting the Environment Chemigation Potential Benefits Pesticide and Bees Application Equipment 78 Sprayers Nozzles Dusters and Granular Applicators Controlling Drift Calibration 86 Sprayers Granular Applicator Calibration Volume and Area Determinations Laws and Regulations 94 Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) as Amended Kansas Pesticide Law Laws and Regulations in Regard to Wildlife Damage Control Terms Used in Pest Control 98

2 Certification

Under Kansas and Federal Process laws, it is unlawful for any Introduction person to use pesticides in a manner that is inconsistent Federal Regulations set minimum with such pesticide’s label standards for persons handling “re- or labeling. stricted use” pesticides. This manual contains the practical information to prepare you to meet these require- tion other than trading of personal ments. It does not include all the services between producers; or, for things you need to know about the controlling ornamental shrubbery pests you wish to control. It does in- or turf pests at your own residence. clude information to meet the certifi- Private applicator certification does cation requirements for the state of not authorize you to apply pesti- Kansas. This book will tell you: cides on someone else’s property ■ how to become a certified private and charge a fee for the service. If applicator in Kansas, you wish to apply pesticides com- ■ some features of common pests, mercially, you must first obtain how they develop, and the kinds commercial applicator certification of damage they do, and a business license. Contact the ■ some pests of animals and Kansas Department of Agriculture livestock in Kansas, (785-296-3786) for details. ■ methods you can use to control As a private applicator you must pests, complete the application procedure ■ how pesticides work, ■ prescribed by the Kansas State how pesticide labels can help Department of Agriculture, pass an you, and some examples of examination, and pay fees. Under the labels, ■ Kansas Pesticide Law, the Private how to use pesticides so they Applicator certification period is five will not harm you or the years and expires on the applicator’s environment, birth date of the fifth year. ■ pesticide exposure, ■ pesticide toxicity and pesticide hazard, Requirements for ■ cholinesterase tests, Initial Certification ■ symptoms of pesticide initial poisoning, Private Applicator certifica- reentry ■ pesticide accidents, tion and (initial certification ■ toxicity of pesticides to bees, has expired) are accomplished by ■ application equipment and passing an open book exam (75% calibration, and score) over this manual, paying the ■ laws and regulations. fees and submitting the application form. The examination is taken in the County Agent’s office. How to Become Certified or Renew Certification as Requirements for a Private Applicator Renewal Certification Under the Kansas Pesticide Law, Private applicators can renew certi- private certification would authorize fication by passing an open book ex- you to use or supervise the use of a amination (75% score). Prior to your restricted use pesticide only to pro- birth date on the fifth year of your duce an agricultural commodity certification period, the Kansas State (1) on property owned or rented by Department of Agriculture (KDA) you or your employer, or (2) on the will mail you the appropriate Private no compensa- property of another for Applicator Training Manual and

3 Certification Process renewal examination. Certification 2. Passing the examination, and may be renewed for a succeeding 3. Submitting the application for re- five-year period by: newal. All requirements must 1. Paying the fee as prescribed by be met prior to the expiration the Kansas State Department of date or else you must follow the Agriculture, procedure for reentry.

4 Pests of The plants are damaged, weakened, or killed. This causes Agricultural reduced yields, lowered quality and The first step in solving any prob- plants or plant products that cannot Plants lem is to understand what is causing be sold. Even after harvest, insects it. So the first step in your job is to continue their damage in the stored recognize the pests you need to or processed products. Insects also control. feed on and in man and other ani- We favor certain plants and ani- mals. Some of these pests carry dis- mals that provide us food and fiber. ease agents which have caused mil- But we also provide good growing lions of deaths to man and livestock. conditions for other plants and ani- Not all insects are pests. Some help mals that harm them. These living man by doing such things as pollinat- things that compete with us for food ing plants or feeding on other insects and fiber, or attack us directly, are that are pests. pests. The living plant or animal a pest depends on for survival is called the host. Insect Features Pests can be put into five main All adult insects have two things in groups: common—six jointed legs and three ■ insects (plus mites, ticks, and body regions. But how do you tell spiders), one insect from another? Often, the ■ snails and slugs, most important parts to look at are Grasshopper ■ vertebrates, wings and mouthparts. Some insects ■ weeds, and have no wings. Others have two or ■ plant disease agents. four. The wings vary in shape, size, Most applicators know most of the thickness, and structure. Insects with pests they see on the job. But some- chewing mouthparts have toothed times unfamiliar pests may appear. jaws that bite and tear the food. In- You can get identification aids, publi- sects with piercing–sucking mouth- cations, and pictures to help find out parts have a long beak which they what they are, but the best thing to force into a plant or animal to suck adult do is to contact local experts. Ask the out fluids or blood. Cooperative Extension Service or a Almost all insects change in shape, competent consultant to help you. form, and size during their lives. This change is called metamorphosis. Some insects change only in size as larva Common Plant they develop. The adult lays eggs. A Feeding Pests nymph, which looks like a tiny adult, May Beetle Insects thrive in more environ- hatches from the egg and goes ments than any other group of ani- through several stages. These mals. They live not only on the nymphs change into wingless adults. earth’s surface but within the soil and Some insects change form slightly. in water. They eat the choicest foods Their nymphs hatch from eggs. These of man’s table. They can even eat the nymphs, which have no wings, go through several growing stages. They table. a. Western Corn Many types of insects affect crops. change into winged adults. Rootworm Other insects change completely. They cause damage in a variety of b. Southern Corn ways. They may: They go through four stages. The Rootworm larva egg ■ feed on leaves, hatches from an . It is a ■ tunnel or bore in stems, stalks, worm, caterpillar, grub, or maggot. and branches, This is the stage in which these in- ■ sects grow and do the most damage. c. Northern Corn d. Corn Rootworm Larva feed on and tunnel in roots, Rootworm ■ feed on and in seeds and nuts, When full-grown, the larva changes pupa ■ suck the sap from leaves, stems, into a . During this stage it Rootworms adult roots, fruits, and flowers, and changes into the . The adult ■ carry plant disease agents. stage usually has wings. 5 Pests of Agricultural Here are the insect groups that in- larva and yet another kind is associ- clude most of the insects which man ated with the adult. The larvae are to- Plants considers pests. You should be famil- tally different in appearance from iar with the characteristics of each adults. A typical beetle larva has a group that you control and the type distinct head capsule, more or less of damage each group does. elongated body, and the majority have three pairs of legs located on the first three segments behind the head. Insects with There are no legs on the abdominal Chewing Mouthparts segments of beetle larvae. The larvae Grasshoppers and Crickets of the weevils and a few others are often called “grubs.” Larvae of wee- These insects have chewing mouth- vils are short, robust, legless grubs. parts. Most are plant feeding and Most adult beetles have four wings adult cause damage by chewing holes in —the front pair, thickened and foliage. All have a gradual life cycle; leathery, serve as protective covers that is, adults lay eggs that hatch into for the second; the top pair of wing nymphs and gradually grow into the covers meets and forms a straight line adult stage as they feed. down the center of the back. This Eggs begin to hatch in mid-May larva pupa characteristic is useful in separating and continue until July. Nymphs re- beetles from other groups of insects. semble the adults but are smaller and Some examples of common plant Granary Weevil wingless. They feed on the same pest beetles in Kansas include: white things and cause the same kind of grubs, northern, western and south- Three striped damage as adults. ern corn rootworms, granary weevil, Blister Beetle Adults generally have two pairs blister beetles, bean leaf beetle, wire- of wings. The top wings are narrow, worms and alfalfa weevil. straight, and leathery; the bottom ones broad, pale, and membranous. Moths and Caterpillars Damage occurs from June to Sep- tember. Nymphs begin feeding This is the second largest group or around field margins close to hatch- order of insects and represents one of Striped ing areas and gradually migrate far- the most destructive groups. We rec- Cucumber Beetle ther into adjacent fields. ognize the adults as moths. The Control of grasshoppers is more moths are the more or less drab successful where treatments can be colored “millers” that are seen Bean Leaf Beetle directed against the small nymphs around lights at night. still confined to the hatching areas. As adults (moths), these insects are Beetle Rangeland problems are often caused non-damaging, but they do select by a different complex of grasshop- suitable plants for egg laying. Eggs per species. Egg laying is usually soon hatch into worm-like larvae or throughout the range area and this caterpillars. The larvae migrate over requires treatment of the entire range. plant surfaces and feed for several larva (side view) days. Beetles All of the cutworms belong to this group. They usually live in the soil There are chewing insects in the and migrate from plant to plant, feed- larvae (top view) larval as well as the adult stage. In ing on either above or below ground one group of beetles, the head has portions of suitable plants. Some been prolonged forward and formed species damage trees and shrubs by into a long, beak-like structure or feeding on the foliage or tunneling in snout and they are known as the stems. “weevils.” adult Cutworm larvae usually complete Beetles develop in a complete life their feeding in a matter of days, al- cycle. The stages consist of eggs, lar- Wireworm or Click Beetle though others require longer. The vae, pupae and adults. Sometimes, larvae of most species are between one kind of injury is caused by the 1 and 2 inches in length at maturity.

6 Pests of Agricultural Plants

Adult Stage

Green Cloverworm

Forage Looper Green Cloverworm

newly hatched larva

Adult Stage

Adult moth or “miller”

head capsule

Larva Stage

True Armyworm

3 pairs thorasic legs fleshy legs

Corn earworm

Cabbage looper eggs pupa

Corn Earworm, Cabbage Looper Fall Armyworm

7 Pests of Agricultural On a few kinds (woolly bears) the Insects with Piercing– body is covered with a dense coat of Sucking Mouthparts Plants hair. On others, the body is covered with spines, but the majority of the True Bugs damaging species that we commonly This is a large group of insects see have smooth bodies that are rela- quite similar in appearance and the tively free of hair or spines. only insects properly referred to as One of the most helpful identifying bugs. Most tend to be rather shield techniques is to examine the legs. shaped, but usually have bodies that Start on the first segment behind the are noticeably longer than wide. Most head. You should see three pairs of of the bugs have two pairs of wings. slender legs. Looking midway back The basal half of each top wing along the body, you will usually see (where they attach to the body) is an additional series of fleshy legs, hard and leathery, but the remainder node usually four pairs. Finally, you is thin and transparent. At rest, the should find a final pair of fleshy legs wings lay flat against the top of the attached to the rear of the body. body and the transparent portions are A complete generation consists of overlapped. egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The time The mouthparts are formed into a required to complete the life cycle is long, narrow beak which they use to usually about 4 to 5 weeks. Examples suck out the sap. Since they are suck- of destructive insects in this group ing insects, early damage is not al- Ants are cutworms, armyworms, corn ways obvious as being insect caused. borers, corn earworms, forage looper, Thus, signs of infestation can be eas- cabbage looper, and green ily confused with disease symptoms. cloverworm. The bugs have a gradual life cycle —that is, females deposit eggs that Ants hatch into nymphs and nymphs grad- ually develop into adults. Nymphs All members in this group are resemble the adults except they are thread-waisted due to a restriction in smaller and wingless. They cause the the thorax and the abdomen. Use of same kind of injury and attack the this characteristic alone is of great same plants as the adults. help in identification of orders. Wings Some examples of destructive true are membranous, and the front wings bugs are: squash bugs, stink bugs, are noticeably longer than the hind leaf-footed bug, plant bugs and wings. Some are wingless as adults. Long slender beak for chinch bugs. feeding on plants. The mouthparts of insects in this group are of the chewing type. These insects have a complete type Aphids and Leafhoppers of life cycle. The immature stages are This is another large group of grub-like or maggot-like, and as such, sucking insects. They are closely- recognition of the adults gives few related to the true bugs, and similar clues to the appearance of the larvae. to them in general appearance, The social insects belong in this development of their life cycle, group. They live in colonies and have and the way they feed. Most mem- perfected elaborate social organiza- bers are winged in the adult stage. tions. The social instincts are particu- Wings are entirely thin and membra- Short thick beak for larly noticeable among the ants. They nous. They tend to fold their wings attacking prey. Many build large, complex, multi-story bugs are beneficial. roof-like over their bodies when at homes with special rooms for nurs- rest. eries and food storage, and elaborate Cicadas are among the largest in- passageways connecting one cham- sects of this group. Many of the ber to another. smaller species, often no more than 1 Mouthparts of Bugs ⁄16 inch in length, resemble cicadas

8 Pests of Agricultural Plants

hard leathery membranous

Typical wing Chinch Bug

Leaf-footed Bug Stink Bug Melon Aphid

winged

Cicada Leafhopper

wingless

Squash Bug Greenbug

9 Pests of

1 Agricultural in overall appearance. Many are no about ⁄l6 inch in length, and resemble larger than a pin head when they are tiny “splinters” as you see them Plants fully grown. crawling over plant surfaces (their Leafhoppers are small, wedge- bodies are noticeably longer than shaped insects which suck plant sap wide). from the undersides of the plant Thrips feed in a peculiar fashion by leaves. They are usually light green rasping the surface of the plant tissue colored and run sideways when the and then sucking up the liquids that leaf is turned over. flow from the injury. The alfalfa leafhopper causes al- The adults are usually tan to dark falfa and bean leaves to turn yellow bodied with four feather-like wings, to yellowish-brown, a condition while the immature forms (nymphs) known as “hopper burn.” Other are smaller, wingless and usually leafhoppers transmit various plant creamy white. diseases. Both nymphs and adults cause Examples of leafhoppers are alfalfa injury by feeding on buds, flowers, or Hessian Fly leafhopper, bean leafhopper and six leaf tissues. The feeding causes dis- spotted leafhopper. tortion in flowers and buds and gray Aphids (plant lice) make up a large or silvery speckled areas on leaves. Thrips proportion of this group. Aphids are Thrips can usually be found early tiny, soft-bodied sucking insects, in the spring feeding in the whorls or winged or wingless, frequently found on the undersides of leaves of seed- Flies and Thrips on the undersides of plant leaves. ling sorghum and corn. The presence They suck large quantities of plant of a few is considered common and sap. Some are damaging, yet others not serious, although damage may show very little effect on crop yield. occur under some situations when Aphids reproduce very rapidly. A large numbers of thrips are present. large number of generations is possi- ble during a single season. Hundreds Mites of species of aphids occur in Kansas. Almost every kind of plant is subject The members of this group are not Spider Mite to attack by one or more kinds. insects. The adults have eight legs Some examples of aphids com- instead of six and they only have two monly present in Kansas include: major body regions rather than three. greenbug, corn leaf aphids, green Mites are of major importance peach aphid, pea aphid, spotted al- among plant damaging pests. Mites falfa aphid and the Russian wheat are very small, about the size of the aphid. period at the end of this line. Adults have eight legs and most of the time a few spots of color are visible in a Insects with Sponging or mite’s body. Mites are soft-bodied, Brown Wheat Mite Rasping Mouthparts wingless and cause injury by sucking plant juices. Flies and Thrips Mites feed primarily on the under- True flies have only one pair of side of plant leaves. The area of a wings. The hind wings have been re- mite infested leaf takes on a speckled duced in size and function for bal- appearance consisting of tiny yellow ance. The larvae of flies are usually spots surrounded by normal green whitish, lack a distinct head, are leg- tissue. As feeding continues and the less and called maggots. mite population increases, affected The seed corn maggot, Hessian fly, foliage will gradually change into and wheat stem maggot are recog- more of a uniform yellowish or red- European Red Mite nized as plant pests in Kansas. dish color, becoming brown as the Thrips are very tiny insects, com- leaf begins to die. As they feed, mites Mites mon on many different kinds of make thin webs usually on the under- plants. As adults they are generally surface of the leaves.

10 Pests of Mites are generally thought of as Annuals are the most abundant type Agricultural dry weather pests. They do not usu- of weeds in conventional cropland ally develop as rapidly during wet and frequently disturbed sites, but Plants weather and heavy rains. Mites can generally are easier to kill than bien- develop a damaging population in nial or perennial weeds. The opti- a very short time. Populations are mum time to control annual weeds is highly regulated by temperature. when they are in the seedling stage of Wheat in Kansas is subject to attack growth and rapidly growing. After by a rather large mite called the annual weeds have flowered, they brown wheat mite. It is common dur- have nearly completed their life cycle, ing dry years in the western part of so control at that time is of little eco- the state. nomic value. In recent years corn, and to some Summer annual weeds germinate in extent sorghum, production has been the spring, grow, mature, produce plagued in the irrigated areas by mite seed, and die before winter. Summer infestations. annual weeds are prolific seed pro- ducers and are most common in sum- mer annual crops such as corn, milo, Common Weeds and soybeans. Examples of summer A weed can be defined as “a plant annual weeds include large crab- out of place, ” or “a plant growing grass, foxtails, pigweeds, lambs- Large Crabgrass— where it’s not wanted.” Weeds are quarters, cocklebur, and common a summer annual a problem because they reduce crop sunflower. yields, increase costs of production, Winter annual weeds germinate in and reduce quality of crop and live- late summer or fall, overwinter, ma- stock products. Some weeds cause ture and produce seed by late spring skin irritation and allergies, while or early summer, and then die. other weeds can be poisonous to man Winter annual weeds are most preva- and other animals. Weeds also can be lent in winter annual crops such as unsightly in turf and ornamental wheat. Examples of winter annual landscapes, as well as create traffic weeds include downy brome, cheat, hazards by obstructing the view at henbit, field pennycress, and various intersections. mustard species. Plants can be separated into two groups based on plant morphology. Biennials Grasses generally have long, narrow leaves with parallel venation, while Plants with a 2-year life cycle are Downy Brome— a winter annual broadleaf plants tend to have wider biennials. Biennial weeds germinate leaves of various shapes with a net- and develop a deep taproot and a Annuals like venation. Plant susceptibility to compact cluster of leaves called a ros- different herbicides depends on the ette, in the first year of their life cycle. specific plant species. In the second year of a biennial life Musk Thistle A complete understanding of weed cycle, the stem elongates (called bolt- life cycles, reproduction, and spread ing), the plant flowers, produces is necessary to implement an effective seeds, and dies. Biennial weeds are control program. Weeds can be classi- most susceptible to herbicides when fied as annuals, biennials, and peren- they are in the rosette stage of growth nials based on their life cycle. and before they have bolted. Biennial weeds are most common in pastures and noncropland sites. Examples of Annuals biennial weeds include common Plants that grow from germinated mullein, common burdock, and musk seed, mature, and produce seed for thistle. the next generation in one year or less, are referred to as annuals. Biennials

11 Pests of Perennials Agricultural weeds in Kansas, which according to Plants that live 2 or more years are the law must be controlled. Kansas perennials. Perennial plants generally noxious weeds include: Plants ■ go dormant during the winter Kudzu ■ months and produce new foliage dur- Russian knapweed ■ ing the spring and summer from Canada thistle ■ stored food reserves in the stems or Leafy spurge ■ under-ground plant parts. Perennials Field bindweed ■ can be spread by seed, but also can Hoary cress ■ reproduce vegetatively from tubers, Pignut ■ bulbs, rhizomes (below ground Johnsongrass ■ stems), stolons (above ground stems Quackgrass ■ that produce roots), and root stem Woollyleaf bursage segments. (Bur ragweed) ■ Simple perennials reproduce primar- Musk thistle ■ ily by seed. However, new plants can Multiflora rose (county option) ■ develop from root pieces that result Sericea lespedeza (county from mechanical injury such as tillage option) Dandelion—a simple perennial or hoeing. Examples of simple peren- nial weeds include common dande- Common Plant Diseases lion, curly dock, and many trees and bushes. A plant disease is any harmful con- Creeping perennials produce seed, dition that makes a plant different but also spread vegetatively once from a normal plant in its appearance they become established in an area. or function. Plant diseases are divided Vegetative spread occurs with rhi- into two groups based on their cause. zomes, stolons, and spreading root systems. Examples of creeping peren- Non-parasitic Plant Diseases nials include bermudagrass, quack- These are caused by non-living grass, Johnsongrass, field bindweed, agents, such as nutrient deficiency, and common milkweed. extreme cold or heat, toxic chemicals Wild Garlic—a Bulbous perennials may reproduce bulbous perennial (e.g., air pollutants, some pesticides, by seed, bulblets, or bulbs. Examples salts, too much fertilizer), mechanical of bulbous perennial weeds include injury, and lack or excess of water. wild onion and garlic, which produce Non-parasitic diseases cannot be seed and bulblets above ground and passed from one plant to another. bulbs below ground. Perennials generally are the most difficult type of weeds to kill. Since Parasitic Plant Diseases most perennials can reproduce vege- These are caused by living agents tatively and regrow from under- which live and feed on or in host ground plant parts, destroying the plants. They can be passed from one top growth only provides temporary plant to another. The most common control until the shoot regrows. Thus, causes of parasitic diseases are fungi, systemic herbicides such as 2,4-D, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. dicamba (Banvel), picloram (Tordon), Three things are required before or glyphosate (Roundup or Kleenup) a parasitic disease can develop: that will translocate to the under- 1. a susceptible host plant, ground plant parts are most effective 2. a parasite, and Field Bindweed—a for long-term perennial weed control. 3. an environment favorable for creeping perennial parasite development. Noxious Weeds in Kansas Fungi are usually composed of multi-celled thread-like filaments The Kansas Noxious Weed Law en- called hyphae. Most are microscopic, acted by the Kansas Legislature has Perennials but some, such as the mushrooms, declared several weeds as noxious may become quite large. Most

12 Pests of reproduce by spores, which function and feed on the cell contents. Nema- Agricultural about the same way seeds do. Not all todes may develop and feed either fungi are harmful, and many are inside or outside of a plant. Plants helpful to man. The life cycle of nematodes in- Fungi may attack a plant both cludes an egg, four larval stages, and above and below the soil surface. an adult. Most larvae look like adults, Fungus diseases include apple scab, but are smaller. Many nematodes mi- smut in corn, powdery mildew in grate from root to root. The females landscape plants, rose black spot, rust of some, such as root knot and cyst of wheat, and root and stalk rots of nematodes, become fixed in the plant many crops. tissue. The root knot nematode de- Bacteria are single-celled organisms posits its eggs in a mass outside of its which are much smaller than fungi. body. The cyst nematode keeps part They usually reproduce by simply of its eggs inside its body after death. dividing in half. Each half becomes They may survive there for many a fully developed bacterium. Bacteria years. can build up fast under ideal condi- tions. Some can divide every 30 min- Development of Plant Diseases utes. Fireblight of pears, halo blight of beans, and bacterial leaf spot on Development of a parasitic disease peaches are caused by bacteria. depends on the life cycle of the para- Viruses are much smaller than site. Some parasites (e.g., smuts) have bacteria and are composed of protein one cycle per year. Others (e.g., Rose Black spot symptoms and magnified and genetic material. They come in wheat rust) have many cycles per fungus spores a variety of shapes and sizes, but they year. The environment affects this can only be seen with a high- cycle greatly. Temperature and mois- powered electron microscope. ture are especially important. Viruses are often identified by their The disease process starts when the symptoms on host plants. parasite arrives at a part of a plant Many viruses that cause plant dis- where infection can occur. This step inoculation ease are carried by insects, usually is called . If environmental aphids or leafhoppers. Some viruses conditions are good, the parasite will are transmitted when machines or begin to develop. This stage before incubation people touch healthy plants after injury develops is called . touching diseased plants. Many If the parasite can get into the plant, infection viruses are easily carried along in the stage called starts. bulbs, roots, cuttings. and seeds. A The three main ways a plant few are transmitted in pollen. At least responds are one virus, wheat soilborne mosaic 1. over-development of tissue such virus, is transmitted by a fungus. as galls, swellings, and leaf curls, Bacteria reproducing Wheat streak mosaic, maize dwarf 2. under development of tissue, mosaic of corn and sorghum, and such as stunting, lack of chloro- tomato spotted wilt are diseases phyll, and incomplete develop- caused by viruses. ment of organs, and Nematodes are small, usually micro- 3. death of tissue, such as blights, scopic, round-worms. Many nema- leaf spots, wilting, and cankers. todes are harmless, but some feed on or in plant roots. Nematodes usually Identifying Plant Diseases do not kill plants, but reduce growth Disease identification depends on and plant health. They may weaken symptoms (leaf spots, mosaic, galls, the plant and make it susceptible to etc.) and signs of the causal agent other disease agents. (visual evidence of fungal hyphae, All nematodes that are parasites on nematode cysts, etc.). Other evidence plants have a hollow feeding spear. such as disease field pattern, timing They use it to puncture plant cells Different kinds of viruses

13 Pests of Agricultural of symptoms, and preceding weather animals such as snakes, deer, bats, are often needed. moles, etc., may be involved in dam- Plants Many plant disease fact sheets, age to agriculture in Kansas. often with color photographs, are available from your local county Animal Damage Extension office. Your Extension Control in Kansas office can also help you submit speci- mens to the Plant Disease Diagnostic Today, as at the beginning of this Laboratory. century, animal damage control (ADC) is an important component of agricultural production. In dealing Controlling Plant Diseases with this issue, Kansas producers re- Plant disease control is usually ceive assistance from Kansas State achieved through some combination University, Cooperative Extension of the following methods: crop rota- Service (KSU–CES), Kansas Depart- tion, resistant varieties, sanitation of ment of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), infested crop debris, eradication of and United States Department of Ag- diseased plants, use of disease-free riculture, Animal Damage Control planting stock, use of cultural prac- (USDA–ADC). The KDWP enacts tices which suppress disease develop- regulations aimed at resolving ADC ment, or protection with pesticides. problems. All three major agencies, KSU, Kansas Department of Wildlife Nematode with feeding spear extended and Parks, and the USDA–ADC work Common Vertebrate Pests together to alleviate wild animal Many forms of vertebrate wild ani- damage in Kansas. mals are involved in damage to Before doing any wild animal dam- crops, livestock, rangeland and other age control, you should check with agricultural property. Animals that the KDWP. Also, for any species are a pest in some situations may be of problem animal, information for highly desirable in others. Therefore, control procedures is available from wildlife damage control (also called Kansas State University, Wildlife animal damage control) is often con- Damage Control, Manhattan, KS Common Pigeon troversial. These matters should be (phone: 785-532-5734). approached with caution and with a great deal of knowledge about the Birds options and laws relating to damage control procedures. Modern ap- Some of our most costly bird dam- proaches to resolving problems of age problems involve non-native this kind are aimed at controlling the birds such as starlings, pigeons, and damage, not the population of the house sparrows. All of these birds are female male species involved. At times, local pop- generally closely associated with peo- House sparrow ulation control may be desirable but ple. Not all bird problems are caused never widespread population control. by introduced species. Blackbirds, These higher forms of animals have grackles, cowbirds, and crows are tremendous compensation factors often involved in damage situations. and to accomplish complete eradica- Feedlots are damaged when birds tion of a species in a given area is consume feed, contaminate feed and thought to be impossible. water, and may spread diseases. Much of the damage involving ver- Studies have shown that starlings tebrate animals can be avoided by may eat one pound of feed per month using preventive management strate- directly from livestock feed bunks. Starlings have been implicated in winter phase summer phase gies and/or integrated damage con- trol methods. the spread of transmissible gastroen- Starling Generally, common agricultural teritis (TGE) of pigs. Blackbirds, grackles, crows, star- Birds pests in the vertebrate animal world are classified as either bird, rodent, lings and house sparrows damage or predator. In a few cases, other growing crops of milo, sunflowers,

14 Pests of and corn in Kansas. In some smaller feeders should be concentrated at a Agricultural fields near marshes or wooded areas few sites to limit the sources for po- damage can be excessive. tential depredation. Plants Pigeons, sparrows, and starlings Since starlings forage only during may damage farm and ranch machin- the daylight hours, feeding livestock ery and other property by leaving in the late afternoon or early evening bird droppings at roosts. These drop- will limit the amount of time feed is pings may ruin paint finishes and exposed to starlings. However, cattle create a bad smell, leave parasites fed at night have shown slower and might cause human and livestock weight gain. Therefore, livestock pro- health problems. ducers may wish to limit this option to periods when high numbers of birds are present. Cultural Bird Damage 3 Control at Livestock Feedlots Starlings consumed ⁄16 inch dia- meter pellets at a much higher rate Some livestock feeding manage- than granular meal. The granular ment practices can be changed to re- meal, does, however, attract starlings duce bird depredations. The simplest to the feed site and daily consump- means of reducing feed losses to tion of this meal could be economi- problem birds is to make the feed less cally significant. Consumption by 1 available for their consumption. Feed starlings of ⁄2 inch diameter pellets can be made less available to starlings was significantly less than consump- by physical separations of feed from tion of the granular meal. Based on starlings by the use of feeds that are these findings, grain products should 1 either less palatable or that cannot be be fed as large pellets or cubes (= ⁄2 physiologically used by starlings. Be- inch diameter), liquids, or less desir- fore changing any feeding manage- able, granular meal. ment practices, consult your livestock Nutritionists must have accurate nutritionist. data on cost benefit ratios before they The best, although the costliest, encourage feedlot operators to switch method of preventing starling depre- feeding practices and feed forms. dations is to feed livestock in an en- closed bird-proof area. Feeding live- Field Rodents stock in bird-proofed buildings has shown to be beneficial not only in re- Animals like prairie dogs, pocket ducing feed losses to starlings but gophers, pack rats, norway rats, also in improving animal perfor- house mice, cottonrats, and prairie mance. Enclosure by conventional voles sometimes damage stored means (i.e., doors, windows, or crops, feed, livestock, buildings, screens) may result in an undesirable rangeland and growing crops in restriction of animal movements. To Kansas. alleviate this, some researchers en- Again, two of the worst offenders closed farm buildings and feeding are non-native animals; the norway areas with industrial polyvinyl chlo- rat and the house mouse. Norway Grackles ride plastic (PVC) strips. These strips rats and house mice generally live in are similar to those used to minimize close association with people and are air flow through cold food sections of usually found around buildings and some grocery stores. not out in the wild. If grain products must be fed out- Native rodents such as 13-lined doors, several management practices ground squirrels, cottonrats, prairie are available that can reduce feed voles, deer mice and white-footed losses to starlings. Feeds can be of- mice often eat planted seeds. Pack Crows fered in self feeders or automatic rats or wood rats sometimes build feeders with lids that are diligently their nest in agriculture-related build- maintained to prevent flip tops from ings and these rodents also eat the in- Birds being bent, dislodged, or lost. Self sulation off wires of automobiles,

15 Pests of Agricultural trucks, and farm machinery. Larger humans into contact with infected ro- rodents, such as beaver, dig burrows dents, usually in a rural setting. Pat- Plants into stream and pond banks which terns of seasonal occurrence differ, sometimes cave in and create hazards depending on the virus, species of ro- to cattle or farm machinery. Muskrats dent host, and pattern of human be- dig burrows into earthen dikes that havior. Cases have been epidemiolog- hold water, and at times, these dikes ically associated with the following break as a result of muskrat burrow- situations: ing activity. ■ planting or harvesting field crops; ■ Hantavirus Infection occupying previously vacant cabins or other dwellings; The recently recognized hanta- ■ cleaning barns and other virus-associated disease among resi- outbuildings; dents of the southwestern United ■ inhabiting dwellings with indoor White-footed mice States and the identification of rodent rodent populations; reservoirs for the virus in the affected The reservoir hosts of the hanta- areas warrant recommendations to virus in the southwestern United minimize the risk of exposure to ro- States also act as hosts for the bac- dents for both residents and visitors. terium agent of plague. Although The Centers for Disease Control and fleas and other ectoparasites are not Prevention has given the hantavirus a known to play a role in hantavirus new name: Muerto Canyon epidemiology, rodent fleas transmit Hantavirus. Deer Mice plague. Control of rodents without Rodents are the primary reservoir concurrent control of fleas may in- hosts of recognized hantaviruses. crease the risk of human plague as Each hantavirus appears to have pre- the rodent fleas seek an alternative ferential rodent hosts, but other small food source. mammals can be infected as well. Eradicating the reservoir hosts of Available data strongly suggest that hantaviruses is neither feasible nor the deer mouse is the primary reser- desirable. Currently, the best avail- House Mice voir of the newly recognized hanta- able approach for disease control and virus in the southwestern United prevention is risk reduction through States. Serologic evidence of infection environmental hygiene practices that has also been found in pinon mice, deter rodents from colonizing the brush mice, and western chipmunks. home and work environment. The deer mouse is highly adaptable Rodent infestation can be deter- Pocket Gophers and is found in many different habi- mined by direct observation of ani- tats, including human residences in mals or inferred from the presence of rural and semi-rural areas. feces in closets or cabinets or on Human infection may occur when floors or from evidence that rodents infective saliva or excreta are inhaled have been gnawing at food. If rodent as aerosol produced directly from the infestation is detected inside the animal. Transmission may also occur home or outbuildings, rodent abate- when dried materials contaminated Wood Rat ment measures should be completed. by rodent excreta are disturbed, di- Areas with evidence of rodent ac- rectly introduced into broken skin, in- tivity (e.g., dead rodents, rodent ex- troduced onto the conjunctive, or, creta) should be thoroughly cleaned possibly, ingested in contaminated to reduce the likelihood of exposure food or water. Persons have also be- to hantavirus-infected materials. come infected after being bitten by Clean-up procedures must be per- rodents. formed in a manner that limits the Ground Squirrel Known hantavirus infections of hu- potential for aerosolization of dirt or mans occur primarily in adults and dust from all potentially contami- Rodents are associated with domestic, occupa- nated surfaces and household goods. tional, or leisure activities that bring

16 Pests of Special precautions are indicated in restricted to the July through January Agricultural the affected areas for cleaning homes period and is most successful from or buildings with heavy rodent infes- September to November. Plants tations. Persons conducting these ac- Prebait with untreated oats (pre- tivities should contact the responsible ferably steam-rolled oats) one to two local, state, or federal public health days prior to baiting. Prebaiting is es- agency for guidance. These precau- sential because: tions may also apply to vacant dwell- 1. it will increase the acceptance of ings that have attracted numbers of treated bait which will result in rodents while unoccupied and to significantly better control, dwellings and other structures that 2. it gives more predictable results have been occupied by persons with than without prebaiting, and confirmed hantavirus infection. 3. it is required by the label. Workers who are either hired specifi- Apply both prebait and bait on the cally to perform the clean-up or edge of each mound where the bare asked to do so as part of their work soil and grass interface; do not place activities should receive a thorough on the top of the mound or down the orientation from the responsible burrow. Watch the weather; apply health agency about hantavirus trans- bait only on clear, sunny days when mission and should be trained to per- moisture is not predicted. Bait should form the required activities safely. be applied during the early morning Persons who frequently handle or to allow time for the daytime active are exposed to rodents (e.g., mam- prairie dogs to eat the bait; bait ap- malogists, pest-control workers) in plied during the late afternoon is the affected area are probably at often consumed by other rodents that higher risk for hantavirus infection are primarily active at night. than the general public because of Livestock should be removed from their frequency of exposure. There- the pasture when poison grain is be- fore, enhanced precautions are war- ing used to control prairie dogs. Live- ranted to protect them against hanta- stock can be returned two weeks fol- virus infection. lowing bait application or when bait There is no evidence to suggest has been eaten by prairie dogs. The that travel into the affected areas bait should be thinly scattered in a should be restricted. Most usual 6-inch bait spot; avoid placing the tourist activities pose little or no risk bait in piles which may endanger that travelers will be exposed to ro- livestock. Apply treated bait only dents or their excreta. However, per- after all or most of the prebait has sons engaged in outdoor activities been eaten and only to burrows such as camping or hiking should where the untreated bait was con- take precautions to reduce the likeli- sumed, usually two days after hood of their exposure to potentially prebaiting. infectious materials. Controlling Commensal Rodents Controlling Prairie Dogs with Common barn rats, or the norway Poison Grain Bait rat, house mice, and occasionally deer Controlling prairie dogs with poi- mice occur on many farms and son grain bait is most effective during ranches in and around farm buildings clear settled weather (rain washes the across Kansas. A good rule of thumb toxicant from some baits) and is only to remember in commensal rodent effective when their most desirable control is to follow five steps. It is im- food (green grass) has become dried portant to follow each step starting and dormant. Fall baiting is success- with number 1, then 2, and so on. Do ful because prairie dogs are actively not start at number 2 first. Here are eating grass seeds to build up fat re- the steps: serves for the winter. Baiting is

17 Pests of 1. Stress. Put rodents under as have at least two openings approxi- Agricultural 1 much stress as you can by practicing mately 2 ⁄2 inches in diameter and Plants good sanitation. Remove as much should be large enough to accommo- food, water, and hiding places as pos- date several rats at a time. Place bait sible. Then, at maximum stress level, boxes next to the walls, with the go to step 2. openings close to the wall, or in other places where rats are active. Label all 2. Single-dose. Use a single-dose bait boxes clearly with the words rodenticide so as to obtain a quick “Caution—Rodent Bait” or another knockdown of a rat population. Pre- similar warning. baiting with unpoisoned bait for sev- Where it is impossible to exclude eral days prior to baiting will increase rodents from buildings and around bait acceptance, indicate rats will eat their perimeter, fresh anticoagulant bait and the amount eaten per day bait will control invading rats before will give you an idea of the amount breeding populations become needed when you bait the area. Use established. single dose baits only once per year and then for a week or less. 4. Traps. Trapping can be an effec- tive method of controlling rats, but 3. Multiple-dose. Use multiple- requires more skill and labor than dose rodenticides after knocking pop- most other methods. Trapping is ulation of rats down. Keep baits fresh recommended where poisons seem continuously as long as feeding oc- inadvisable, and it is the best method curs, usually for at least 2 weeks. to try first in homes, garages, and Bait selection and placement. other small structures where there Anticoagulant baits are available in may be only a few rodents present. several types. Grain baits in a meal or Trapping has several advantages: pelleted form are often available in 1. it does not rely on inherently bulk or packaged in small plastic, cel- hazardous rodenticides; lophane, or paper packets. These 2. it permits the user to view his “place packs” keep baits fresh and success; and make it easy to place baits into bur- 3. it allows for disposal of rodent rows, walls, or other locations. Ro- carcasses, thereby eliminating dents will readily gnaw into these odor problems which may occur bags to get into an acceptable bait. when poisoning is done within Anticoagulant baits that have been buildings. formulated into paraffin blocks are A simple, inexpensive wood-based available from various suppliers. snap trap is available in most hard- These blocks are particularly useful ware and farm supply stores. Wire in sewers or where moisture may cage traps are more expensive but cause loose grain baits to spoil somewhat more successful than snap quickly. Acceptance of paraffin block traps. Bait traps with peanut butter or baits by rodents is usually less than a small piece of hot dog, bacon, or that of loose grain baits. nutmeat tied securely to the trigger. Sodium salts of anticoagulants to The trigger should be set lightly so be mixed into a water solution are that it will spring easily. Set traps available. Since norway rats require close to walls, behind objects, in dark water daily, they can be drawn to corners, and in places where rodent water stations in some situations. activity is seen. Place the traps so that Mice may not always require free rodents, following their natural water. Water baits are particularly course of travel (usually close to a effective in grain storage structures, wall), will pass directly over the warehouses, and other locations trigger. where water is scarce. Use enough traps to make the cam- Use of bait boxes protects rodenti- paign short and decisive. Leaving cides from weather and provides a traps unset until the bait has been safeguard to people, pets, and other taken at least once reduces the chance animals. For rats, bait stations should of rodents becoming trap-shy. 18 Pests of An alternative to traps are glue corn, watermelon and cantaloupe Agricultural boards, which catch and hold rodents patches. Raccoons also destroy build- attempting to cross them in much the ings and eat livestock feed. Plants same way flypaper catches flies. Place Even though a person confronted glue boards along walls or in other with a predator problem can see little areas where rodents travel. Do not use for predators, all native wild use them where children, pets, or de- predators are essential to a healthy sirable wildlife can contact them. environment. Glue boards lose their effectiveness in dusty areas unless covered. Extremes Some Insights About Predators in temperature also may affect the tackiness of the adhesive. By biological definition, a predator is an animal that satisfies some or all 5. Rodent-Proof Construction. The of its nutritional requirements by most successful and permanent form killing and feeding on other animals. of rodent control is to “build them A more humanistic definition may out” by making their access to struc- state that a predator is anything that tures impossible. Ideally, all places competes with man for a particular where food is stored or used should resource. In the broadest sense, pre- be rodent-proof. dators include a variety of species Seal any openings larger than from spiders, to rainbow trout, to 1 ⁄4 inch to exclude both rats and mice. African lions. Perhaps the most com- Openings where utilities enter build- monly thought of species in this cate- ings should be sealed tightly with gory is the coyote. A close family metal or concrete. Equip floor drains member of the coyote is the domestic and sewer pipes with tight-fitting dog which, on a national scale, may grates having openings less than even exceed the coyote in terms of the 1 ⁄4 inch in diameter. Doors, windows, number of sheep operations it nega- and screens should fit tightly. It may tively impacts. However, most dogs be necessary to cover edges with do not fit the traditional definition of sheet metal to prevent gnawing. a predator in that they do not need to feed on sheep to survive. Their acts of Predators predation are usually carried out as play behavior. On the other hand, Animals such as coyotes are the truly feral dogs prey on sheep for rea- most well known form of predator in sons similar to those of coyotes and Kansas. Other mammalian predators other natural predators of livestock. which are involved in common agri- Other predators of sheep not neces- cultural damage problems including sarily ranked in order of importance the domestic dog, skunks, badgers, include bears, mountain lions, foxes, raccoon, bobcat, puma, bear and bobcats, eagles, ravens, and hogs. foxes. Other raptors and scavenging birds While the puma and bear are rare including vultures, crows, magpies, in the state, there is evidence of both and some gulls may also occasionally being present at times. The damage kill lambs. Poisonous snakes may they might cause would be to live- also kill sheep, but they are not gen- stock, and in the cases involving erally considered predators since bears, they destroy bee hives. their motive for killing livestock is Skunks and foxes are most often in- rarely to secure food. volved in the transfer of rabies. Do- Some predators such as cat species, mestic dogs, either wild or free- eat almost exclusively other animals ranging, do considerable damage to or animal products (e.g., eggs) and livestock and at times threaten peo- rarely scavenge on carrion. ple. Badgers, in their search for field Coyotes often include many items rodents, dig large holes in which in their diet. In many areas, rabbits Coyote farm machinery falls and may cause top the list of dietary components for a breakdown. Raccoons raid sweet

19 Pests of Agricultural coyotes. Carrion, rodents, ungulates are close to human activity. There is (usually fawns), insects (e.g., grass- less opportunity for predators to take Plants hoppers), and livestock and poultry livestock under such conditions. The (when available), are also consumed. second factor is related to predator Coyotes readily eat fruits such as biology. Predators bear young in the watermelons, berries, and other vege- spring and raise them through the tative matter when they are available. summer. This process demands in- In some areas, coyotes feed on human creased nutritional input, both to the refuse at dump sites and take pets whelping and nursing mother, as (cats and small dogs) in some urban well as to growing young. This time settings. corresponds to when young sheep A trait common to most predators are on pastures or rangeland and are is that they are opportunistic. They most vulnerable to attack. Predation generally take prey that is the easiest also may rise during fall when young to secure in terms of a minimization predators disperse from their home of energy expended and risk of in- ranges in search of territories to jury. For these reasons, young, inex- occupy. perienced animals are often victims Predators are generally secretive of predation as are old, sick, or weak- animals and avoid contact with hu- ened individuals. Many predators mans and human activity. As a result, are capable of catching and killing the act of predation is not usually healthy, adult prey. Prey is selected seen by people. Predation most often based on opportunity and on a myr- occurs from evening to early morn- iad of behavioral cues. Strong, ing, although it can take place at any healthy lambs are often taken from time during the day or night. a flock by a coyote even though Predation is a natural phenomenon smaller, weaker lambs are there also. and occurs on a daily basis within the Usually, the stronger lamb is on the ecosystem. Sheep have been bred for periphery and is more active. Both centuries to be docile, tractable ani- factors make it more prone to be at- mals, and they do not have the be- tacked than a weaker lamb that is at haviors to survive among predators the center of the flock and relatively without help from man. When a immobile. sheep is killed by a wild predator, the Predation on livestock is generally predator is seizing an opportunity in more severe during summer than in its game of survival. The objective of winter. This stems largely from two a program of predation control is to factors. Sheep are usually under more remove or minimize the opportunity intensive management during winter, for predators to prey on sheep. either in feedlots or in pastures that

Striped Skunk

20 Pests of canal, the larvae move to the loin area. Here they cut breathing holes Agricultural through the hide and produce cysts Agricultural animals are attacked (warbles). Cattle brought in from Animals by mites and ticks, insects, and ani- other states may be carrying grubs in mal predators. These pests affect ani- a different stage of development than mal productivity by: killing animals, those in local cattle, so treatment tim- spreading disease agents and para- ing may vary. The fully grown grubs sitic worms, causing loss of blood, emerge through the breathing holes, causing physical damage to animals drop to the ground, and pupate in the or animal products, reducing weight soil. Adults emerge in warm weather. gains, reducing milk or egg produc- tion, and decreasing animal resis- House Flies and Stable Flies tance to other diseases. The biology and habits of each House flies can transmit many ani- species provide clues to selecting and mal diseases. House flies feed on ma- targeting helpful control measures. nure and animal secretions through sponging mouthparts. Large numbers of flies may annoy feeder and dairy Cattle cattle, causing reduced efficiency or Horn Fly Face Fly The insects and related pests that production and increased bacterial attack cattle include the following: counts in milk. The stable fly is similar to the house fly but sucks blood through Horn Fly piercing mouthparts which protrude This small, bloodsucking fly re- spearlike from under the head of the mains on the animal most of the time. adult. The female lays eggs in fresh cattle Both house and stable flies develop droppings. The larvae develop there, in decaying silage, spilled feeds, ani- and the adult fly then migrates to mal bedding, manure, moist hay and host animals. The horn fly can com- other forage. plete its life cycle from egg to adult in House flies may develop from egg as little as 10 days. to adult in as little as 8 days; stable flies usually require 3 to 4 weeks. Face Fly Sanitation is the key step in control of these flies. Disposal of animal The face fly also develops in single wastes and organic debris is essential. Heel Fly (Cattle Grub) fresh cattle droppings. Adult face Chemical control and biological con- flies cluster around the eyes and trol work only when used in conjunc- noses of animals. These flies feed on tion with good sanitation practices. animal secretions, nectar, and dung liquids. Face flies are important fac- Horse Flies and Deer Flies tors in the spread of pinkeye among cattle. The life cycle from egg to adult Horse and deer flies are common is completed in 2 to 3 weeks in favor- biting flies of cattle and horses. There able weather. are many species, each of which has a Control is difficult due to the mo- different preference for biting specific bility of the flies and short, effective parts of the animal’s body. The fe- Stable Fly life of insecticides. males are strong fliers with painful bites. The bites of horse flies often Heel Fly (Cattle Grub) continue to bleed after the fly leaves. Immature stages live under the These flies produce one generation soil, usually in aquatic or semiaquatic House Fly each year. They lay eggs on hairs of places. the host animals. The larvae (grubs) Horse flies often spread the dis- enter the skin at the base of the hairs. ease, anaplasmosis. Control of these After migrating to the gullet or spinal flies is difficult because they may

21 Pests of Agricultural migrate over long distances and do ticks), apply pesticides directly to the not stay on the host long enough to ear. To control species infesting the Animals be killed by residual sprays. body (such as the lone star tick), treat the entire body. Treatment must be Chewing and Sucking Lice repeated for some tick species. Tick control may be required during any Lice spend their entire life cycle on season of the year. the animal. They hatch from eggs de- posited on the hair. They feed by Cattle Scabies sucking blood or chewing on the skin. Most louse populations are Scabies is caused by an infestation greatest during cold weather months. of a specific mite. These mites tunnel Cattle tail lice are more numerous in the skin, causing mange. during summer, but occur only on Scabies causes skin irritation, ex- cattle from southern states. Lice are cessive hair, skin, and water loss, se- spread chiefly by contact with in- vere weight loss, and reduced milk fested animals. production. It also makes the animal more susceptible to other diseases. Mosquitoes Transmission is by contact with in- fested animals or mite-contaminated Horse Fly Deer Fly Mosquitoes transmit diseases of material. animals and man and may affect effi- Treat infested animals by spraying ciency of animal meat and milk pro- or dipping them in insecticides regis- duction. Life cycles of mosquitoes tered for this purpose or by subcuta- vary greatly, depending on the type neous injection of an appropriately of mosquito and the environment. labeled parasiticide. Scabies treat- The female lays eggs on water or in ment is regulated by Federal quaran- areas subject to flooding. The larvae tine laws. and pupae develop in water and the adults emerge from the pupae. The best control method is to elimi- Sheep and Goats nate or minimize standing-water The insects and related pests that areas, such as potholes, water tanks, attack sheep and goats include the unused receptacles, and other man- following: made containers. Some insecticides control both larvae and adults. Short-Nosed Little Red Sheep Ked Others are classed either as larvicides or adulticides. Health concerns may Adult sheep keds resemble ticks require treating swamps and seep and are often misnamed as “sheep Cattle Louse areas where mosquitoes breed. ticks.” However, great care should be taken The sheep ked is a wingless fly to preserve the ecology of the which spends its entire life cycle on wetlands. sheep. It is occasionally found on goats. Ticks The nearly mature larvae are de- posited on wool strands, where they Ticks are parasites of domestic and pupate almost immediately. The wild animals, and humans. They can adult emerges and begins to feed on transmit diseases. In addition, loss of blood. blood and injection of toxins during The sheep ked reduces wool yield tick feeding affect animal health, and lamb growth rate and causes a weight gains, and milk production. damaged hide condition called Correct identification of ticks is im- “cockle.” Applying insecticides at portant for economical and effective shearing gives the most efficient control. To control ear-infesting ticks control. Mosquito (such as Gulf Coast and spinose ear

22 Pests of Chewing and Sucking Lice The spinose ear tick can be con- Agricultural Sheep and goat lice cause intense trolled by applying insecticides to the skin irritation, resulting in reduced inner folds of the sheep’s ear. Animals quality and quantity of fleeces, and blood loss, resulting in anemia. Swine Several species are involved. Infestations are spread by contact Flies with infested animals. Insecticides Stable flies, house flies, horse flies, will provide louse control. and mosquitoes are also pests of swine. Refer to descriptions in the Sheep Scabies Cattle section. This mite pest is under Federal quarantine regulations and infesta- Hog Lice tions MUST be reported. Call a veteri- The presence of hog lice may be in- nary service. dicated by excessive scratching and Tick rubbing. This causes reddening and Nose Bot thickening of skin and results in re- duced weight, particularly in young Living fly larvae are deposited in pigs. Heavy infestations may cause or around the nostrils of the sheep. death. The life cycle is the same as Scabies Mite The larvae migrate to head sinuses, that of cattle lice. where they develop. At maturity, they migrate back down the nasal passages and drop to the ground, Mange Mites where they pupate and become Burrowing mites cause mange. adults. Migration of the larvae irri- They can be controlled by spraying or tates the nasal membranes and is dipping or by injection with an ap- often followed by secondary infec- propriately labeled parasiticide. tions. An effective drench treatment is now registered for control of sheep nose bots. Horses, Mules, and Donkeys Wool Maggot (Black Blow Fly) Insects and related pests that attack This fly lays eggs in dirty wool or these animals include the following: on wounds. After hatching, the fly maggots spread over the animal and Deer Flies, Stable Flies, House Flies, feed on skin tissue under the fleece. Face Flies, Horse Flies, and Sheep Ked Their damage sometimes causes Mosquitoes death. See Cattle section. Early shearing and medication of wounds before blow fly season is an effective preventive measure. Clip- Lice ping and cleaning the fleece will help For descriptions, refer to Cattle prevent infestations. Insecticides are section. Damage includes loss of effective in controlling this pest. hair, scurfiness of skin, and irritabil- ity of the animal. Animals may be- Spinose Ear Tick come unmanageable and may injure themselves. This is the only tick which nor- mally poses a problem to sheep. Its feeding on the inner folds of the ear Horse Bots produces much discomfort and re- The three main species—nose, chin sults in a breakdown of the ears. (or throat), and common bots— attach their eggs to the hair of the Spinose Ear Tick

23 Pests of Chiggers Agricultural horse. The eggs hatch and the larvae are transferred to the animal’s mouth. Chiggers are a problem on range Animals They migrate to the stomach, where birds, primarily turkeys. Infested they remain until full grown. turkeys may be downgraded in qual- They are then eliminated with the ity by lesions caused by chigger bites. dung and pupate in the soil, emerg- Apply pesticides to the ground as ing as adult bot flies at various times sprays or dusts. Repeated applica- from early summer to October. tions may be necessary. Horse bots usually have one genera- tion each year. Fowl Ticks Treatments include orally applied pastes and drenches. Although several species of ticks may infest poultry, the most preva- Ticks lent is the fowl tick. The fowl tick causes about the same kind of dam- Equine ticks are the same species age as poultry mites. All forms (lar- that attacks cattle. Refer to tick sec- vae, nymphs, and adults) attach to tion under Cattle. the skin. They suck blood and cause skin irritation. Loss of blood in chicks Poultry can be great enough to cause death. Older birds become anemic, and pro- Lice duction is reduced. Chicken Louse Several species of chewing lice in- These ticks hide in cracks and fest poultry. They spend their entire crevices in poultry houses. Infested life on the host. Louse transmission is birds also transmit ticks to other by direct contact with infested birds birds. or with louse infested debris. Lice are more common during cold weather. Bed Bugs Infested birds become restless and Bed bugs are serious pests in poul- damage themselves by pecking at tryhouses and may become a pest of body areas. Weight gain and egg pro- man. They hide from the light during duction may decrease. the day and feed on poultry in the dark. They may survive for long pe- Mites riods without feeding. Infested poul- Several species of mites infest poul- try suffer blood loss, which may re- try. The most common is the chicken sult in anemia. or red mite, which feeds on blood Chicken Mite during the night and hides in cracks Flies of the house during the day. Another Many types of flies are pests on common mite is the northern fowl poultry ranches. The house fly is the mite, which spends all of its life on most common problem. the bird. Some flies may transmit disease Infested birds develop skin irrita- to poultry. Adult flies which disperse tion and anemia. If not controlled, into the surrounding environment are dense mite populations may reduce a nuisance to man and may transmit weight gains and egg production or human and animal diseases. cause death. Good sanitation is important for Mite infestations are transferred successful fly control. Follow the sug- from bird to bird. They sometimes gestions in the Cattle section for are a result of invasion of poultry house and stable fly control. houses by wild birds. Other means are infested feathers and poultry han- dling equipment, flats, manure, Bed Bug workers, and poultry feet.

24 Pest Control a balance between costs and returns, and between farm production and the overall environment. Integrated Here are six steps you must follow Pest management practices include to solve pest problems: use of: cultivation, changes in crop- 1. Identify the pest. ping sequence, barriers, pest resistant 2. Know what control methods are or tolerant varieties, sanitation, traps, available. beneficial insects, timely planting and 3. Evaluate the benefits and risks harvesting, and judicious use of of each method or combination chemical pesticides. IPM is accom- of methods. plished by growers who consider all 4. Choose the most effective alternative pest control practices that methods that cause the least are available on their farms, then use harm to you and the one or more cost-effective pest con- environment. trol practices that are least harmful to 5. Know the correct use of the the environment. methods, and Use of effective IPM practices must 6. Know local, state, and federal be based on current information regulations that apply to the about the pest problem such as the situation. numbers and kinds of pests in the specific crop or herd. Inadequate knowledge or improper diagnosis of Principles of Pest Control the pest problem results in wasteful Resistant Varieties We often talk about the “war” use of time and money and disap- against insects, plant diseases, weeds, pointing control of the pest(s). and rats. In a war between countries, would a national leader use only Management Tests the Army? Wouldn’t he also use other tools—Navy, Air Force, and IPM must be practical and tailored propaganda? to each pest problem on your farm. Yet, in our struggle against pests, Three tests of practicality are: my when eggs how often do we just use the handiest 1. Is it available (to farm, or least expensive pesticide? How I need it)? often do we forget to consider other 2. Does it fit my entire crop or herd methods or combinations of management program (or can methods? How often do we forget present management be feasibly about effects on the environment? It changed to accommodate the may be too often. pest management practice(s) The use of a combination of being considered)? methods to control pests is basic to 3. Cost effectiveness. The “bottom line” when one’s livelihood is in- all pest control. Modern pest control larva volved must always be: “Will it uses all available methods to keep pupa pests below economically harmful pay?” levels, and damages the environment The third factor is the basis of the economic injury level as little as possible in the process. two concepts and economic threshold. Economic injury level The challenge lies in our ability to control pests so that injury caused by is the lowest number of pests that will them is held to a minimum, and to cause an amount of injury equal to the Eco- recognize when direct action, such as cost of applied control practices. nomic threshold a pesticide application, is necessary. , sometimes called the “action threshold” is the pest number or density at which remedial control Integrated Pest practices should be taken to prevent Management (IPM) the pests from exceeding the eco- adult nomic injury level. The economic Lady Beetle Integrated Pest Management (IPM) threshold is necessarily lower than the is the planned manipulation of pest Biological Control economic injury level to allow time to populations in an attempt to achieve 25 Pest Control apply control practices and to permit a thorough understanding of injur- time for those control practices to con- ious pests and the beneficial organ- trol the pests. isms, as well as their interactions Integrated pest management consists with one another in the environment. of selection of specific control practices Beneficial organisms occur natu- which work well together to best solve rally in growing crops. Natural bene- a specific set of pest problems under ficial organisms reduce the damage the conditions which prevail at that time from our injurious plant and animal and place. pests. Below are a few of the exam- ples of natural biological controls that occur in wheat fields. Pest Control Methods Lady beetles help control green- Many pest control methods have bugs, and tiny parasitic wasps can been known and used for years. But annihilate established infestations of Small Braconid Wasp laying some methods, what we call them, greenbugs in wheat and grain an egg in an aphid. and the way we put them together sorghum. Cutworm populations are are new. Here are the most important reduced by large predatory beetles pest control methods. that roam the fields at night but are seldom seen in the daytime. During years of armyworm infestations, a Tiny Trichogramma Wasp Resistant Varieties putting egg into a moth egg high percentage of armyworms are Some crops, animals, and woods soon destroyed by parasitic tachinid Biological Control resist pests better than others. By flies and parasitic wasps. Grass- using resistant types, we make the hoppers are parasitized by nema- environment less favorable for pests. todes, mites, and tachinid flies; Varieties that are genetically resis- preyed upon by robber flies, quail, tant to injurious insect and disease in- pheasants, and foxes; and subjected festations can produce higher yields to a naturally occurring fungus dis- than varieties not tolerant to these ease. Grasshopper eggs are destroyed pests. Kansas farmers are familiar by certain mites, blister beetle larvae, with Newton wheat which is resistant and other predators. The tiny Hessian to the disease, soil-borne mosaic; and fly is parasitized by even smaller Larned which is resistant to the in- wasps. In years with favorable mois- sect, Hessian fly. Praying Mantid ture, chinch bug populations may be The Extension fact sheet, “Wheat decimated by a white fungus. The Variety Disease and Insect Ratings,” take-all root rot fungus is suppressed (MF-991) gives the reaction of wheat by bacteria which build up in fields varieties to several important wheat continuously cropped to wheat. Biological Control diseases and Hessian fly. It is up- Because beneficial organisms are dated regularly to include currently complex, and because their require- grown varieties. ments vary, there is no single cultural practice that will aid all these bene- Biological Control ficial organisms. Beneficial organisms require at least low populations of Biological control refers to the use pest species upon which they feed. of parasites, predators, and disease Therefore, insecticides should only be organisms to control pests. “Bene- used in fields where the economic ficial organisms” are living organisms threshold is reached. that destroy pests of man and of More beneficial insects are usually crops, and thus are beneficial to us. present where several kinds of crops Many serious pests are controlled are grown. Many of these organisms Spider by beneficial organisms. Introduction are abundant in alfalfa and they mi- of beneficial organisms for pest con- grate to other crops when alfalfa is trol is seldom cost-effective for a cut. During the winter, winter wheat single farm, however. The effective- shelters many beneficial organisms, Biological Control ness of biological control depends on

26 Pest Control and when the wheat ripens they wheat for one or more years also move to other crops where they de- helps control shattercane, which stroy pests. infests row crops such as grain The Kansas Department of Agri- sorghum and corn. Perennial weeds culture rears, releases and promotes such as field bindweed and Johnson the spread of tiny wasps which attack grass are more difficult to control the eggs, larvae and pupae of the al- than annual weeds. For cost-effective falfa weevil. control of perennial weeds use tillage, Hedge rows, weedy fence lines, herbicides, and changes in cropping roadsides, and strip cropping gener- sequence in an integrated weed man- ally favor beneficial species but may agement program. also favor certain pests. This empha- sizes the need for a thoughtful ap- Mechanical–Physical Control proach to pest control efforts. Many other organisms such as Some physical methods and spiders and praying mantids feed on examples of their use are as follows: ■ a wide array of insects, and their traps for rats, mice, and birds, ■ beneficial presence must always be barriers to protect against ter- considered. mites, rodents, and flies, ■ light to attract or repel pests, ■ sound to kill, attract, or repel Cultural Control pests, ■ Planting, growing, harvesting, and heat to kill pests, Cultural Control tillage practices may influence pest ■ cold to kill pests, problems. ■ radiation to sterilize or kill pests, Changing the cropping sequence and helps reduce infestations of diseases, ■ electrocution to kill pests. insects, and weeds that develop in a crop. If wheat is infected with take-all Legal Control root rot, rotate to a row crop for at least a year to control this disease. Legal controls result from federal, This practice also helps reduce the state, or local laws and regulations. disease tan spot, the seedling blights, They include such things as quaran- and insects such as annual white tines, inspections, embargoes, and grubs, brown wheat mites, false wire- compulsory crop or product worms, and wireworms. destruction. Cultivating helps control weeds but may result in the spread of dis- Sanitation eases and nematodes. Removing the source of food helps MechanicalÐPhysical Control Changes in cropping sequence, as a control some types of pests. Fly, ro- weed control practice, have been dent, and cockroach control is often used less extensively since the devel- hard unless you remove the food or opment of herbicides. Weed infesta- filth they feed on. tions often increase if the same crop is Practices that remove crop or weed produced on the same land year after hosts for pests are also examples of year. For example, winter annual sanitation. Volunteer wheat provides grasses such as downy brome, cheat, food and shelter for Hessian flies and and jointed goatgrass increase in con- wheat curl mites. Wheat streak tinuous wheat. Although some herbi- mosaic virus may also build up in cides can be used to control some volunteer wheat and this virus can be winter annual grasses in some var- transmitted by wheat curl mites to ieties of winter wheat, planting a row planted wheat. Destruction of volun- crop for at least two and preferably teer wheat breaks the cycle by remov- three years is still an effective and ing the summertime link between the economical practice to reduce winter two wheat crops. Sanitation annual weed populations. Planting

27 Pest Control Thorough cleaning of machinery There can be higher yields and better moving from farm to farm or from crop quality using less land to pro- field to field is another example of duce more food products. sanitation. This practice prevents the Pesticides can be used to enhance spread of weed seeds, rhizomes of outdoor activities in parks and camp- perennial weeds, destructive nema- ing areas. Fly and mosquito control todes, disease organisms, and some programs give relief from the annoy- insects. To avoid an increase in dis- ing pests. Aquatic pest control pro- ease and weed infestations plant only grams help keep lakes and water- cleaned certified seed. ways usable for swimming, boating, Sanitation of certain farm machines and fishing. is required under the Kansas Noxious Pesticides protect livestock and do- Weed Law as follows: mestic animals from harmful and an- It shall be unlawful for any person, noying pests. The quantity and qual- company or corporation to ity of livestock products—milk, eggs, 1. bring any harvesting or thresh- meat, wool, and leather—are im- ing machinery, portable feed proved when pests are controlled. grinders, portable seed cleaners, Herbicides help keep rights-of-way or field ensilage cutters or other clear of weeds. Highways, runways, farm vehicles or machinery into train tracks, and utility right-of-way the state without first cleaning must be weed-free to allow safe, un- such equipment free from all obstructed traffic flow. Barnyards, weed seed and litter, or warehouses, utility lines, and other 2. to move any harvesting or similar areas are safer when herbi- threshing machines, portable cides are used to keep weeds out. feed grinders, portable seed By selecting pesticides wisely and cleaners, or field ensilage cutters applying them correctly, the respon- from any field or farm infested sible pesticide applicator can use with any noxious weed without these chemicals for the benefit of the first cleaning such equipment environment. free from all weed seed and lit- Select and use pesticides so they ter. Each such machine operated work with other methods. Be careful by a person doing work for an- not to harm yourself or the environ- other shall be labeled with an ap- ment. Using pesticides along with propriate label on a form pro- other methods is often better than vided by the law. (K.S.A. 2-1327) using any one method by itself. Always read and follow all label directions. Pesticides Pesticides often must be used. Other methods cannot always pre- Putting It All Together vent harmful pest levels. Use pesti- The combination of methods you cides where they are needed and choose will depend on the kind and where they can be used safely. level of control you need. The three Pesticides can help the environ- main types of controls are: ment when they are used carefully and wisely. For years they have been Prevention used to control pests which are harm- ful to humans. With the help of pesti- Prevention means keeping a pest cides, we produce food, feed, and from becoming a problem. This in- fiber. Forests, ornamentals, buildings, cludes sanitation, treated seed, pesti- and turfgrass plantings can be pro- cides, cultural controls, quarantines, tected. Diseases, insects, and other seed certification, and resistant plant pests can be greatly reduced. plants, animals or wood.

28 Pest Control Suppression or impossible. Some state and federal Suppression means reducing pest laws require eradication of certain numbers or damage to an acceptable pests, mostly of foreign origin. level. Suppression includes use of such things as: Summary ■ sanitation, ■ resistant plants, animals, or Remember, the most important wood, principle of pest control is using a ■ pesticides, and pest control method only when that ■ cultural controls. method will prevent the pest from causing more damage than is reason- able to accept. Eradication Even though a pest is present, it Destroying or removing a pest may not do very much harm. It could completely from a crop, an area, or a cost more to control the pest than geographic region is the goal of eradi- would have been lost because of the cation but often may be impractical pest’s damage.

29 Pesticides Inorganic Pesticides These are made from minerals. Minerals used most often are copper, After considering all available con- boron, sulfur, tin, and zinc. Examples: trol methods, you may decide that Bordeaux mixtures, and zinc a pesticide is needed. Here are some phosphide. things you should know in order to choose the right pesticide and use it Synthetic Organic Pesticides most effectively. Pesticides are chemicals used to de- These are man-made pesticides and stroy, prevent, or control pests. They comprise the largest group. They con- also include chemicals used to attract tain carbon, hydrogen, and one or or repel pests, and chemicals used to more other elements such as chlorine, regulate plant growth or remove or phosphorous, and nitrogen. coat leaves. Examples: 2,4-D, atrazine, captan, parathion, and malathion. Pesticide Types Living Micro-organisms Insecticide: controls insects and other related pests such as ticks and These are viruses, bacteria, and spiders. fungi, cultured by humans. Bacillus Miticide: control mites. Examples: the bacterium thuringiensis Inorganic Acaricide: controls mites, ticks, and and the polyhedrosis spiders. virus. Nematicide: controls nematodes. Fungicide: controls fungi. Plant-Derived Organic Pesticides Bactericide: controls bacteria. These are made from plants or Herbicide: a chemical used to con- plant parts. Examples: rotenone, red trol, suppress, or kill plants. squill, pyrethrins, strychnine, and Rodenticide: controls rodents. nicotine. Avicide: controls birds. Piscicide: controls fish. Molluscicide: controls mollusks, How Pesticides Work such as slugs and snails. Pesticides also can be grouped ac- Predacide: controls vertebrate cording to what they do. Many syn- pests. thetic organic pesticides work in Repellent: keeps pests away. more than one way. Read the label to Attractant: lures pests. find what each pesticide will do. The Synthetic Organic Plant Growth Regulator: stops, major groups are: speeds up, or otherwise changes nor- Protectants: applied to plants, ani- mal plant processes. mals, structures, and products to pre- Defoliant: a chemical which causes vent entry or damage by a pest. the leaves to drop from a plant. Sterilants: make pests unable to Desiccant: dries plant tissues and reproduce. insects. Contacts: kill pests simply by con- Antitranspirant: coats the leaves of tacting them. plants to reduce unwanted water loss Stomach poisons: kill when (transpiration). swallowed. Systemics: an insecticide or fungi- Sources of Pesticides cide taken into the blood of an animal or sap of a plant. They kill the pest Pesticides can be grouped accord- with little or no harm to the host, ing to their chemical nature. The plant, or animal (see translocated). groups are: Residual: any pesticide that re- Micro-organisms mains active over a period of time.

30 Pesticides Translocated: usually refers to a Crack and crevice: application herbicide that is moved within the in structures to cracks and crevices plant from one location to other parts where pests may live. of the plant. Frequently the term re- Dip: complete or partial immersion fers to herbicides applied to the foli- of a plant, animal, or object in a age which move downward to under- pesticide. ground parts (see systemic). Directed: aiming the pesticide at Fumigants: gases which kill when a portion of a plant, animal, or they are inhaled or otherwise ab- structure. sorbed by the pest. Drench: saturating the soil with Anticoagulants: prevent normal a pesticide or oral treatment of an an- clotting of blood. imal with a liquid pesticide. Selective: more toxic to some kinds Foliar: application to the leaves of pests than to others. of plants. Nonselective: toxic to most plants In-furrow: application to or in the or animals. furrow in which a plant is planted. Pheromones: affect insect pests by Over-the-top: application over the changing their behavior. top of the growing crop. Pour-on: pouring the pesticide Using Pesticides along the midline of the back of livestock. Many terms used in labeling de- Sidedress: application along the scribe when and how to use pesti- side of a crop row. Plant-Derived Organic cides. They also are found in leaflets Soil application: application to the and bulletins that you may get from soil rather than to vegetation. your local Cooperative Extension Soil incorporation: use of tillage agent or Kansas State University. implements to mix or blend the pesti- You should know and understand cide into the soil. these terms. They help get the best re- Soil injection: application beneath sults from your pesticides with the the soil surface. least possible harm to you and the Spot treatment: application to a environment. small area.

When To Apply Accuracy Is Important Preemergence Terms that tell you when to use the The rate and time of application of pesticide product: pesticides are critical. Most pesticides Preplant: Postemergence applied on the soil sur- work at very low rates. If you use too face before the crop is planted. much, they can harm or even kill the Preemergence: When To Use applied before crop plant or animal you wish to protect. or weeds emerge. Pesticides work best when applied at Postemergence: applied after the specific times. Applying them before crop or weeds have emerged. or after the correct time reduces or even eliminates their effectiveness. How to Apply Since all these chemicals work in small amounts, be careful to treat Terms that tell you how to use the only the intended target. Avoid get- pesticide product: ting them on anything else as a result Band: application to a strip over of drift with wind currents, or of resi- or along a crop row or on or around due in application equipment or soil. a structure. Pesticide movement off of the target Basal: application to stems or area is generally inconsistent with the trunks at or just above the ground pesticide’s labeling and is a violation line. of state and federal laws. Broadcast: uniform application to an entire field area. Soil Incorporation

31 Pesticides Recordkeeping Is Important Humidity and temperature also affect Keeping records is a very impor- the way pesticides work. Herbicides tant business practice. By keeping work best when plants are growing accurate records of when pesticides fast. High relative humidity and opti- were applied to which fields, at what mum temperatures usually cause this rates, for what pests, etc., you will be fast growth. High temperatures cause better able to manage your future some pesticides to evaporate quickly. pesticide applications and overall Low temperatures may slow down or farming operations. For information stop the activity of some pesticides. Light on the recordkeeping requirement may break down some provisions of the 1990 Farm Bill, refer pesticides if they are left on the soil to the chapter on “LAWS AND surface. REGULATIONS” at the end of this manual. Pesticide Resistance The ability of pests to resist poison- Factors Affecting ing is called pesticide resistance. Con- Pesticide Activity sider this when planning pest control programs that rely on the use of Soil Factors pesticides. Organic matter in soils may limit Rarely does any pesticide kill all pesticide activity. Soils with high or- the target pests. Each time a pesticide ganic matter content may need higher is used, it selectively kills the most rates of pesticides for good pest con- sensitive individuals. Some pests trol. Follow label instructions. avoid the pesticide. Others are able Soil texture also affects the way pes- to withstand its effects. Pests that are ticides work. Soils with fine particles not destroyed pass along to their (silts and clays) provide the most sur- offspring the trait that allowed them face area. They may need higher to survive. rates. Coarser soils (sands) have less When we use one pesticide re- surface area and may need lower peatedly in the same place, the pest rates. Follow label instructions. population sometimes builds up its resistance. Some pests have become practically immune to poisoning by Weather Factors certain pesticides. Soil moisture and rain affect the way A recent example of pesticide resis- pesticides work. They also affect how tance in Kansas is seen with the ex- long pesticides stay on soil and tensive use of eartags containing plants. Pesticides work best with pyrethroid insecticides to control moderate soil moisture. Wetness may horn flies. In some areas, after two keep the pesticide from contacting years of use, horn flies were no the soil particles. Rain causes soluble longer controlled and other products pesticides to leach down through the had to be used. soil. Rain is good when preemergence The most important factors to man- pesticides are applied to the surface. age to reduce the development of It carries them down into the soil to pesticide resistance include: the roots. But rain after over-the-top ■ pesticide type—persistent chemi- or foliar applications is not good. It cals lead to resistance. may wash pesticides off the leaves. ■ high levels of control—the The pesticide should be allowed to higher levels of control lead to dry on the leaves before exposure to resistance, and rain or irrigation. This time span will ■ wide areas of coverage can en- vary depending on mode of applica- courage resistance. tion, crop type, temperature, and Recordkeeping humidity.

32 Pesticides Not every pesticide failure is used to get rid of leaves, stems, and caused by pest resistance, however. weeds in such crops as cotton, soy- Make sure that you have: beans, and potatoes. ■ used the correct pesticide, ■ used the correct dosage, and Antitranspirants ■ applied the pesticide correctly. Your Cooperative Extension By reducing water loss, antitrans- Service can help you find out why pirants can prevent winter damage, you did not get the desired results. maintain color in evergreens, protect against salt damage, help protect transplants, and prevent needle drop Plant Growth Regulators, on Christmas trees. Desiccants, Defoliants, and Antitranspirants Types of Formulations Plant growth regulators, desic- Active ingredients are the chemi- cants, defoliants, and antitranspirants cals in a pesticide that do the work. change normal plant processes. Each Other ingredients may be added to works in a different way. make them convenient to handle and safe and easy to apply. These are the Plant Growth Regulators inert ingredients. This mixture of active and inert ingredients is called All plant parts are made of tiny a pesticide formulation. Some formula- cells which continually multiply and tions are ready for use. Others must grow. Plant growth regulators speed be diluted with water or a petroleum up, slow down, or otherwise affect solvent. The directions for use will cell growth and reproduction. Here tell you how to use a pesticide are some ways they are used: formulation. ■ decrease preharvest drop, Here are the most common types ■ increase fruit firmness, of liquid and dry formulations. The ■ reduce scald, abbreviations are included because ■ delay water core (water-soaked Extension Service recommendations area around core of fruit), and the labels may refer to the formu- ■ increase red color, lations in this way. ■ thin fruit, ■ increase flowering, ■ reduce Fruit cracking, Liquid Formulations ■ promote uniform bearing of There are six basic kinds of liquid fruit, formulations: ■ control plant height, 1. Emulsifiable concentrates, ■ Emulsifiable Flowables prevent or delay sprouting of 2. Microencapsulation, Concentrates (F) tubers, 3. Solutions, (EC or C) ■ promote dense growth of land- 4. Flowables, scape plants, 5. Aerosols, and ■ promote earlier flowering, 6. Liquified gases. ■ prevent seed formation, ■ induce branching, Emulsifiable concentrates (EC)— ■ reduce suckering, These can be mixed with water to ■ hasten fruit maturity, form emulsions. Each gallon of an EC ■ increase seed yield, and usually contains 2 to 8 pounds of ac- ■ control excessive growth. tive ingredient. Diluted EC’s usually Wettable Baits need little agitation in the spray tank. Powders (B) Desiccants and Defoliants EC’s can damage some crops. (WP) These crops may require a different These often are called harvest-aid formulation of the active ingredient chemicals, because they help the such as a wettable powder or a dust. Formulations farmer harvest his crop. Both are

33 Pesticides Microencapsulation—microencap- than one pesticide may be in these sulated formulations are microscopic formulations. Most aerosol formula- particles of pesticides (either liquid tions have a low percentage of active or dry) surrounded by a very thin ingredient. They are made for use plastic coating. The formulated prod- only in fog or mist generating ma- uct is mixed with water and applied chines. They are used in structures, as a spray. Once applied, the capsule greenhouses, and barns for insect slowly releases the pesticide. The en- control. capsulation process can prolong the Liquified gases are fumigants active life of the pesticide by provid- which become liquid when placed ing a timed release of the active under pressure. This type formula- ingredient. tion is stored under pressure. The Microencapsulated formulations pressure may be either high or low, are easy to mix, handle, and apply depending on the product. Some ne- and therefore increase safety to the maticides, insecticides, fungicides, applicator. However, they need con- and rodenticides are formulated this stant agitation in the tank. Also, way. These formulations are applied sometimes bees may pick up the cap- by injecting them directly into the sules and carry them back to the soil, releasing them under tarps, or hives where the released pesticide releasing them into a structure such may poison entire hives. as a grain storage elevator. Solutions—High concentrates are Some other active ingredients re- special formulations. They usually main liquid or solid in an ordinary contain 8 or more pounds of active container, but turn into a gas or ingredient per gallon. They may con- vapor as or after they are applied. tain only the active ingredient itself. These formulations do not require Most are designed to be used as is or storage under pressure. They must diluted with oil or petroleum sol- be put into the soil or confined in a vents. They contain chemicals that space before they turn to gas. Other- allow them to spread and stick well. wise, they could be lost into the air. Ultra-low-volume (ULV) concentrate materials should be used without Dry Formulations further dilution. Low concentrates are formulations Dry formulations include: usually containing less than 2 pounds 1. Dusts, of active ingredient per gallon. Most 2. Granules, of them are solutions in highly re- 3. Water dispersible granules (Dry fined oils. They need no further dilu- flowables), tion. The label will give you direc- 4. Wettable powders, tions for use. They are often used for 5. Soluble powders, controlling household and industrial 6. Pellets, and pests, mothproofing, livestock sprays, 7. Baits. Dust formulations or space sprays in barns. are ready to use Flowables—Some active ingredi- and contain an active ingredient, plus ents can be made only as a solid, or a fine or powdered dry inert sub- at best, a semisolid. These are finely stance such as talc, clay, nut hulls, or ground and put into a liquid along volcanic ash. The amount of active with other substances that make the ingredient usually ranges from 1 to mixture form a suspension. They are 10 percent. flowable solids. Flowables can be All the ingredients are ground into mixed with water. They seldom clog fine, uniform particles. Inert ingredi- spray nozzles. They need only mod- ents are often added so the formula- erate agitation. Most of them handle tion will store and handle well. Some as well as EC formulations. active ingredients are prepared as Aerosol pesticide formulations are dusts because they are safer for crops liquids that contain the active ingre- in that form. Dusts always must be dient in solution in a solvent. More 34 Pesticides used dry. They can easily drift into Soluble powders (SP) also are dry non-targeted areas. You can get dusts formulations. But when they are for use on seeds, plants, and animals. added to water, they form true solu- Granular formulations are dry. tions. Agitation in the spray tank may Most are made by applying a liquid be needed to get them to dissolve. form of the active ingredient to coarse After that, no more agitation usually particles (granules) of some porous is needed. The amount of active in- material. Clay, corn cobs, or walnut gredient in an SP is usually above shells are often used. Granule parti- 50 percent. cles are much larger than dust parti- Pelleted formulations are uniform cles. The pesticide is absorbed into sized particles, usually of clay or sim- the granule, or coats the outside, or ilar material. The particles of uniform both. The amount of active ingredient size and specific weight, are created ranges from 2 to 40 percent. by extruding or molding under pres- Granular formulations are safer to sure. The active ingredient is usually apply than EC’s or dusts. They are absorbed into the pellet and released most often used for soil treatments. by water into the soil. The amount of They may be applied either directly active ingredient ranges from 1 to to the soil or over plants. They do not over 40 percent. cling to plant foliage, but they may be Pelleted formulations are most trapped in the whorls of some plants. often used to apply pesticides to the Granular formulations, like dusts, soil to control weeds, brush, and ne- should always be used dry. Never matodes. They are applied by aircraft, mix them with water. ground applicators, and spot treat- Water dispersible granules or (dry ment methods. flowables) are a dry granular flow- A bait formulation is an edible or able formulation which is dispersible attractive substance mixed with a in water. Agitation in the tank is re- pesticide. The bait attracts pests and quired. While these formulations look the pesticide kills them when they eat similar to the granular formulations the formulation. Baits usually are (discussed above), they are much dif- used to control rodents and insect ferent in that they must be mixed in pests. They can be used in buildings water and are at a much higher con- or outdoors. The amount of active in- centration, generally 75 to 90 percent gredient in most bait formulations is active ingredient in the dry state. quite low, usually less than 5 percent. These formulations of products are described as DF—Dry Flowable or Fumigant Formulations Water Dispersible Granules. Fumigation is relatively compli- Wettable powders (WP) are dry, cated, requires specialized training finely ground pesticide formulations. and well-maintained application, They look like dusts. But, unlike monitoring, and safety equipment, dusts, they are made to mix with and can be fatal to the user if recom- water. Most wettable powders are mended procedures are not closely much more concentrated than dusts. followed. Unless willing to invest They contain 15 to 95 percent active the time and money necessary to ac- ingredient—usually 50 percent or quire the equipment and knowledge more. needed, this job should be left to Wettable powders form a suspen- reputable professionals. sion rather than a true solution when Fumigants do not provide any added to water. Good agitation is residual protection so reinfestation needed in the spray tank to maintain can occur immediately after the the suspension. Good wettable pow- grain or other treated product has ders spray well and do not clog noz- been “aired out” and gas concentra- zles. They are abrasive to pumps and tions fall below lethal levels. nozzles. Most wettable powders are safer for use on plants than are EC’s.

35 Pesticides Fumigants are compounds that be- empty bin treatments to eliminate come gases at ordinary temperatures. existing infestations. No grain should Fumigation is pest control with gases. be present. Various aerosol space sprays and the Methyl bromide is an example of bug bombs that are frequently used a gas fumigant. It is a gas at ordinary in household pest control are not true temperatures and is therefore pack- fumigants. Most fumigants are highly aged in special pressurized cylinders penetrating, capable of reaching into similar to oxygen, propane, and other cracks and crevices and through large gases. Gas fumigants are used pri- masses of materials to kill insects and marily by industrial or commercial certain other organisms that could firms, although one pound canisters not otherwise be reached. They may of methyl bromide were formerly be the only practical means of pest available for soil fumigation uses. control in stored grain, stored com- Concerns about environmental haz- modities, or for soil fumigation. Fum- ards (ozone depletion) make it likely igants are very hazardous to handle that this product will become less (See Flammability Table, p. 37); they available. are almost as toxic to humans as they are to the pests that we are trying to Liquid Fumigant— control. Chloropicrin (CP) All fumigants are RESTRICTED Properties: USE pesticides and as such can only Clear liquid with intense be obtained legally by certified pesti- irritating odor which makes it a pow- cide applicators. Fumigants should erful tear gas; vaporizes readily into a only be applied by persons who have heavy gas; high sorption rate into been trained in proper, safe applica- grain gives poor penetration into tion procedures. grain masses. CP is substantially Three general types of fumigants heavier than air and therefore has a are available based on formulations. tendency to flow out of any opening Aluminum phosphide is a solid mate- in the lower portion of treated struc- rial which produces toxic phosphine tures. It is one of the most toxic fumi- gas. It is applied in the solid form, ei- gants to insects but has limited use ther as tablets or pellets; forms that because of the tear gas effect. CP is Fire hazard: are easier and safer to apply than also injurious to plants. other fumigants. It is purchased in Nonflammable. Human hazard the solid form either as pellets or : One part per million tablets and often is safer to use than (1 ppm) in air produces intense other fumigants. Once the tablets are smarting pain in the eyes and irrita- removed from the flask, however, the tion of the respiratory tract (tear gas moisture in the air reacts with the effect). Man’s immediate reaction is chemical to form phosphine gas, to leave the vicinity quickly which which once released, is highly toxic to is fortunate because continued expo- man. For use in grain, tablets are usu- sure to this level could cause serious ally probed into the grain after it has lung injury. Uses been placed in storage. Pellets are : READ THE LABEL. Uses are usually added to a grain stream as limited because of the tear gas effect the grain is transferred from one bin and because fumigated commodities to another. Applying tablets or pellets are unpleasant to handle for some to grain being augered into a bin at time after fumigation. harvest time is not advisable because One of the few remaining uses of gas released may escape from the bin this product is in disinfesting empty before the bin is filled. bins, particularly the area beneath Chloropicrin is formulated as a perforated floors used in aeration. liquid and changes rapidly into a gas Choloropicrin should not be used to in temperatures above about 40°F. fumigate grain held for planting be- Labeling restricts chloropicrin to cause it can significantly reduce germination.

36 Pesticides Gas Fumigant— Fire hazard: Highly flammable at Methyl Bromide (MB) 1.79% in air (and up) which is consid- Properties: Colorless, odorless gas erably above the usage concentration. which is heavier than air and pene- Reacts with all precious metals and trates commodities and grain masses especially copper causing severe cor- readily; easily removed by aeration. rosion; therefore, all wiring, motors, Fire hazard: Nonflammable at usage switches and other electrical equip- levels (flammable at 13.5 to 14.5% in ment must be protected or removed. Human hazard air). Extinguish pilot lights and : Highly toxic to man. flames in building before using. The maximum safe exposure limit Human Hazard: Use requires ex- (for 40 hr/week) is 0.3 ppm (.00003% treme caution because of lack of odor. air). Garlic odor warns of toxic con- Liquid MB will cause severe blisters centrations but may not always be on contact with skin. Tests with a present when PP is above 0.3 ppm. halide leak detector will indicate Detector tubes must be used to en- highly dangerous concentrations by sure safe working levels for em- a light green to dark green to blue ployees. Symptoms include fatigue, green to blue flames. Use detector buzzing in ears, nausea, pressure in tubes or thermal conductivity appara- chest, intestinal pain, diarrhea and tus for proper monitoring for MB gas vomiting. Phosphine apparently is concentrations in air. Gas concentra- not chronic and is not absorbed by tions below 5 ppm do not require the skin in appreciable amounts. respiratory protection; 5 ppm or Notify your physician of PP greater require positive pressure self- exposure. contained breathing apparatus. Below 0.3 ppm of phosphine gas Exposure brings neurological symp- in the air no protection is needed, be- toms (headaches, incoordination, vi- tween 0.3 and 15 ppm users must at sual disturbances). Monthly blood least wear a NIOSH/MSHA- bromide tests are suggested for those approved canister gas mask and using or exposed to MB. Chronic ef- filter capable of protecting the user fects often irreversible. Delayed ap- from phosphine vapors. Above pearance of symptoms and lack of 15 ppm, a positive pressure self- odor make this fumigant very haz- contained breathing apparatus must ardous to use. be worn. WHERE GAS CONCEN- Uses: READ THE LABEL. Good TRATIONS ARE UNKNOWN YOU penetration into commodities. MUST USE A SELF-CONTAINED MB readily penetrates flour and BREATHING APPARATUS. Uses milled products and has been used : READ THE LABEL. Usually for that purpose. Certain commodi- introduced into the grain by auto- ties (iodized salt, sponge rubber, matic injectors as the grain flows into leather goods, viscose rayons, photo storage bins in commercial storage chemicals, etc.) should not be ex- structures. Usually placed into farm posed to MB. stored grain masses through the use of special probes. Some aluminum phosphide labels may allow place- Solid Fumigant—Aluminum ment of a portion of the dose below Phosphide (Phosphine (PP)) Properties: Tablets or pellets of alu- Table: Grain Fumigant Flammability minum phosphide react slowly with Flammability (Explosive moisture in the air to evolve phos- Fumigant concentrations in air) phine gas (PP). Ammonium carba- mate is included in some formula- Chloropicrin Nonflammable tions and decomposes to give off car- Phosphine Very (1.79%)* bon dioxide and ammonia. These Methyl bromide Nonflammable gases dilute the PP and reduce the *Phosphine reacts with copper and copper alloys giving severe corrosion. danger of spontaneous combustion. Such metals should be protected from the gas.

37 Pesticides perforated floors to eliminate hidden Stickers—allow pesticide to stay infestations if the area is free of mois- on the treated surface. ture. Caution: Contact of tablets or Penetrants—allow the pesticide pellets with standing water can lead to get through the outer surface to the to autoignition (explosion). Read and inside of the treated area. follow instructions. Drift retardants—may help reduce spray drift by decreasing the quantity of fine spray droplets. Using the Correct Thickeners—may reduce drift by Formulation increasing droplet size. Safeners One formulation may be legal to —reduce phytotoxicity use on a pest while another formula- of pesticide to protected crop. Compatibility agents tion of the same chemical may be ille- —aid in com- gal, so read and follow the label. bining pesticides effectively. Buffers When applying pesticides to agri- —allow mixing of pesti- cultural animals, consider how the cides of different acidity or alkalinity. Anti-foaming agents pesticide formulation will affect —reduce them. Sprays are generally suited for foaming of spray mixtures that re- treating most animals except in freez- quire vigorous agitation. ing weather. Some pour-ons, smears and dust formulations are recom- Compatibility mended in cold weather. Do not let Two or more pesticides which can oil sprays penetrate the hair to the an- be mixed together to control a wider imals’ skin in any weather unless di- range of pests with a single applica- rected on the label. tion are said to be compatible with each other. Sometimes the pesticides Adjuvants are formulated together by the manu- Adjuvants are added to a pesticide facturer, but the applicator often formulation or spray solution to in- must mix separate formulations in crease the effectiveness of the active the tank. It is important to remember ingredient. Most pesticide formula- that not all pesticides work well in tions contain at least a small percent- combination. Pesticides which are not age of additives. Some applicators compatible can cause: ■ add additional adjuvants while mix- loss of effectiveness against the ing for special applications. Some target pests, ■ product labels may caution the user injury to the treated surface against adding adjuvants. Common (phytotoxicity in plants, toxicity adjuvants are: in treated animals, stains or cor- Wetting agents—allow wettable rosion on treated surfaces), and ■ powders to mix with water and stick separation of ingredients into on plant or animal surfaces. layers or settling out of solids. Emulsifiers—allow petroleum- Some pesticide labels list other pes- based pesticides (EC’s) to mix with ticides with which the product is water. compatible. Pesticide publications, Invert emulsifiers—allow water- land-grant universities, and indepen- based pesticides to mix with petro- dent experts can supply information leum carrier. based on local experience. Be careful Spreaders—allow pesticide to form with do it yourself mixes; they could a uniform coating layer over the cost you time and money. treated surface.

38 Labels and ticides intended for sale and use in Kansas must be registered with the Labeling Kansas State Board of Agriculture. Each time you buy a pesticide, you 1. Federal Registration is the normal also receive instructions to tell how to or usual method by which a pesticide use it. Those instructions are the is labeled and becomes commercially labeling. available. A Federal Registration is is- What is labeling? What is a label? sued by the EPA on a national basis These Words seem alike but they do so that the labeled product is avail- not mean the same thing. able to all states or in some cases all Labeling is all information that you states within a specified region. The receive from the company or its agent research information needed for a about the product. Labeling includes Federal Registration generally comes such things as: from throughout the country, and in ■ the label on the product, many cases, research data from ■ brochures, Kansas is incorporated into the total ■ flyers, and registration data. Residue tolerances ■ information handed out by your are set for all labeled uses and repre- dealer. sent the maximum amount of a par- The label is the information printed ticular chemical that may safely re- on or attached to the container of pes- main in or on raw agricultural prod- ticides. This label does many things: ucts at the time of sale. Obtaining a ■ To the manufacturer, the label is Federal Registration is the responsi- a “license to sell.” bility of the pesticide industry work- ■ To the State or Federal Govern- ing with EPA. ment, the label is a way to con- 2. Special Local Needs Registrations trol the distribution, storage, (SLN), Section 24(c). The Federal Pest- sale, use, and disposal of the icide Law (FIFRA) allows individual products. states to register pesticides for special ■ To the buyer or user, the label needs within the state. To do so, the is a main source of facts on how proposed use must already have a tol- to use the product correctly and erance if it is to be used on a raw agri- legally. cultural product. It must not result in ■ The label is a way to tell users unacceptable exposure or damage, about special safety measures and it must be necessary, effective, needed. and safe. An SLN must have the man- Some labels are easy to understand. ufacturer’s support and although Others are complicated. But all labels they are usually initiated by the man- will tell you how to use the product ufacturer, anyone can initiate an SLA. correctly. Anyone who uses pesti- The SLA label is a supplement to the cides is responsible by law for follow- Federal label and must be in the pos- ing label directions. This section will session of the user when the product explain the items that must be on is being applied. a label. 3. Emergency Exemption. Section 18 of the Federal Pesticide Law al- lows EPA, in consultation with the Pesticide Registration Secretary of Agriculture and the in Kansas Governor, to exempt certain neces- There are four basic ways for regis- sary pesticide uses from the registra- tering pesticides: (1) Federal Regis- tion requirements of the law. This tration, (2) Special Local Needs (Sec- style of exemption requires that some tion 24(c)) Registration, (3) Emer- type of emergency condition exists. gency Exemptions (Section 18), and Generally, the Emergency Exemption (4) Experimental Use Permit. All pes- is obtained to allow the limited use of a pesticide on a particular farm

39 Labels and Common Name Labeling product for which a tolerance has not been established. The requirements Many pesticides have complex for obtaining and using an chemical names. Some have been Emergency Exemption are strict and given another name to make them time consuming. easier to identify. These are called Experimental Use Permits (EUP). 4. common names. For instance, carbaryl An EUP is usually obtained by the is the common name for 1-naphthyl company producing the particular N-methylcarbamate. A chemical pesticide and is used by the company made by more than one company will to obtain the information needed to be sold under several brand names, register that pesticide for a certain but you may find the same common use. Pesticides available under an name on all of them. EUP are to be distributed or sold only to persons who have agreed to partic- Ingredient Statement ipate in an experimental program. A person who uses an EUP product Every pesticide label must list what must follow the permit and label di- is in the product. The list is written so rections (as required for all pesti- that you can see quickly what the ac- cides) and should cooperate in re- tive ingredients are. The amount of porting the results of use to those each active ingredient is given as a per- who supply the product. centage by weight or as pounds per gallon of concentrate. It can be listed by either the chemical name or the Parts of the Label common name. The inert ingredients Brand Name need not be named, but the label must show what percent of the con- Each company has brand names for tents they make up. its products. The brand name is the one used in ads. The brand name shows up plainly on the front panel Net Contents of the label. It is the most identifiable The net contents number tells you name for the product. how much is in the container. This can be expressed in gallons, pints, Type of Formulation pounds, quarts, or other units of measure. Different types of pesticide formu- lations (such as liquids, wettable powders, and dusts) require different Name and Address of Manufacturer methods of handling. The label will The law requires the maker or dis- tell you what type of formulation the tributor of a product to put the name package contains. The same pesticide and address of the company on the may be available in more than one label. This is so you will know who formulation. made the product.

Approximate Amount Needed to Kill the Registration and Establishment Signal Words Toxicity Average Person Numbers DANGER Highly toxic a taste to a teaspoonful A registration number must be on every pesticide label. It shows that WARNING Moderately toxic a teaspoonful to a the product has been registered with tablespoonful the Federal Government. It usually is CAUTION Low toxicity or an ounce to more than found on the front panel of the label Comparatively free a pint and will be written as “EPA Reg. from danger No. 0000-00.” The establishment number tells what factory made the

40 Labels and ■ chemical. This number does not have “Do not contaminate water when Labeling to be on the label, but will be some- cleaning equipment or when dis- where on each container. posing of wastes.” ■ “Do not apply where runoff is Signal Words and Symbols likely to occur.” Labels may contain broader warn- To be effective, pesticides must ing against harming birds, fish, and control the target pest. By their na- wildlife. ture, they are toxic. Therefore, some Physical and Chemical Hazards—This may be hazardous to people. You can section will tell you of any special tell the toxicity of a product by read- fire, explosion, or chemical hazards ing the signal word and looking at the that the product may pose. symbol on the label. One of the most important parts of the label is the signal word. It tells you Worker Protection Standard approximately how toxic the material The U.S. Environmental Protection is to people. The signal words that Agency’s Worker Protection Stan- follow are set by law. Each manufac- dard (as revised in 1992) must be turer must use the correct one on complied with when pesticide prod- every label: (see table below). ucts are used on agricultural estab- All products must bear the state- lishments (farms, forests, nurseries, ment “Keep out of reach of children.‘’ and greenhouses) for the commercial Symbols are one of the best ways or research production of agricultural to catch a person’s eye. This is why plants. The Worker Protection Stan- a skull and crossbones symbol is used dard (WPS) requires employers to on all highly toxic materials along provide agricultural workers and with the signal word DANGER and pesticide handlers with protections the word POISON. against possible harm from pesti- Pay attention to the symbol on the cides. Persons who must comply label. It is there to remind you that with these instructions include the contents could make you sick, owners/operators of the agricultural or even kill you. establishment and owners/operators of commercial businesses that are Precautionary Statements Hazards to Humans (and Domestic Animals)—This section will tell you the ways in which the product may be poisonous to man and animals. It also will tell you about the kind of protective equipment needed to avoid poisoning. If the product is highly toxic, this section will inform physicians of the proper treatment for poisoning. Environmental Hazards—Pesticides are useful tools. Wrong or careless use of them can cause undesirable ef- fects on the environment. The label contains environmental precautions that you should read and follow. Here are some examples: ■ “This product is highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment Field Warning Signs or to residues on crops.

41 Labels and Labeling hired to apply pesticides on the For detailed information about agricultural establishment or to per- your responsibilities under the WPS, form crop-advising tasks on such get a copy of EPA’s manual, “Worker establishments. You and any family Protection Standard for Agricultural members who work on your agricul- Pesticides—How To Comply.” It will tural or commercial pesticide estab- tell you what you need to do to be in lishment are considered “employees” compliance with the Federal worker in many situations and must receive protection requirements. The manual some of the required protections. may be available from EPA regional Some of the basic requirements the offices, State or Tribal pesticide agen- WPS establishes for employers in- cies, Extension Services, pesticide clude: dealers, the Government Printing ■ Displaying information about Office, and other commercial sources. pesticide safety, emergency pro- cedures, and recent pesticide Endangered Species applications on an agricultural establishment. In order to protect specific endan- ■ Training workers and handlers gered species from adverse effects of about pesticide safety. pesticides, many product labels will ■ Helping employees get medical change. They will include a statement assistance in case of a work- directing users to obtain and abide by related pesticide emergency. a special bulletin which identifies ■ Setting up decontamination sites specific geographical areas where the for washing pesticide residues pesticide may not be used. These ac- off hands and body. tions are required by the Endangered ■ Compliance with restricted-entry Species Act. intervals—the time immediately The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services after a pesticide application (FWS) is the final authority for the in- when workers may not enter the terpretation of the Endangered Spe- treated area. cies Act, particularly for geographic ■ Notifying workers (through areas where certain pesticides may be posted and/or oral warnings) used with certain safeguards or are about areas where applications prohibited. Implementation of the en- are taking place and areas where dangered species labeling project will restricted-entry intervals are in be phased in over several years. effect. The label will direct pesticide users ■ Allowing only trained and to refer to county bulletins on endan- equipped pesticide handlers to gered species. Bulletins referred to on be present during a pesticide the label are “labeling” and are, application. therefore, legal documents and en- ■ Providing personal protective forced the same way as the label. equipment for pesticide handlers The Endangered Species Bulletin and also for workers who enter will include: ■ pesticide-treated areas before ex- a county map clearly identifying piration of the restricted-entry the ranges of species jeopardized interval (in the few very limited by specific pesticides; ■ circumstances permitted by the commonly recognized border- WPS). lines such as roads, powerlines, ■ Protecting pesticide handlers by and water bodies: ■ giving them safety instruction affected pesticides listed by ac- about the correct use of personal tive ingredient; ■ protective equipment and mix- a list of protected endangered ing loading, and application species; equipment; inspecting and main- Use of listed pesticides in identified How To Comply taining equipment they will be ranges of endangered species will be using; and monitoring them in prohibited or limited. EPA will make hazardous situations. the Endangered Species Bulletins 42 Labels and available to users through County The restricted use statement must Labeling Extension agents, pesticide dealers, be at the top of the front panel of the and at other outlets. label. At the time this manual went to press, EPA was still developing the Directions for Use details of this program. It appears that labeling will be in the field in the The instructions on how to use the growing season of 1996. Any bul- pesticide are an important part of the letins appearing prior to reference label for you. This is the best way you on the label will contain voluntary can find out the right way to apply provisions. the product. The use instructions will tell you: ■ the pests the product is regis- Statement of Practical Treatment tered to control (Labels use com- If swallowing or inhaling the prod- mon name for pests. Knowing uct or getting it in your eyes or on these names will help you choose your skin would be harmful, the label the proper pesticide and find will tell you emergency first aid mea- control information), sures. It also will tell you what types ■ the crop, animal, or other item of exposure require medical the product can be used on, attention. ■ whether the product is for gen- The pesticide label is the most im- eral or restricted use, portant information you can take to ■ in what form the product should the physician when you think some- be applied, one has been poisoned. ■ how much to use, ■ where the material should be Statement of Use Classification applied, and ■ when it should be applied. Every pesticide label must show Misuse Statement—This section will whether the contents are for general remind you that it is a violation of use or restricted use. EPA will eventu- Federal law to use a product in a ally put every product use into one manner inconsistent with its labeling. of these two classes. The classification Before the product could be regis- is based on the hazard of poisoning, tered, EPA required the manufacturer the way the pesticide is used, and its to conduct many tests to be sure the effect on the environment. label directions were correct. By fol- A general use pesticide will harm lowing them exactly, you will get the the applicator or the environment best results the product can give, and very little or not at all when used ex- avoid breaking the law. actly as directed. Reentry Statement The label on general use products —If required for DOES NOT have the “restricted use” the product, this section will tell you statement shown below. how much time must pass before a A restricted use pesticide is one pesticide-treated area is safe for entry which could cause some human in- by a person without protective jury or environmental damage even clothing. when used as directed on the label. Storage and Disposal Directions— The label on these products says: Every pesticide should be stored and disposed of correctly. This section RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE will tell you how to store and dispose of the product and empty containers. For retail sale to, and use only Following directions on the prod- by, Certified Applicators or uct label will help you obtain practi- persons under their direct cal pest control, use the product cor- supervision, and only for those rectly, and store it safely. uses covered by the Certified Applicator’s certification.

43 Labels and ■ Labeling Safe Use Precautions environmental precautions needed, People who work with pesticides ■ if the formulation and amount have some risk of pesticide injury of active ingredient are right for when they perform such tasks as: your job, ■ hauling pesticides, ■ if you have the right equipment ■ storage, to apply the pesticide, ■ mixing, ■ if you have the right protective ■ calibrating equipment before clothing and equipment, and use, ■ how much pesticide you need. ■ loading, ■ applying, ■ repairing equipment, Before You Apply the Pesticide ■ working in pesticide-treated Read the label again to find: crops and buildings, ■ ■ the protective equipment needed cleaning application equipment to handle the pesticide, after use, ■ ■ the specific warnings and first- disposing of surplus pesticides aid measures, and empty containers, ■ what it can be mixed with, ■ cleaning up spills, and ■ ■ how to mix it, cleaning protective clothing and ■ how much to use, equipment. ■ safety measures, Some of these tasks are done in- ■ when to apply to control the pest doors. Many are done outdoors. Each and to meet residue tolerances, one requires some safety measures to ■ how to apply, prevent harm to people, animals, and ■ the rate of application, plants as well as to soil and water ■ special instructions. outside the target area. You can prevent harm from pesti- cides if you follow safety precautions Transportation of Pesticides and use common sense. Here are the You are responsible for the safe minimum safety steps you should transport of your pesticide. The safest take. way to carry pesticides is in the back of a truck. Fasten down all containers Before You Buy a Pesticide to prevent breakage and spillage. Keep pesticides away from food, The first and most important step feed, and passengers. Pesticides in choosing a pesticide is to know should be in a correctly labeled pack- what pest you need to control. Then age. Always keep paper and card- find out which pesticides will control board packages dry. it. You may have a choice of several. If any pesticide is spilled in or from You may need help to guide you. the vehicle, clean it up right away. Common sources of information are Use correct cleanup procedures. Do your Cooperative Extension Service, not leave unlocked pesticides unat- most agricultural schools, the tended. You are responsible if acci- U.S. Department of Agriculture, and dents occur. pesticide manufacturers and dealers. Pesticide Storage At the Time of Purchase The label will tell you how to store Read the Label of the pesticide you the product. The storage area should intend to buy to find: keep the pesticides dry, cool, and out ■ restrictions on use, ■ of direct sunlight, in a locked and if this is the correct chemical for posted place. Children and other un- your problem, ■ trained persons should not be able to Read the label if the product can be used safely get to them. Some chemicals require under your conditions, protection from freezing.

44 Labels and An ideal storage place would have If you splash or spill a pesticide while Labeling fire-resistant construction, including mixing or loading, stop right away. a concrete floor, an exhaust fan for Remove contaminated clothing and ventilation, good lighting, and a lock wash thoroughly with detergent and on the door. water. Speed is essential. Clean up the Keep the storage access locked spill. when not in use. When mixing pesticides, measure The storage location should be carefully. Use only the amount called away from where people and animals for on the label. Mix only the amount live to avoid or minimize harm to yon plan to use. them in case of fire. When loading pesticides, stand so Store all pesticides in the original the wind blows across your body containers. (from the right or left) to avoid conta- Do not store them near food, feed, minating yourself. seed, or animals. To prevent spills, replace all pour Check every container often for caps and close containers after use. leaks or breaks. If one is damaged, transfer the contents to a container Mixing/Loading Facilities that has held exactly the same pesti- cide. Clean up any spills correctly. Recent regulations have been intro- Keep an up-to-date inventory of duced outlining new requirements the pesticides you have. for load/mix/storage facility require- ments for commercial operations. At the present time, farmers are ex- Mixing and Loading Pesticides empted from the rules. However, Keep livestock, pets, and people large farm operations may fall under out of the mixing and loading area. the rules at a later date. The facility Do not work alone, especially at requirements are similar to those night. presently required for fertilizer Work outdoors. Choose a place facilities where quantity used exceeds with good light and ventilation. Do the threshold limits (generally not mix or load pesticides indoors or ≥ 2000 Gal storage or when 125 tons at night unless there is good lighting liquid or 25 tons dry material used and ventilation. during any 365 day period). Before handling a pesticide con- When possible, load and mix at tainer, put on the correct protective several locations at the field site to clothing and equipment. avoid accumulation of materials in Each time you use a pesticide, read any one location. Field rinse all the directions for mixing. Do this be- equipment and apply rinsate back to fore you open the container. This is the field being treated. If not possible essential. Directions, including due to your operation configuration, amounts and methods, are often use common sense housekeeping changed, and it is a violation of State procedures around your mix/load and Federal laws to use a pesticide in area to prevent contamination or en- a manner inconsistent with its label. vironmental damage. Store all pesti- Do not tear paper containers to cides according to label recommenda- open them. Use a sharp knife. Clean tions and in a location separated from the knife afterwards, and do not use fertilizers, feed or access by unautho- it for other purposes. rized personnel. When taking a pesticide out of the Additional load/mix/storage facil- container, keep the container and ity information may be obtained by pesticide below eye level. This will requesting Designing Facilities for avoid a splash or spill on your Pesticide and Fertilizer Containment, goggles or protective clothing. Do the MWPS-37, available from your local same thing when pouring or dump- County Extension Agent or Extension Mixing and Loading Pesticides ing any pesticide. Agricultural Engineering at Kansas State University.

45 Labels and Pesticide Application Disposal Labeling Wear the correct protective cloth- The following procedures allow in- ing and equipment. dividuals using a pesticide at their To prevent spillage of chemicals, private residences or farms to prop- check all application equipment for erly dispose of any pesticide wastes leaking hoses, pumps, or connections, as required by Kansas law. Failure to and plugged, worn, or dripping do so can result in civil and criminal nozzles. penalties. Assistance can be obtained Use water to correctly calibrate from a field representative of the spray equipment before use. Before Kansas Department of Health and starting a field application, clear all Environment (KDHE) who may be people from the area to be treated. contacted through the Topeka office, Drift is the movement of spray phone no. 785-296-1600 or the Kansas droplets or dust particles away from Department of Agriculture (KDA), the target area. Drift increases as Pesticide & Fertilizer Program, phone droplet or particle size decreases, and no. 785-296-3786. as wind speed increases. It can be Kinds of Pesticide Wastes—The are minimized if you select the proper three kinds of wastes which can origi- equipment for the job, spray at low nate from the use of a pesticide; pressure, use the largest practical (1) left-over or unused pesticides, nozzle openings, and spray during (2) empty containers, and (3) the rinse the calmer times of the day. solutions obtained by rinsing of a Vaporization is the evaporation of pesticide container or applicator an active ingredient during or after device. application. Pesticide vapors can Pesticides (left-over or unused) cause injury far from the site of appli- 1. cation. High temperatures increase The best way to solve the problem vaporization. You can reduce vapor- of pesticide waste disposal is to sim- ization by choosing nonvolatile ply avoid producing any. Excess pes- chemical formulations, and spraying ticides should be properly collected, in the cooler parts of the day. labeled and temporarily stored for use in another spray mixture. Pesti- cide inventories should be carefully Cleaning Equipment managed so that old or useless pesti- Mixing, loading, and application cide products do not accumulate. All equipment must be cleaned as soon pesticides or pesticide solutions as you finish using it. Use water and should be stored according to label a detergent to clean both the inside directions. and outside, including nozzles. Use 2. Containers extreme caution and avoid fumes if Do not leave pesticides or pesticide using pressure cleaners. Steam clean- containers at the application site. Do ers are not recommended for use on not reuse pesticide containers for any pesticide containers. other purpose and do not allow chil- When possible, pesticide applica- dren to play with pesticide contain- tion equipment must be cleaned in ers. Leftover pesticides should be the field to avoid concentration in one kept in tightly closed containers in location. NEVER clean equipment near any well. your storage facility. Always triple rinse or pressure Equipment sometimes must be re- rinse empty containers of liquid paired before it is completely cleaned. pesticides. Warn the person doing the repairs of For triple rinse, follow this the possible hazards. procedure: 1. Empty the container into the tank. Let it drain an extra Containers 30 seconds.

46 Labels and Nonburnable Containers (metal, 2. Immediately begin rinsing proce- Labeling dures or the product may be- plastic, or glass) come difficult to remove. ■ Rinse the containers three times. 3. Fill it one-fifth to one-fourth full ■ Many large containers in good of water. shape can be recycled by your 4. Replace the closure and shake supplier. Return them to your the contents to rinse all inside supplier, a pesticide manufac- surfaces. turer or formulator, or a drum 5. Drain the rinse water from the reconditioner. container into the tank. Let the ■ Some counties and commercial container drain for 30 seconds. pesticide dealers will accept 6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 at least clean, high-density polyethlene two more times for a total of containers for chipping and three rinses. Remember to empty recycling. Contact your county each rinse solution into the tank. extension agent or county nox- Be sure closure threads and outside ious weed director for details. of container are also clean. ■ You can send or take them to a pressure rinse For , follow this place that will recycle them as procedure: scrap metal or dispose of them 1. Follow steps 1 and 2 listed for you. above. ■ Properly rinsed containers may 2. Hold the container so the open- be crushed and buried in a sani- ing can drain into the spray tank. tary landfill. Follow state and 3. Force the tip of the special pres- local standards. sure nozzle through the lower ■ If it is not possible to rinse con- portion of the side closest to the tainers, contact the Department handle. of Health and Environment for 4. Connect the nozzle to a clean assistance. water source of at least 40 psi. Rinse Solutions Rotate the nozzle inside the con- 3. Reuse all rinse solutions tainer to assure good coverage of if possible. all sides, including the handle. Otherwise, each rinse solution should 5. Rinse for at least 30 seconds. be sprayed or uniformly spread over 6. Drain all rinse water into the a preselected ground surface which is spray tank. listed as a target site on the label and which is at least 100 feet from any water source such as a stream, pond, Burnable Paper Containers or well. Damage to vegetation should ■ You may burn small numbers of also be avoided. Make sure that rinse them if permitted by state and solutions do not contain amounts of local regulations unless prohib- active ingredient that will approach ited by the label. labeled rates. ■ You may take them to a landfill operating under state permit for pesticide disposal. ■ Burning of plastic containers made of petroleum-based products is prohibited.

47 EXPRESS® HERBICIDE DRY FLOWABLE ACTIVE INGREDIENT BY WEIGHT Methyl2-[[[[N-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl) methylamino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate ...... 75% INERT INGREDIENTS ...... 25% TOTAL ...... 100% EPA Reg. No. 352-509 U.S. Patents 4,383,113 & 4,740,234 KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN CAUTION PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS HAZARDS TO HUMANS AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS CAUTION! Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. In case of contact with eyes, immediately flush with plenty of water. Get medical attention if irritation persists. Wash thoroughly after handling. For medical emergencies involving this product, call toll free l-800-441-3637. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Applicators and other handlers must wear: Long-sleeve shirt and long pants. Waterproof gloves. Shoes plus socks. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning/maintaining PPE. If no such instructions for washables, use detergent and hot water. Keep and wash PPE separately from other laundry.

USER SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS USERS SHOULD: Wash hands before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco or using the toilet.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS Do not apply directly to water, or to areas where surface water is present, or to intertidal areas below the mean high water mark. Do not contaminate water when disposing of equipment washwaters.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - (READ BEFORE USING) Injury to or loss of desirable trees or vegetation may result from failure to observe the following: Do not apply or drain or flush equipment on or near desirable trees or other plants, or on areas where their roots may extend, or in locations where the chemical may be washed or moved into contact with their roots. Do not use on lawns, walks, driveways, tennis courts or similar areas. Prevent drift of spray to desirable plants. Do not contaminate any body of water. Carefully observe all sprayer cleanup instructions both prior to and after using this product, as spray tank residue may damage crops other than wheat or barley.

48 PESTICIDE HANDLING individual fields is advisable in order to obtain information - Calibrate sprayers only with clean water away from the on the dispersal and spread of the resistant biotypes. well site. * Biotypes are naturally-occurring individuals of the species - Make scheduled checks of spray equipment. which have a slightly different genetic makeup. Resistant biotypes may look exactly the same as susceptible biotypes. - Assure accurate measurement of pesticides by all Herbicide-resistant biotypes are able to survive a use rate operation employees. several times higher than needed to control susceptible - Mix only enough product for the job at hand. biotypes. - Avoid over-filling of spray tank. ** Mode of action is the chemical interaction that interrupts - Do not discharge excess material on the soil at a single a biological process necessary for plant growth and devel- spot in the field/grove or mixing/loading station. opment. - Dilute and agitate excess solution and apply at labeled *** Tank mixes with "Banvel"/"Banvel" SGF may result in rates/uses. reduced control of some broadleaf weeds. - Avoid storage of pesticides near well sites. Read and follow all appropriate sections of label, including - When triple rinsing the pesticide container, be sure to add precautions, before using this product. the rinsate to the spray mix. GRAZING GENERAL INFORMATION Do not graze or feed forage or hay from treated areas to Du Pont “Express” Herbicide is recommended for selective livestock (harvested straw may be used for bedding and/or postemergence control of certain broadleaf weeds in wheat feed). (including durum) and barley. Do not use “Express” on any other crop. “Express” is a dry flowable granule to be mixed DIRECTIONS FOR USE in water or other recommended carrier and applied as a It is a violation of federal law to use this product in a uniform broadcast spray. It is noncorrosive, nonflammable, manner inconsistent with its labeling. nonvolatile and does not freeze. Do not apply this product in a way that will contact workers Best results are obtained when “Express” is applied to or other persons, either directly or through drift. Only young, actively growing weeds. The use rate will depend protected handlers may be in the area during application. For on weed spectrum and size of weed at time of application. any requirements specific to your State or Tribe, consult the The degree of control and duration of effect are dependent agency responsible for pesticide regulation. on rate used, sensitivity and size of target weed and environ- mental conditions at the time of and following application. AGRICULTURAL USE REQUIREMENTS “Express” stops growth of susceptible weeds rapidly. Use this product only in accordance with its labeling and However, typical symptoms of dying weeds (discoloration) with the Worker Protection Standard, 40 CFR part 170. may not be noticeable for l-3 weeks after application (2-5 This Standard contains requirements for the protection of weeks for wild garlic) depending on the environmental agricultural workers on farms, forests, nurseries, and conditions and weed susceptibility. Warm, moist conditions greenhouses, and handlers of agricultural pesticides. It following treatment promote the activity of “Express”, contains requirements for training, decontamination, noti- while cold, dry conditions delay the activity. Weeds fication, and emergency assistance. It also contains hardened-off by cold weather or drought stress will be less specific instructions and exceptions pertaining to the susceptible. statements on this label about personal protective A vigorous growing crop will aid weed control by shading equipment(PPE) and restricted-entry interval. The and providing competition for weeds. However, a dense requirements in this box only apply to uses of this crop canopy at time of application can intercept spray and product that are covered by the Worker Protection result in reduced weed control. Weeds may not be Standard. adequately controlled in areas of thin crop stand or seeding Do not enter or allow worker entry into treated areas skips. during the restricted entry interval (REI) of 12 hours. INFORMATION ON RESISTANT WEEDS PPE required for early entry to treated areas that is Naturally-occurring weed biotypes* that are resistant to Du permitted under the Worker Protection Standard and that Pont Ally® Herbicide, Dupont Finesse® Herbicide, Du involves contact with anything that has been treated, such Pont Glean® FC Herbicide or Du Pont Harmony® Extra as plants, soil, or water, is: Herbicide will also be resistant to “Express”. In areas Coveralls. where these weed biotypes are known to exist, only spray Waterproof gloves. “Express” in tank mixtures with other broadleaf herbicides Shoes plus socks. having a different mode of action** such as: 2,4-D, Banvel[1]/"Banvel" SGF***, Buctril[2], Bronate[2], Do not apply this product through any type of irrigation Curtail[3], Curtail M[3] MCPA or Du Pont "Lexone" DF system. Herbicide. Refer to TANK MIXTURES. “Express” Herbicide should be used only in accordance Note: Because these resistant biotypes are known to be with recommendations on this label or in separately present, accurate record keeping of pesticides applied to published Du Pont recommendations. 49 Du Font will not be responsible for losses or damages * Partial control: A visual reduction of weed population as resulting from the use of this product in any manner not well as a significant loss of vigor for individual weed specifically recommended by Du Pont. plants. For better results, use 1/4 to 1/3 ounce “Express” Do not use this product in the following counties of per acre and include a tank mix partner such as 2,4-D, Colorado: Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Rio Grande and MCPA, “Buctril” or "Banvel"/"Banvel" SGF (refer to Saguache. TANK MIXTURES). **See SPECIFIC WEED PROBLEMS for more informa- WEED CONTROL IN WHEAT AND BARLEY tion. CROP STAGE AT APPLICATION SPECIFIC WEED PROBLEMS Make applications after the crop is in the 2-leaf stage, but Canada thistle: For best results apply 1/3 oz. per acre plus before the flag leaf is visible. Do not harvest sooner than 45 surfactant in the spring when all thistles have emerged days after the last application of “Express”. above the soil, are actively growing, and are 4 to 8 inches APPLICATION RATES tall with 2 to 6 inches of new growth. Apply 1/6 to 1/3 ounce “Express” per acre to wheat Vetch (common and hairy): For best results, apply 1/4 to (including durum) or barley for control or partial control of 1/3 ounce of “Express” per acre plus surfactant when vetch the weeds listed below. is less than 6 inches in length. For severe infestations of vetch or when vetch is greater than 6 inches in length, Use 1/3 ounce “Express” per acre when weed infestation is “Express” should be applied in combination with 2,4-D or heavy and predominately consists of those weeds listed MCPA (refer to TANK MIXTURES). under partial control, or when application timing and envi- ronmental conditions are marginal (refer to APPLICATION Wild garlic: For best results, apply 1/3 ounce, “Express” AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR per acre plus surfactant when wild garlic plants are less than OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE). 12 inches tall with 2 to 4 inches of new growth. Control may be reduced when plants are hardened-off by cold Use 1/6 to 1/4 ounce “Express” per acre when weed infesta- weather and/or drought stress. Control is enhances when tion is light and predominately consists of those weeds applications are made during warm temperatures to actively listed under weeds controlled, and when optimum applica- growing wild garlic plants. Typical symptoms of dying tion conditions occur. wild garlic plants (discoloration and collapse) may not be Sequential treatments of “Express” may be made provided noticeable for 2-5 weeks. the total amount of “Express” applied to the crop does not Thorough spray coverage of all garlic plants is essential. exceed 1/3 ounce per acre; for example, 1/6 ounce followed Wild radish: For best results, apply 1/3 ounce “Express” by 1/6 ounce. The final application must be made before per acre plus surfactant either in the fall or spring to wild the flag leaf is visible. Do not harvest sooner than 45 days radish rosettes less than 6 inches in diameters. Applications after the last application of “Express”. made later than 30 days after weed emergence will result in WEEDS CONTROLLED partial control. Fall applications should be made prior to hardening-off of plants. Black mustard Hairy buttercup Note: If resistant weed biotypes, such as kochia and Blue/Purple mustard Kochia Russian thistle, are suspected (land which has had 2 or more Bushy wallflower Mayweed chamomile previous applications of "Glean"/"Glean" FC or is immedi- /Treacle mustard Miners lettuce ately adjacent to land where "Glean"/"Glean" FC has been Coast fiddleneck Pineappleweed used 2 or more times) or known to be present, consider Common chickweed using another herbicide treatment or adjust the use rate of Prickly lettuce Common groundsel the “Express” tank mix partner labeled for the control of Common lambsquarters Russian thistle kochia and/or Russian thistle so that it alone will control the Corn spurry Slimleaf lambsquarters resistant biotypes. False chamomile Tarweed fiddleneck APPLICATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL Field pennycress Wild chamomile CONDITIONS FOR OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE Flixweed Wild mustard Crop Safety: Many environmental, cultural practices, soil conditions and crop variety factors can cause stress to a PARTIAL CONTROL* crop. A pesticide application to a stressed crop may increase the chance for injury. To lessen the chance of crop Annual sowthistle Redroot pigweed injury under such conditions, tank mix “Express” with 2,4- Canada thistle** Shepherd’s-purse D (ester formulations perform best) and apply after the crop Common sunflower Tansymustard is in the tillering stage of growth. Hairy nightshade Tumble/Jim Hill mustard Henbit Vetch** (common, hairy) Crop Stage: Make applications after the crop is in the 2- leaf stage, but before the flag leaf is visible. Do not harvest Pennsylvania smartweed Wild buckwheat sooner than 45 days after the last application of “Express”. Prostrate knotweed Wild garlic** Redmaids Wild radish** Since thorough coverage is required, avoid crop canopy obstruction of the spray contacting the weed foliage. 50 Crop Competition: A vigorous growing crop will aid 2. Partially fill the tank with water and add ammonia (1 weed control by shading and providing competition for gallon of 3% (household) ammonia per 100-gallons of weeds. However, a dense crop canopy at time of applica- tank volume) or a tank cleaner* (follow individual label tion can intercept spray and result in reduced weed control. instructions for amount of tank cleaner to use). Complete Weeds may not be adequately controlled in areas of thin filling the tank and flush the cleaning solution through the crop stand or seeding skips. boom and hoses. Let stand for 15 minutes with Pest Stage: Since “Express” has very little or no soil agitation/recirculation and then drain the tank after activity, only those weeds that have germinated above the flushing the hoses, boom and nozzles. soil surface will be controlled. Consequently, application of 3. Thoroughly rinse sprayer, tanks, boom, and hoses with “Express” should be made when all or the majority of clean water. weeds have germinated. Annual broadleaf weeds should be 4. Follow label directions of the product previously sprayed past the cotyledon stage, actively growing, and less than 4 for rinsate disposal. inches tall or across. Wild garlic plants should be 6 to 12 * See listing of Du Pont approved tank cleaners under inches tall with 4 to 6 inches of new growth. See SPECIFIC SPRAYER CLEANUP section of the label. WEED PROBLEMS for more information on Canada NOTE: A steam cleaning of aerial spray tanks is recom- thistle, vetch (common, hairy), wild garlic and wild radish. mended to dislodge any visible pesticide deposits. Application: Foliar absorption is the primary means of Spray Equipment: Refer to specific manufacturer’s “Express” uptake by plants; therefore, thorough spray recommendations for additional information on GPA, coverage of weeds is essential. pressure, speed, nozzle types and arrangements, nozzle Weather: Conditions which are conducive to healthy, heights above the target canopy, etc., for respective applica- actively growing plants optimize “Express” weed control tion equipment. performance. Ideal conditions include warm temperatures Apply using properly calibrated air or ground equipment. and adequate soil moisture before, during and immediately Select a spray volume and delivery system that will insure after application. thorough coverage and a uniform spray pattern. Avoid Avoid making applications of “Express” to weeds when overlapping (unless otherwise specified), and shut off spray rainfall is threatening. Rainfall immediately after treatment booms while starting, turning, slowing or stopping, or injury can wash “Express” off weed foliage and result in reduced to the crop may result. weed control effectiveness. Several hours of dry weather Do not use equipment and/or spray volumes that will cause are needed to allow “Express” to be absorbed by weed spray to drift onto nontarget sites. Do not make applications foliage. during weather conditions which cause spray to drift onto Surfactant: Use only EPA approved surfactants authorized nontarget sites. For additional information, refer to for use on food crops. CAUTION - AVOID SPRAY DRIFT section of label. Water Spray Carrier - Unless specified otherwise, add a Do not apply this product through any type of irrigation nonionic surfactant of at least 80% active ingredient system. strength at 0.25% vol/vol (1 quart per 100 gallons of spray Ground Application: For optimum spray distribution and solution). thorough coverage, use flat fan or low volume flood Liquid N Carrier - Surfactant use is recommended when nozzles. For flat fan nozzles, do not use less than 5 gallon applying “Express” in liquid nitrogen fertilizer. When spray volume per acre (GPA). “Express” is applied using liquid nitrogen fertilizer solution For flood nozzles on 30-inch spacing, use not less than 10 as a spray carrier, early, temporary, crop yellowing and GPA and no larger than TK 10 or equivalent and not less stunting may occur. These symptoms will be more notice- than 30 psi. On 40-inch nozzle spacings, use not less than able when surfactant is used. Use 0.06 - 0.25% vol/vol 13 GPA or not less than 20 GPA when nozzles are on a 60- surfactant (1/2 pint - 1 quart per 100 gallons of spray inch spacing. 100% overlapping of nozzle spray pattern is solution) when applying “Express” in liquid nitrogen fertil- essential for 30, 40 and 60-inch spacings. izer solution. Refer to TANK MIXTURES for surfactant When using liquid nitrogen solution as a spray carrier, for information when tank mixing with other products. If flood nozzles use not less than 30 GPA and no larger than surfactant is not used when applying “Express” in liquid TK20. See statements on liquid N solutions below for addi- nitrogen fertilizer, weed control may be significantly tional information. reduced. Raindrop[4] nozzles are not recommended for “Express” EQUIPMENT-SPRAY VOLUMES applications as weed control performance may be reduced. It is important that spray equipment is cleaned and free of Use 50-mesh screens or larger. existing pesticide deposits before using “Express”. Follow Aerial Application: Use orifice discs, cores and nozzle the cleanup procedures specified on the label of the product types and arrangements that will provide for optimum spray previously sprayed. If no procedure is provided, follow this distribution and maximum coverage at 1 to 5 GPA. Do not cleanup procedure for all application equipment. use less than 3 GPA in ID, OR, UT or WA. Do not apply 1. Thoroughly rinse sprayer, tanks, boom, and hoses with during inversion conditions, when winds are gusty, or when clean water. Loosen and physically remove any visible other conditions will favor poor coverage and/or off-target deposits. spray movement. For aerial application in the state of Washington, refer to Agitation: Continuous agitation is required to keep and follow the directions on the Washington Special Local “Express” in suspension. Need label, “Express” Herbicide Aerial Application to CAUTION - AVOID SPRAY DRIFT Wheat and Barlev in the State of Washington. Follow these practices to minimize drift. Liquid Nitrogen Fertilizer Solutions: “Express” can be added directly to liquid N solutions (for example 28-0-0, Do not allow spray from either ground or aerial equipment 32-0-0). Surfactant use is recommended when applying to drift onto adjacent crops or land, as even small amounts “Express” in liquid nitrogen fertilizer. If surfactant is not can injure susceptible plants. When spraying near adjacent, used, weed control may be significantly reduced. When sensitive crops or plants, do everything possible to reduce “Express” is applied using liquid nitrogen fertilizer solution spray drift. This includes: as a carrier, early, temporary crop yellowing and stunting o Stop spraying if wind speed becomes excessive. DO may occur. The symptoms will be more noticeable when NOT SPRAY IF WIND SPEED IS 10 MPH OR surfactant is used. Use 0.06 - 0.25% vol/vol surfactant (l/2 GREATER. Spray drift can occur at wind speeds less pint - 1 quart per 100 gallons of spray solution) when than 10 MPH. If sensitive crops or plants are downwind, applying “Express” in liquid nitrogen fertilizer solution. extreme caution must be used even in relatively low wind The addition of liquid nitrogen fertilizer to the spray conditions! DO NOT SPRAY IF WINDS ARE GUSTY. solution, or the use of liquid nitrogen fertilizer as the total o High temperatures, drought and low relative humidity carrier of the spray solution will increase the weight of the increase the possibility of spray drift. EXTREME spray solution as compared to water (see table below). CAUTION MUST BE USED WHEN THESE CONDI- Consequently, appropriate conversions of spray nozzles TIONS ARE PRESENT AND SENSITIVE CROPS OR and/or pressure must be made in order to maintain proper PLANTS ARE NEARBY, REGARDLESS OF WIND spray volumes. Refer to the conversion chart below for SPEED. guidance (taken from Spray Systems Company Catalog 39, o Do not apply when a temperature inversion exists. An page 2). inversion is characterized by low air movement and an Influence of adding liquid 28% N fertilizer to spray solution increase in air temperature with an increase in altitude. In weight per gallon: humid regions, a fog or mist may form. An inversion may be detected by producing a smoke column and Weight of . checking for a layering effect. Smoke-producing devices % of Spray Solution on aircraft are recommended. If not sure whether Water 28% N (Lbs/Gallon) inversion conditions are present, consult with local 100 0 8.34 weather services before making an application. 50 50 9.5 o Postemergence grass herbicides (such as Avenge[5] and Assert[5] are often applied using high pressure. When 0 100 10.6 “Express” is tank mixed with these products, do not SPRAYING SYSTEMS CONVERSION CHART exceed 40 psi. SPRAYING SOLUTIONS OTHER THAN WATER NEW o Drift from aerial or ground equipment may be further METHOD reduced by: Since all the tabulations are based on spraying water, which 1. Using large droplet size sprays to minimize drift. DO weighs 8.34 lbs per USA gallon, conversion factors must be NOT APPLY WITH HOLLOW-CONE INSECTICIDE used when spraying solutions which are heavier or lighter NOZZLES ON GROUND EQUIPMENT. Do not use than water. To determine the proper size nozzle for the nozzles that produce small droplets, such as solution to be sprayed, first multiply the desired GPM or Sprayfoil[6] or airblast-type nozzles. Nozzles should GPA of solution by the water rate conversion factor. Then be oriented at an angle between straight down and use the new converted GPM or GPA rate to select the straight back for ground applications. proper size nozzle. For aerial applications, orient nozzles straight back Example: 10 GPA (28%N) X 1.13 = 11.3 GPA (water) along the windstream using straight stream orifices (such as disk with no swirl plate). If using flood-type Specific Conversion nozzles on aircraft, orient them so spray is produced in Weight of Solution Gravity Factors direction of the airstream. Use the lowest number of 7.0 lbs per gallon 0.84 0.92 nozzles practical with the largest orifice size per nozzle 8.0 lbs per gallon 0.96 0.98 to obtain minimum of 1 GPA. Application height 8.34 lbs per gallon-Water 1.00 1.00 should not exceed l/2 length of wing span, to minimize 9.0 lbs per gallon 1.08 1.04 drift potential. Boom length must not exceed 2/3 of wing span. 10.0 lbs per gallon 1.20 1.10 2. Increasing volume of spray mix per acre (for example, 10.65 lbs per gallon-28% nitrogen 1.28 1.13 minimum 5 GPA by air, 10 GPA by ground) by using 11 .0 lbs per gallon 1.32 1.15 higher flow-rate nozzles. 12.0 lbs per gallon 1.44 1.20 3. Reducing pressure (PSI). DO NOT EXCEED 40 PSI 14.0 lbs per gallon 1.68 1.30 when applying “Express”. (Vehicle speed must also be Published in Spraying Systems Company Catalog 39, page 2. reduced to maintain spray mix volume per acre). 52 Consult manufacturer’s catalogs for details on correct DO NOT USE “EXPRESS” PLUS MALATHION as crop calibration. injury will result. 4. Apply as close to target plants as possible while still The use of a “Express” plus Lorsban[3] tank mix is recom- maintaining a good spray pattern. mended only in the states of CO, ID, KS, NE, NM, OK, OR, NOTE: Do not allow spray to drift onto adjacent crops, or TX, UT, WA and southeastern WY. onto agricultural land scheduled to be planted to crops other SPRAY PREPARATION, ADDITIVES, than wheat or barley, as injury to the crop may occur. PRODUCT MEASUREMENT, SURFACTANT Extreme care must be taken to prevent drift onto susceptible nontarget plants or nontarget land. AND LIQUID NITROGEN FERTILIZER Spray Preparation: Mix the proper amount of “Express” TANK MIXTURES into the necessary volume of water in the spray tank with 2,4-D (amine or ester) or MCPA (amine or ester) - Use the agitator running, then add the companion herbicide to “Express” plus l/8 to 3/8 lb active ingredient 2,4-D or the tank after all the “Express” is in suspension. ALWAYS MCPA (ester formulations have provided best results). MIX “EXPRESS” IN WATER FIRST, PRIOR TO Surfactant may be added at 0.125 - 0.25% vol/vol (1 to 2 ADDING OTHER PRODUCTS IN THE SAME SPRAY pints per 100 gallons of spray volume); however, the TANK. addition of surfactant may increase the chance of crop Use the spray preparation of “Express” within 24 hours as injury. Use the 1 to 2 pint rate of surfactant with l/8 lb product degradation may occur. If spray preparation is left active ingredient rate of 2,4-D or MCPA. Use the 1 pint standing, thoroughly agitate before reusing. rate of surfactant with l/4 to 3/8 lb active ingredient of 2,4- D or MCPA. Higher rates of 2,4-D or MCPA may be used, Additives: Do not use with spray tank additives that lower but do not exceed highest rate allowed on the label. the pH of the spray solution below 3.0, as rapid product degradation can occur. Always mix “Express” in water prior to adding 2,4-D or MCPA. Always add surfactant last. Read and follow all Product Measurement: The “Express” volumetric label instructions on timing, precautions and warnings for measuring cylinder is to be used as a guide, since the degree these herbicides prior to using these tank mixtures. of accuracy varies by plus or minus 7.5%. For more precise measurement, use scales calibrated in ounces. “Express” may be tank mixed with other suitable registered herbicides (for example “Lexone” DF, "Banvel"/"Banvel" Surfactant: Unless specified otherwise, add a nonionic SGF, "Buctril", "Bronate") to control weeds listed in Partial surfactant of at least 80% active ingredient strength at Control Table or other weeds than those listed in the Weeds 0.25% vol/vol (1 quart per 100 gallons of spray solution). Controlled Table. Read and follow all manufacturer’s label Use only EPA approved surfactants authorized for use on recommendations for the companion herbicide. If these food crops. Antifoaming agents may be needed. Do not use recommendations conflict with this “Express” label, do not liquid fertilizer as a substitute for a surfactant. Refer to use as a tank mix with “Express”. TANK MIXTURES and EQUIPMENT - SPRAY VOLUMES for variations on surfactant rate. “Express” will not control wild oats or other grasses. For wild oat control, “Express” can be tank mixed with Liquid Nitrogen Fertilizer: Liquid nitrogen fertilizer “Avenge” or “Assert”. When tank mixing “Express” and solutions such as 28-0-0 or 32-0-0, may be used as a carrier “Assert”, ALWAYS include another broadleaf weed in place of water. To apply “Express” with liquid nitrogen herbicide with a different mode of action, for example: 2,4- fertilizer, simply add the “Express” directly to the liquid D ester, MCPA ester, “Buctril”, or “Bronate”. DO NOT fertilizer with the agitator running (for at least 3 to 5 tank mix with Hoelon[7] 3EC as grass weed control may be minutes). For fertilizer solutions that contain more than just reduced. nitrogen, for example 10-34-0, slurry the desired amount of “Express” in a clean bucket using water until a flowable Always mix “Express” in water PRIOR to adding other mixture is produced. Add this slurry to the agitating spray products, including surfactants. When mixing “Express” in tank of liquid nitrogen fertilizer solution. Thoroughly rinse liquid nitrogen fertilizer solutions (for example 28-0-0, 32- all of the “Express” slurry into the spray tank. Do not use 0-0), simply add the “Express” directly to the liquid fertil- “Express” in liquid fertilizer solutions of less than pH 3.0. izer with the agitator running. Run a tank mix compatibility test before mixing “Express” Refer to SPRAY PREPARATION for further information. in fertilizer solution. If 2,4-D is included in “Express” and Tank mixes of “Express” plus “Banvel”/“Banvel” SGF may liquid fertilizer mixture, ester formulations are generally result in reduced control of some broadleaf weeds. more compatible. Tank mixes of “Express” plus metribuzin may result in Use 0.06 - 0.25% vol/vol surfactant (1/2 pint - 1 quart per reduced control of wild garlic. 100 gallons of spray solution) when applying “Express” in liquid nitrogen fertilizer solution. “Express” may be tank mixed or used sequentially with insecticides registered for use on cereal grains. However, Use of “Express” and a surfactant in liquid nitrogen fertil- under certain conditions (drought stress, crop in 2-4 leaf izer solutions may cause early, temporary crop injury stage), tank mixes or sequential applications of “Express” (discoloration and stunting). plus organophosphate insecticides (such as parathion) may When the spray solution contains liquid nitrogen fertilizer, produce temporary crop yellowing or, in severe cases, crop the weight per gallon of solution varies significantly from injury. Limit first use to a small area before treating large the weight of water (8.34 lbs per USA gallon). areas. Consequently, liquid nitrogen fertilizer spray solutions must 53 use the appropriate conversion in order to insure proper NOTES: spray volume. See EQUIPMENT-SPRAY VOLUMES for 1. A steam cleaning of aerial spray tanks is recommended further information. prior to performing the above cleanout procedure to facil- CROP ROTATION itate the removal of any caked deposits. Any crop may be planted 60 days after the application of 2. When “Express” is tank mixed with other pesticides, all “Express”. cleanout procedures should be examined and the most rigorous procedure should be followed. SPRAYER CLEANUP 3. In addition to this cleanout procedure, all precleanout AT THE END OF THE DAY guidelines on subsequently applied products should be It is recommended that during periods when multiple loads followed as per the individual labels. of “Express” herbicide when applied, at the end of each day 4. Where routine spraying practices include shared of spraying rinse the interior of the tank with fresh water, equipment frequently being switched between applica- then partially fill the tank and flush the boom and hoses. tions of “Express” and applications to sensitive crops This will prevent the buildup of dried pesticide deposits during the same spray season, it is recommended a which can accumulate in the application equipment. sprayer be dedicated to “Express” to further reduce the chance of crop injury. AFTER SPRAYING “EXPRESS” AND BEFORE SPRAYING CROPS OTHER THAN WHEAT OR 5. Since the presence of tank-mix partners can interfere with BARLEY the dispersion of “Express” when multiple tank loads of the same mix are being prepared, preslurry “Express” in a To avoid subsequent injury to desirable crops, thoroughly dedicated container of clean water prior to adding to the clean all mixing and spray equipment immediately tank. following applications of “Express” as follows: 1. Drain tank; thoroughly rinse spray tanks, boom, and hoses PRECAUTIONS with clean water. Loosen and physically remove any The total rate of “Express” cannot exceed l/3 ounce product visible deposits. per acre applied to any one crop during one growing season. 2. Fill the tank with clean water and one gallon of household Do not harvest sooner than 45 days after the last application ammonia* (contains 3% active) for every 100 gallons of of “Express”. water. Flush the hoses, boom and nozzles with the Do not graze or feed forage or hay from treated areas to cleaning solution. Then add more water to completely fill livestock (harvested straw may be used for bedding and/or the tank. Circulate the cleaning solution through the tank feed). and hoses for at-least 15 minutes. Again flush the hoses, Do not plant to any crop other than wheat or barley for 60 boom and nozzles with the cleaning solution and then drain the tank. days after application of “Express”. Varieties of wheat (including durum) and barley differ in 3. Remove the nozzles and screens and clean separately in a their tolerance to herbicides. When using “Express” for the bucket containing cleaning agent and water. first time on a particular variety, limit initial use to one 10 4. Repeat step 2. oz canister. If no symptoms of crop injury occur within 14 5. Rinse the tank, boom and hoses with clean water. days after treatment, balance of acreage can be treated. 6. The rinsate may be disposed of on site or at an approved Do not apply to wheat or barley that is stressed by severe waste disposal facility. winter, drought (including low levels of subsoil moisture), * Equivalent amounts of an alternate strength ammonia water-saturated soil, disease or insect damage as crop injury solution or a Du Pont approved cleaner (listed below) can may result. Under certain conditions such as prolonged be use in the cleanout procedure. Carefully read and cool weather (daily high temperature less than 50 Deg.F.) or follow the individual cleaner instructions. wide fluctuations in day/night temperatures just prior to or soon after treatment, temporary yellowing and/or crop Du Pont approved cleaners: stunting may occur. Risk of injury is greatest when crop is - Protank Cleaner-Manufactured for Cenex/Land in the 2 to 5-leaf stage. O’Lakes Agronomy Co. Do not apply to wheat or barley crops underseeded with - Chem-Tank Cleaner & Neutralizer-Manufactured by another crop. Farmbelt Chemicals, Inc. “Express” is only registered on wheat and barley. Do not - Incide-Out[8] use on any other crop. - Nutra-Sol-Compounded for Thomas G. Kilfoil Co., For ground applications applied to weeds when dry, dusty Inc., San Bruno, CA field conditions exist, control of weeds in wheel track areas - Tank and Equipment Cleaner-Manufactured by may be reduced. Loveland Industries, Inc., Tank mix applications of “Express” plus “Assert” may - Tank-Aid -Manufactured for Combelt Chemical cause temporary crop discoloration/stunting or injury when Company heavy rainfall occurs shortly after application. 54 STORAGE AND DISPOSAL STORAGE: Store product in original container only, away from other pesticides, fertilizer, food or feed. PRODUCT DISPOSAL: Do not contaminate water, food or feed by storage or disposal. Waste resulting from the use of this product may be disposed of on site or at an approved waste disposal facility. CONTAINER DISPOSAL: Triple-rinse (or equiva- lent). Then offer for recycling or reconditioning, or puncture and dispose of in a sanitary landfill, or incin- eration, or, if allowed by state and local authorities, by burning. If burned, stay out of smoke.

NOTICE TO BUYER: Purchase of this material does not confer any rights under patents of countries outside of the United States.

NOTICE OF WARRANTY Du Pont warrants that this product conforms to the chemical description on the label thereof and is reason- ably fit for purposes stated on such label only when used in accordance with directions under normal use conditions. It is impossible to eliminate all risks inher- ently associated with the use of this product. Crop injury, ineffectiveness, or other unintended conse- quences may result because of such factors as weather conditions, presence of other materials, or the manner of use or application, all of which are beyond the control of Du Pont. In no case shall Du Pont be liable for consequential, special or indirect damages resulting from the use or handling of this product. All such risks shall be assumed by the buyer. DU PONT MAKES NO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE NOR ANY OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY EXCEPT AS STATED ABOVE.

Registered trademarks of: [ 1 ]Sandoz Crop Protection Corporation. [2]Rhone - Poulenc Ag Company. [3]The Dow Chemical Company. [4]Delavan Corporation. [5]American Cyanamid Company. [6]D. AND W. INDUSTRIES. [7]Hoechst-Roussel Agri-Vet Company. [8]Precision Laboratories, Inc. AG-7668 9063 6/24/93

1991 E.I. DUPONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY, AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, WILMINGTON, DELAWARE 19898

55 Protecting Your well known. The main reason for this Body and the unknown is that it may take 40 to 50 years of chronic exposure to result Environment Using Pesticides Safely in a disease, e.g., some form of can- cer, or other reaction such as allergic There are two good reasons for sensitization—the development of al- using pesticides safely: lergies to pesticides or chemicals used 1. to keep yourself and other peo- in the formulation of pesticides. A ple from being poisoned, and further complication is that we are 2. to avoid harming the chronically exposed to many other environment. chemicals which, perhaps, cause the same symptoms. Protecting Humans Whether the exposure is acute or chronic, there are three routes of ex- Most pesticides can cause severe posure. These are ORAL, DERMAL illness, or even death, if misused. But and RESPIRATORY. every registered pesticide can be used Oral exposure may occur because safely if you use it correctly. of an accident, but it is more likely to Children under 10 are the victims be the result of carelessness. Blowing of at least half of the accidental pesti- out a plugged nozzle with your cide deaths in this country. If pesti- mouth, smoking or eating without cides were always cared for correctly, washing contaminated hands, or children would never touch them. eating food that has been recently Many accidental pesticide deaths sprayed with a pesticide can result are caused by eating or drinking the in oral exposure. product. But some mixers, loaders, The acute oral LD ratings shown and applicators die or are injured 50 below range from extremely toxic when they breathe a pesticide vapor to slightly toxic. The probable lethal Table: Acute Oral LD50 Ratings or get a pesticide on their skin. Re- dose for a 150 pound adult varies Acute oral Probable Lethal dose, peated exposure to small amounts from a few drops to more than LD 150 pound adult of some pesticides can cause sudden 50 2 pounds. 5 ...... few drops severe illness. 50 ...... l teaspoonful Dermal exposure is skin contami- 500 ...... 2 tablespoonsful Pesticide Exposure nation. It can occur anytime a pesti- 1,500 ...... 1 pound Pesticide exposure is divided into cide is mixed, applied, or handled, 5,000 ...... 2 pounds two, time related, categories: ACUTE and it is often undetected. Its serious- and CHRONIC. ness depends upon: Acute exposure is when the 1. the dermal toxicity of the amount of pesticide getting on or material; Scalp, 32.1% in the body from a single exposure 2. the rate of absorption through Forehead, 36.3% (eg. spill or splash) is great enough to the skin; Ear canal, 46.5% cause signs and symptoms of poison- 3. the size of the skin area contami- ing. Onset of symptoms after expo- nated; and Abdomen, sure may range from almost immedi- 4. the length of time the material 18.4% Forearm, 8.6% ately to 12 hours after termination of is in contact with the skin. exposure depending on the particular Scrotal Area, Palm, 11.8% 100% pesticide involved. Chronic exposure is when the amount of pesticide getting on or in the body is at such a low level Ball of foot, 13.5% (amount) that signs and symptoms (of acute poisoning) are not present. Parathion absorption in percent through the skin on various body areas. Chronic exposure takes place over a long period, month after month or Protective Clothing year after year. The health effects of chronic exposure to pesticides are not

56 Protecting Your Dermal absorption is the most while applying them without protec- Body and the common route of exposure although tive equipment, and inhaling fumes the rate of absorption is higher for a immediately after applying a pesti- Environment given amount of chemical in the sen- cide. Fumigants produce toxic vapors sitive tissues of the respiratory and and the primary means of exposure digestive tracts. is by inhalation. Rates of absorption through the skin are different for different parts of Protecting Your Body the body. The figure (on page 56) shows this variation. To prevent a pesticide from enter- The results show that parathion, ing the body (through the skin, by for example, is absorbed at different swallowing it, or by inhaling it), you rates on various areas of the body must wear protective clothing and and that protective clothing must be use proper equipment. No safety rec- worn to prevent skin exposure. ommendations can cover all situa- Special care should be given to pro- tions. Your common sense should tell tect the scalp, ear canal and forehead. you to use more protection as the The pesticide label The abdominal area and belt (or hazard increases. will tell you the kind of protection waist) line should be protected to you need. prevent chemical access to the scro- tum and lightweight natural rubber Remember to bathe, using a deter- gloves and boots should be worn to gent, when you finish working with protect the hands and feet. pesticides or pesticide-contaminated Absorption through the skin in the equipment. Any time you spill a pes- scrotal area is rapid enough to ap- ticide on yourself, wash immediately. proximate the effect of injecting the pesticide directly into the blood- Protective Clothing stream. At this rate, the absorption Body Covering—Any time you of pesticide through the skin into the handle pesticides, you should wear bloodstream is more dangerous than at least a long-sleeved shirt and long- swallowing it. legged trousers, or a coverall-type Absorption continues to take place garment, and shoes and socks. through all the affected skin area as They should be made of closely long as the pesticide is in contact with woven fabric. Fabric protectants, e.g.. the skin. The seriousness of the expo- Scotch guard, can increase the repel- sure is increased if the contaminated lent ability of the fabric to spills and Coveralls area is large, or if the material re- splashes yet allow the fabric to mains on the skin for a long time. breathe. However, retreatment of the Respiratory exposure results from fabric is necessary after two to three breathing pesticide vapors, dust, or washings. When handling pesticide spray particles. Like oral and dermal concentrates or very toxic materials, exposure, inhalation exposure is you also should wear a liquid-proof more serious with some pesticides raincoat or apron. Wear trousers out- than with others. side of the boots to keep pesticides Poisoning through the lungs is from getting inside. Follow the label more common in confined areas such with regard to protective clothing re- as greenhouses than it is outdoors be- Hard Hat quirements when working with all cause the pesticide is kept inside the pesticides including fumigants. structure. Poisoning can occur out- Hat—Wear something to protect doors if the concentration of material your head. A wide-brimmed, water- is high or a highly volatile material is proof hat will protect your neck, eyes, used. mouth, and face. It should not have Inhalation exposure can occur from a cloth or leather sweatband. These Gloves the applicator smoking, breathing sweatbands are hard to clean if chem- smoke from burning containers, icals get on them. Plastic “hard hats” breathing fumes from pesticides with plastic sweatbands are good.

57 Protecting Your Body and the They are waterproof and are cool The inhaled air comes through in hot weather. both a filter pad and a cartridge made Environment Boots—Wear unlined neoprene to absorb pesticide vapors. Most boots except when applying fumi- harmful vapors, gases, and particles gants. Check label instructions. are removed. The half-face masks Goggles or Face Shield—Wear cover the mouth and nose. To cover goggles or a face shield when there is the eyes also, use one that is com- any chance of getting pesticides in bined with goggles or wear separate your eyes. Your eyes will absorb goggles. many pesticides. You can wear gog- Chemical Canister Respirator (Gas gles alone or with a respirator. Mask)—You should wear this kind of Care of Clothing—Wear clean respirator when you are exposed to a clothing daily. If clothes get wet with continuous concentration of a toxic spray, change them right away. If pesticide. they get wet with pesticide concen- Canister-type gas masks usually trates or highly toxic pesticides, de- protect the face better than cartridge stroy them. They can not be cleaned types. Canisters have longer lasting by normal methods. Protective cloth- absorbing materials and filters than Cartridge Respirator ing contaminated by fumigants cartridge respirators. Neither type should be thoroughly aired and then respirator will protect you during laundered. Do not store or wash con- abnormally high fumigant concentra- taminated clothing with the family tions or when the oxygen supply is laundry. Wash hats, gloves, and low. Fumigant labeling provides spe- boots daily, inside and out. Hang cific requirements for monitoring gas them to dry. Test gloves for leaks by concentrations and respiratory pro- filling them with water and gently tection for the various fumigants. squeezing. Supplied Air Respirator—You Wash goggles or face shields at should use this kind of respirator Canister Respirator least once a day. Elastic fabric head- when mixing or applying pesticides: bands often absorb pesticides and are ■ when the oxygen supply is low, difficult to clean. Have some spares e.g., in a silo so you can replace them often, or use ■ when you are exposed to high neoprene headbands. concentrations of highly toxic pesticides in enclosed areas, as in Respiratory Protective Devices fumigation, e.g., in a grain bin, or ■ when your work can be done The respiratory tract—the lungs close to a supply of clean air. and other parts of the breathing Clean air is pumped through a system—is much more absorbent hose to the face mask. Supplied Air than the skin. You must wear an ap- Self-Contained Breathing Respirator proved respiratory device when the Apparatus—You should wear this label directs you to do so. Follow the kind of respirator under the same label instructions on respiratory conditions as the supplied air respira- protection. tor. The difference is that you carry You probably will need a respirator cylinders of air or oxygen with you, if you will be exposed to a pesticide usually on your back. This lets you for a long time, if the pesticide you move more freely and over a wider are using is highly toxic, or if you are area than you can with a supplied air working in an enclosed area. respirator. Chemical Cartridge Respirator— Selection and Maintenance— You should wear this kind of respira- Specific types of cartridges and canis- Self-contained tor when you are exposed to intermit- Breathing ters protect against specific chemical Apparatus tent concentrations of a toxic pesti- gases and vapors. Be sure you choose cide. Cartridge respirators will not one made for the pesticides you are Respiratory Protective Devices protect you during fumigation or using. Use only those approved by the when the oxygen supply is low, as in National Institute for Occupational a silo.

58 Protecting Your Safety and Health (NIOSH), or the pests. Safe and proper use of pesti- Body and the Mining Enforcement and Safety cides depends upon a knowledge of Administration (MESA). their toxic properties and a respect Environment The respirator must fit the face for the potential hazards associated well. Long sideburns, a beard, or with their use. glasses may prevent a good seal. Read the manufacturer’s instructions Toxicity on the use and care of any respirator and its parts before you use it. Toxicity is the inherent capacity When applying pesticides, change of a pesticide to produce injury or filters, cartridges, and canisters if you death. If you know the toxicity of a have trouble breathing, or if you pesticide, you will know what pre- smell pesticides. Remove and discard cautions to take. filters, cartridges, and canisters after Tests are performed with each pes- use as you would excess pesticides. ticide to determine the toxicity to rats, Then wash the face piece with deter- rabbits, guinea pigs, or other animals. gent and water, rinse it, and dry it These tests are helpful in determining with a clean cloth. Store it in a clean, how hazardous the pesticide prob- dry place away from pesticides. ably would be to humans. The useful life of a cartridge or can- In oral tests, the animal is given ister depends on: quantities of the pesticide by mouth ■ the amount of absorbent material, according to the animal’s body ■ the concentration of contami- weight. The dose is increased until nants in the air, the dose that will kill 50 percent of ■ the breathing rate of the wearer, the test animals is found. This lethal and dose is called “Oral LD50.” The dose is ■ the temperature and humidity. expressed in milligrams per kilogram As a rule of thumb, the cartridge of body weight (mg/kg). The lower should be changed after eight hours the LD50 number, the more toxic the of use or unprotected exposure to the pesticide. air (keep in a sealed plastic bag be- In dermal tests, the pesticide is tween uses) because there is no way placed on the skin of the test animal of knowing when it will fail. Discard and covered with a bandage so that it any canister that has been used for will remain on the skin for 24 hours. more than 30 minutes in a fumigant If 100 milligrams of the pesticide are atmosphere. required to kill 5 out of 10 test ani- mals weighing one kilogram, the Dermal LD is 100. Worker Protection 50 In inhalation tests, the test animals Due to the newly revised Worker are placed in an airtight container Protection Standard, personal protec- with specific quantities of the pesti- tive equipment (PPE) requirements cide. The animals remain in the con- on labels will become more specific. tainer for one hour. Inhalation values,

Based on the toxicity of the product, called LC50s, are measured in micro- long-sleeved shirts, coveralls, aprons, grams per liter (ug/l). The LC50 is the or other PPE may be required. It is lethal concentration that will kill more important than ever to carefully 50 percent of the test animals. read the label to determine the PPE is LC50 also refers to toxicities to fish in required. For additional information, water, and is expressed in parts per refer to the chapter on “Labels and million (ppm). Labeling” in this manual. Hazard Toxicity and Hazard Hazard and toxicity are not the Pesticides are poisonous. They same. Hazard is a combination of tox- have to be poisonous to kill undesir- icity and exposure. It is the potential able plants, insects, diseases, or other

59 Protecting Your Body and the threat that injury will result from the farmer, such a program would likely use of a pesticide in a particular for- consist of one (initial) cholinesterase Environment mulation or quantity. test to determine his “base line level.” Some hazards do not involve toxi- This test should be done in the “off city to humans or other animals. For season” (e.g., January or February). example; sulfur, oils, and numerous Then, when the pesticides are be- other chemicals are considered safe, ing used during the summer, similar or relatively safe, to animals but may tests are done on the individual and cause considerable injury to some the results compared with the base plants. line level of cholinesterase. Through A compound may be extremely this testing procedure, the pesticide toxic but present little hazard when user can be made aware of his chol- used: inesterase level during the time of 1. in a very dilute formulation, year when he is exposed to pesti- 2. in a formulation that is not read- cides. When cholinesterase levels are ily inhaled or absorbed through depressed to a given level, the doctor the skin, may advise that the individual limit 3. only occasionally and under con- or possibly completely stop his expo- ditions in which humans are pro- sure to these pesticides until the tected with protective equipment cholinesterase level returns toward and clothing, and “normal.” 4. only by knowledgeable applica- Doctors should arrange for their pa- tors who are properly equipped tients to have these tests and may ob- to handle the chemical safely. tain additional information through Conversely, a chemical may be rel- their state health department. atively nontoxic but present a hazard because it is normally used in a con- centrated form that may be readily Symptoms of absorbed or inhaled. Or it may be Pesticide Poisoning used by a nonprofessional, such as a You should know what kinds of home gardener, who is not aware of sickness are caused by the pesticides the possible hazards to which he is you use. You also should know the being exposed. conditions under which each one all You should help prevent acci- may make you sick. dents with pesticides by using and There are two kinds of clues to pes- storing pesticides away from children ticide poisoning. Some are feelings and other untrained persons, and by that only the person who has been taking care to follow directions when poisoned can notice—such as nausea using them. or headache. These are symptoms. Products for restricted use need Others, like vomiting, also can be special care. The label is your guide. noticed by someone else. These are signs. Learn to recognize: Cholinesterase Tests ■ what your own feelings might mean, and Cholinesterase is an enzyme ■ what signs of poisoning to look needed in the nervous system. Re- for in your co-workers and peated exposure to the organophos- others who may have been phate and carbamate pesticides can exposed. lower this enzyme level and cause All pesticides in the same chemical poisoning. group cause the same kind of sick- Persons who work with organo- ness. This sickness may be mild or se- phosphates or carbamates for an ex- vere, depending on the pesticide and tended time during the year (farmers, the amount absorbed. But the pattern pesticide applicators, pesticide manu- of illness caused by one type of pesti- facturers, formulators, etc.) should es- Doctor’s Office cide is always the same. Having some tablish a regular cholinesterase test- of the signs and symptoms does not ing program with their doctor. For a

60 Protecting Your ■ always mean you have been poi- muscle twitches, Body and the soned. Other kinds of sickness may ■ secretions from mouth and nose, ■ cause similar signs and symptoms. breathing difficulty, and Environment Headache and a feeling of being un- ■ death if not treated. well, for example, may signal the Illness may be delayed a few hours. start of many kinds of illness. It is the But if signs or symptoms start more pattern of symptoms that makes it pos- than 12 hours after you were exposed sible to tell one kind of sickness from to the pesticide, you probably have another. Contact your doctor immedi- some other illness. Check with your ately if you or your co-worker have symp- physician to be sure. toms or signs of pesticide poisonings which occur after using a pesticide. Take Carbamates the label of the pesticide with you when you go to the doctor. Carbamates act almost like organo- Most chemical manufacturers are phosphates. They produce the same equipped to provide emergency in- signs and symptoms. But the injury formation on their products. Manu- they cause can be corrected more eas- facturers may be contacted through ily by a physician. For this reason, CHEMTREC. For help in a Chemical most carbamates are safer than or- Emergency Involving a Spill, Leak, ganophosphates. The label will warn Fire, or Exposure, Call Day or Night you of the danger. Examples include, CHEMTREC—(800) 424-9300 Temik, Furadan, Sevin, Vydate, and (TOLL FREE). methomyl.

Insecticides Organochlorines Organophosphates Not many organochlorines (chlori- nated hydrocarbons) have poisoned These pesticides affect the nervous applicators. Examples are endrin, system. The signs and symptoms go aldrin, endosulfan (Thiodan), dield- through stages. Some common exam- rin, toxaphene, lindane, and chlor- ples are parathion, methyl parathion, dane. EPA has sharply curtailed use Di-Syston, Phosdrin, Counter, Dia- of many of these products. zinon, Thimet, and malathion. They Early signs and symptoms of poi- normally occur in this order: soning include: Mild Poisoning ■ headache. ■ fatigue, ■ nausea, ■ headache, ■ vomiting, ■ dizziness, ■ general discomfort, and ■ blurred vision, ■ dizziness. ■ too much sweating and With more severe poisoning, con- salivation, vulsions follow. They may even ap- ■ nausea and vomiting, and pear without the warning symptoms. ■ stomach cramps or diarrhea. Coma may follow the convulsions. Moderate Poisoning The person also may be unusually ■ unable to walk, excited or irritable. ■ weakness, ■ chest discomfort, Pyrethroids ■ muscle twitches, Pyrethroid insecticides began enter- ■ constriction of pupil of the eye, ing the market place in the early 1980s and and increased dramatically by the end ■ earlier symptoms become more of the decade. They are similar, in severe. many respects, to the naturally occur- Severe Poisoning ring pyrethrins but are chemically ■ unconsciousness, modified to increase their stability ■ severe constriction of pupil of under environmental use conditions. eye, 61 Protecting Your Body and the Pyrethroids are effective at very erately irritating to skin, eyes, and low use rates and are effective against respiratory and stomach linings. Environment a wide range of insect pests. In gen- These compounds are absorbed eral, pyrethroids are low in toxicity through the gut wall, lungs, and skin. to humans. Excretion in the urine occurs within Extraordinary absorbed amounts hours, or at most, days. (doses) of pyrethroids may cause: The signs and symptoms of phe- ■ incoordination noxy compounds are moderately irri- ■ tremors tating to skin and mucous mem- ■ salivation branes. Inhalation of sprays may ■ vomiting cause burning sensations in the chest ■ diarrhea, and and coughing may result. Swallow- ■ irritability to sound and touch. ing of very large amounts has pro- Extreme doses have caused con- duced fever, hyperventilation and vulsions in laboratory animals. sweating. Examples of pyrethroids are fen- valerate (Pydrin, Ectrin), permethrin Thiocarbamates (Ambush, Pounce, Ectiban, Atroban), cypermethrin (Ammo, Cymbush, This class of chemicals includes Demon, Ripcord), flucythrinate (Pay- many herbicides. Herbicides of this off), fluvalinate (Mavrik), and cyflu- group include butylate, vernolate, thrin (Tempo). and EPTC. Although these chemicals are simi- lar, they are metabolized differently Fungicides by animals and effects on human Dithiocarbamates health are also different. Thiocarba- mate herbicides do not appear to be This class of chemicals includes highly toxic. many fungicides, such as thiram, Signs and symptoms of thiocarba- ferbam, maneb, and mancozeb. mates are moderate irritation to eyes Although these chemicals are similar, and some irritate the skin and cause they are metabolized differently by itching, sneezing and coughing. animals and effects on human health are also different. Thiram and ferbam irritate the skin and mucous mem- Paraquat and Diquat brane. Maneb and mancozeb degrade Herbicides and products in this in the environment and in animal tis- group include paraquat (Gramoxone sues to a compound that apparently Extra or Cyclone) and diquat causes cancer in laboratory animals. (Diquat). Signs and symptoms depend on These chemicals injure the skin, the chemical and route of exposure. nails, cornea, liver, kidney and lin- Skin irritation may result from con- ings of the gastrointestinal and respi- tact with thiram and ferbam. Swal- ratory tracts. Contact with the con- lowing large amounts of one of these centrate may cause irritation and fis- pesticides may produce nausea, vom- suring of the skin of the hands, and iting, and diarrhea. If excessive cracking and sometimes loss of the amounts of spray or dust are inhaled, fingernails. When absorbed by inges- maneb and mancozeb irritate the skin tion, paraquat damages the liver and and cause itching, sneezing and kidney. Diquat appears less likely coughing. than paraquat to cause death. Signs and symptoms for ingested Herbicides paraquat are: ■ pain, Phenoxy Compounds ■ nausea, Herbicides in this group include ■ vomiting, and 2,4-D and 2,4-DB. Some of the phe- ■ diarrhea. noxy acids, salts, and esters are mod-

62 Protecting Your For diquat ingestion Some other plant-derived pesticides Body and the ■ intense nausea, are strychnine, rotenone, and red ■ vomiting, and squill. Environment ■ diarrhea. Fumigants Rodenticides Examples are phosphine (gener- Rodenticides include both single- ated by aluminum or magnesium dose and multiple-dose toxicants. The phosphide, e.g., Phostoxin, Detia, multiple-dose rodenticides are pri- Fumitoxin, Gastoxin, Weevilcide), marily anticoagulant compounds that methyl bromide, and chloropicrin. cause death through internal bleed- Fumigants have the ability to pene- ing and organ damage following sev- trate lining membranes of the respira- eral days of consumption. Some of tory and gastrointestinal tracts and the newer anticoagulant compounds, the skin. They may also penetrate or however, can cause death after only a be absorbed by the rubber and/or single dose. plastics used in protective clothing The single-dose rodenticides in- but are not effectively taken up by the clude zinc phosphide, cholecalciferol absorbents used in ordinary respira- (Quintox), strychnine, and the second tors. Inhaling is obviously the com- generation anticoagulants brodifa- mon route of absorption. coum (Havoc, Talon) and bromadi- Signs and symptoms of fumigant olone (Maki, Contrac). exposure depend on the various The multiple-dose rodenticides in- chemicals. In general, respiratory clude the hydroxycoumarins such as tract irritation is the most common warfarin and fumarin; and the indan- injury caused by fumigants. diones such as diphacinone (Ramik), CHLOROPICRIN (tear gas): chlorophacinone (RoZol) and Pival. Acute symptoms Signs and symptoms: very small ■ eye and respiratory irritation amounts of the extremely toxic com- ■ breathing difficulty, coughing pound—zinc phosphide—can cause ■ nausea, vomiting fatal poisoning. Strychnine is also ex- ■ weakness, rapid unconscious- tremely toxic, but human poisoning ness and death with this compound is rare because Chronic symptoms—none known. of its bitter taste. Havoc, Talon and Severe burns can occur with pro- the multiple-dose (anticoagulant) ro- longed skin contact. denticides present relatively less toxic METHYL BROMIDE: hazard to humans and domestic Acute symptoms animals. ■ headache ■ nausea, vomiting Inorganic Pesticides ■ staggers Large single doses of most inor- ■ visual problems ganic pesticides cause vomiting and ■ slurred speech stomach pain. The signs and symp- ■ convulsions and death toms depend on the mineral from Chronic symptoms which the pesticide is made. ■ tremors (shakes) ■ vision problems ■ Plant-derived Pesticides numbness of arms and legs ■ speech problems Some plant-derived pesticides are ■ mental confusion very toxic. Technical pyrethrum may Severe burns can occur with pro- cause allergic reactions. Some roten- longed skin contact. one dusts irritate the respiratory tract. Nicotine is a fast-acting nerve poison about as dangerous as parathion.

63 Protecting Your PHOSPHINE: Body and the Fumigation is the use of chemicals Acute symptoms which volatilize to form toxic vapors ■ Environment headache or gases used to kill insect pests. ■ giddiness These gases (fumigants) are also toxic ■ faintness to humans. Fumigants penetrate ■ nausea cracks, crevices, and the commodity ■ discomfort in chest being treated. They must be retained Chronic symptoms—none known. within a confined space (grain bin or The severe irritation caused by under a gas tight sheet) at a toxic con- chloropicrin makes it unlikely that centration for a minimum period of exposed persons would voluntarily time to effectively kill the insects. inhale sufficient gas to cause lung Fumigants do not provide any resid- damage. Methyl bromide and phos- ual protection, so reinfestation can phine are generally not irritating to occur immediately after the grain or the nose and throat but cause serious other treated product has been “aired injury to the cells lining the fine air out” or the gas concentration falls sacs of the lung and are more likely below the lethal level. READ to cause lung damage. In varying de- AND FOLLOW ALL LABEL grees, fumigants depress the central DIRECTIONS. nervous system and cause difficulty Several factors can alter the effec- in breathing or total stoppage of tiveness of fumigants. They include: breath resulting in death. ■ temperature of the commodity, ■ moisture of the grain, ■ pest or pest complex present, Fumigation and Fumigation of farm stored grain ■ structure of the bin. has been dramatically changed by the EPA cancellation of traditional liquid Pre-Application grain fumigants and the enactment of new, stringent regulations governing Fully understand the facility—bin usage of the remaining products. or elevator—and its surroundings in The following total grain handling preparation for fumigation. The fol- some procedures are more important than lowing are of the major consid- ever: erations before fumigating. ■ ■ pre-harvest preparation of the Can some other method of con- bins, including cleaning, repair- trol be used? Is fumigation really ing, and application of residual the best method? ■ sprays. Remember the first cou- Does the design and construction ple of bushels “scoured” out of insure the gas-tightness of the the harvesting machinery may be structure being fumigated? What infested from previous crops and is the volume of the structure should not be placed in storage. and amount of commodity to be ■ harvest operations, including fumigated? ■ properly adjusted harvest, and Are there connecting buildings conveying equipment, visually or offices with persons or com- checking incoming grain, use modities that might be affected grain protectant sprays in incom- by the fumigant gases? Where ing grain, and moisture sampl- will vented gases go when ing; and released? ■ ■ post harvest operations, includ- Have you selected the best fumi- ing regular grain inspections for gant for the job and READ ALL insects and spoilage; monitoring LABEL DIRECTIONS. ■ of grain temperatures at several Are you certified and properly locations within the mass; proper trained in fumigation procedures use of aeration; and fumigation if and do you have all the required necessary. safety and gas detection equipment?

64 Protecting Your ■ Post-Application Do you really want the liability Body and the that goes along with conducting Before re-entry, a suitable gas de- the fumigation yourself? Com- tector (by law) must be used to deter- Environment mercial fumigators often guaran- mine whether gas concentrations are tee their work and immediate re- below hazardous levels. Wear correct treatment to correct a poor kill is respiratory protection when taking often done at little or no addi- gas readings. Make a written record tional cost to you. If you treat the of all steps taken and gas concentra- grain or structure yourself there tions observed for future reference. is no guarantee. DO NOT DEPEND ON ODORS. Some fumigant gases are odorless. Application ■ Turn on all ventilating or aerat- ing fans. Everyone involved in the fumiga- ■ Check for gas concentrations in tion should be trained in fumigation areas that are expected to aerate procedures and be familiar with first slowly. aid and other emergency procedures. ■ FUMIGANTS ARE RESTRICTED Remove warning signs when the USE PESTICIDES. gas concentration is within safe limits for human exposure. ■ Follow label directions exactly ■ Remove and dispose of any when applying a fumigant. Cal- packaging and waste products culate the quantity needed and of solid fumigants according to apply it according to label direc- label directions. tions. Consider prevailing winds On those occasions when a fumi- and other pertinent weather fac- gated area must be entered, a self tors such as temperature and contained breathing apparatus humidity. (SCAB) consisting of a tank of air and ■ Monitor gas concentrations dur- a full face mask must be worn when ing the application to insure that the concentration of gas is unknown allowable exposure levels are not or is above that safe for use of canis- exceeded. ter masks or for human exposure. ■ When applying a fumigant from inside the structure being fumi- gated (such as in a grain bin) two Pesticide Accidents trained persons are required. At If a pesticide spill or accident oc- least one of the applicators must curs, you should: be certified (preferably both). ■ get medical attention if there are ■ Proper respiratory protection any poisoned victims. must be available to applicators. ■ give first aid to help a victim ■ All fumigated areas should be while help is on its way. posted with warning signs ■ rope off the area of the spill. bearing the skull and crossbones ■ call the chemical company who and signal word DANGER and manufactured the product. other required information i.e. If the manufacturer is not known name of person fumigating, type or several chemicals are involved, get of fumigant, date of fumigation, as much information as you can, e.g., etc. Entrances should be secured type of pesticide, location, type of ac- by locks or guards as cident, approximate amount of pesti- appropriate. cide involved, and any other informa- ■ Be aware of any indications of ill- tion which you think will aid in solv- ness or physical discomfort (diz- ing the problem, and call ziness, nausea, headache, or lack CHEMTREC, the National Agri- of coordination) no matter how cultural Chemicals Association minor they seem. Do not con- Pesticide Safety Team Network, sume alcohol for 24 hours before 1-800-424-9300. or after fumigating.

65 Protecting Your ■ Body and the Notify the U.S. Environmental open, wash his eyes with a gentle Protection Agency, 913-551-7030. stream of clean, running water for ■ Environment Notify the Kansas Department of 15 minutes or longer. Do not use Agriculture (the state pesticide chemicals or drugs in the wash water. regulatory agency), 785-296-3786. They may increase the extent of the ■ Notify the Kansas Department injury. of Health and Environment, 785-296-1600. Inhaled Poison ■ Notify your county agent. If the victim is in an enclosed space, do not go in after him without Treatment of an air-supplied respirator. Open all Pesticide Poisoning doors and windows. Carry the victim (do not let him walk) into the fresh First aid is the initial effort to help air immediately. Loosen the victim’s a victim while medical help is on the clothing. Apply artificial respiration way. The first step in any poisoning if his breathing has stopped or is ir- emergency is to call an ambulance or regular, and keep him as quiet as doctor except when you are alone possible. with the victim. Then you must make If the victim is convulsing, watch certain that the victim is breathing his breathing and protect him from and is not further exposed before call- falling and striking his head. Keep ing an ambulance or a doctor. his chin up so that his air passage will The label of the pesticide responsi- remain free for breathing. Prevent ble for the poisoning should always chilling. Wrap the victim in blankets be saved for the doctor. FIRST AID DOES NOT REPLACE PROPER but don’t allow him to become MEDICAL TREATMENT! overheated. While waiting for the ambulance or doctor, follow the proper first-aid Swallowed Poison procedures for poison on the skin, The best first-aid treatment for a in the eyes, inhaled, or swallowed. person who has swallowed a pesti- These procedures are described cide is to give him large amounts of below. plain water or milk. Give 1 to 2 cups for victims up to 5 years of age, and Poison on the Skin up to 1 quart for victims 5 years old and older. Drench the victim’s skin and cloth- Milk is preferable to water because ing with water. The faster the poison it both dilutes and helps neutralize is washed off, the less injury will re- the poison. Water simply dilutes the sult. In an emergency, use any source poison. Diluting the poison will often of fairly clean water, such as irriga- be sufficient treatment until you can tion canals, lakes, ponds, or water get the victim to a hospital. troughs. In addition to diluting the poison Wash a chemical burn area with with milk or water, give the victim large quantities of running water, and one of the following universal anti- cover immediately with a clean, soft dotes to neutralize the effects of the cloth. Do not use ointments, greases, poison. powders, or drugs in first aid treat- For acids only. If you are sure that ment of burns. Be careful not to get the poison is an acid, give the victim any pesticide on yourself while help- milk of magnesia (1 tablespoon to ing the victim. 1 cup of water), baking soda, or chalk in water. Poison in the Eyes For alkali only. If you are sure that It is most important to wash the the poison is an alkali, give the victim eyes out as quickly but as gently as lemon juice or vinegar. possible. Holding the victim’s eyelids

66 Protecting Your For concentrated petroleum products. soning symptoms and appropriate Body and the Dilute with milk or water only. treatment and have antidotes on Universal sponges that absorb excess hand if a poisoning should occur. Environment poisons are recommended where the Get medical advice quickly if you type of poison swallowed is un- or any of your fellow workers have known. Activated charcoal (such as unusual or unexplained symptoms that used in aquarium filters) is a uni- while at work or later in the day. Do versal sponge that absorbs many poi- not allow yourself or anyone else to sons at a high rate. Mix it with water become dangerously ill before calling into a thick soup for the victim to a doctor or going to a hospital. It is drink. Grosafe, a commercial prepa- better to be too cautious than too late. ration of activated charcoal, is sold If you believe that you may have for use on pesticide spills or over- been poisoned, be sure to take the doses on crops and soil. In a poison- pesticide container (as labeled) to the ing emergency, this product may be doctor. Do not carry the pesticide substituted for a pharmaceutical container in the passenger space of grade of activated charcoal. a car or truck. A homemade universal sponge for poison is a mixture of 4 tablespoons of toast (burnt black), 2 tablespoons Heat Stress of strong tea (instant tea mix can be Heat stress is the illness that occurs used), and 2 tablespoons of milk of when your body is subjected to more magnesia. This mixture will absorb heat than it can cope with. Heat stress and neutralize most poisons. is not caused by exposure to pesti- cides but may affect pesticide han- Medical Antidotes dlers who are working in hot condi- tions. Personal protective equipment Medical antidotes are also available worn during pesticide handling activ- to neutralize the poisoning effects of ities can increase the risk of heat other pesticides. Taken improperly, stress by limiting your body’s ability however, these antidotes can be more to cool down. If you are under a dangerous than the effects of the pes- physician’s care, you should consult ticide itself. Medical antidotes should your physician before working in hot be prescribed and given only by a conditions. physician. No known antidotes exist for some pesticides. Once a lethal Signs and Symptoms dose has been ingested, the effects are of Heat Stress irreversible and terminal. REMEMBER—The pesticide label Mild forms of heat stress will make will contain directions on what to do you feel ill and impair your ability in case of a poisoning. Read the direc- to do a good job. You may get tired tions in the FIRST-AID statement on sooner, feel weak, be less alert, and each label. These instructions can be less able to use good judgment. save your life and the lives of your Severe heat stress is a serious illness. employees. Refer to the label before Unless victims are cooled down using the pesticide so that you may quickly, they can die. Severe heat be prepared in case an emergency stress is fatal to more than 10 percent arises. of its victims, even young, healthy Poison Control Centers have been adults. Many who survive suffer per- established at various locations in manent damage. Sometimes the vic- Kansas to provide pertinent informa- tims remain highly sensitive to heat tion on all types of poisoning, includ- for months and are unable to return ing pesticide poisoning. Tell your to the same work. doctor what pesticides you will be Learn the signs and symptoms of using. He can then determine the poi- heat stress and take immediate action Heat Stress to cool down if you suspect you may

67 Protecting Your Body and the be suffering from even mild heat muscles may temporarily relieve the stress. Signs and symptoms may cramps. However, if you suspect that Environment include: stomach cramps are being caused by ■ fatigue (exhaustion, muscle pesticides rather than heavy sweat- weakness), ing, get medical help right away. ■ headache, nausea, and chills, ■ dizziness and fainting, ■ severe thirst and dry mouth, Cleanup of Pesticide Spills ■ clammy skin or hot, dry skin, Minor Spills ■ heavy sweating or complete lack Keep people away from spilled chemi- of sweating, cals. Rope off the area and flag it to ■ altered behavior (confusion, warn people. Do not leave unless slurred speech, quarrelsome or someone is there to confine the spill irrational attitude). and warn of the danger. If the pesti- cide was spilled on anyone, wash it First Aid for Heat Stress off immediately. Confine the spill. If it starts to It is not always easy to tell the dif- spread, dike it up with sand or soil. ference between heat stress illness Use absorbent material such as soil, and pesticide poisoning. The signs sawdust, or an absorbent clay to soak and symptoms are similar. Don’t up the spill. Shovel all contaminated waste time trying to decide what is material into a leak-proof container causing the illness. Get medical help. for disposal. Dispose of it as you First aid measures for heat stress would a pesticide waste. Do not hose victims are similar to those for persons down the area, because this spreads who are overexposed to pesticides: the chemical. Always work carefully ■ Get the victim into a shaded or and do not hurry. cool area. ■ Do not let anyone except properly Cool victim as rapidly as possi- trained persons enter the area until the ble by sponging or splashing spill is completely cleaned up. skin, especially face, neck, hands, and forearms, with cool water or, when possible, immersing in Major Spills cool water. The cleanup of a major spill may be ■ Carefully remove all personal too difficult for you to handle, or you protective equipment and any may not be sure of what to do. In other clothing that may be mak- either case, keep people away, give ing the victim too warm, first aid if needed, and confine the ■ Have the victim, if conscious, spill. Then call CHEMTREC, the local drink as much cool water as fire department, and state pesticide possible. authorities for help. ■ Keep the victim quiet until help CHEMTREC stands for Chemical arrives. Transportation Emergency Center, a Severe heat stress or heat stroke is public service of the Manufacturing a medical emergency! Brain damage Chemicals Association. Its offices are and death may result if treatment is located in Washington, D.C. CHEM- delayed. TREC provides immediate advice for those at the scene of emergencies. Heat Cramps CHEMTREC operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to receive Heat cramps can be quite painful. calls for emergency assistance. For These muscle spasms in the legs, help in chemical emergencies involv- arms, or stomach are caused by loss ing spills, leaks, fire, or explosions, of body salt through heavy sweating. call toll-free 800-424-9300 day or To relieve cramps, have the victim night. This number is for emergencies drink lightly salted water or “sports only. drinks.” Stretching or kneading the

68 Protecting Your If a major pesticide spill occurs on Every effort should be taken to keep Body and the a highway, have someone call the other people from being exposed highway patrol or the sheriff for help. to the spill until local authorities can Environment (Carry these phone numbers with assume responsibility at the site. you.) Do not leave until responsible For all problems, accidents, or inci- help arrives. dents that occur, you should have a list of the phone numbers of these Cleanup Notification of authorities available and accessible. Pesticide Spills Pesticide Regulatory Agencies Minor Spills Department of Emergency Generally speaking, a minor spill is Management...... 785-296-3176 one involving one quart or approxi- or 1-800-905-7521 mately two pounds or less of pesti- Department of Health and cide concentrate. However, common Environment ...... 785-296-1600 sense must be used in determining Kansas Department how much action you as an individ- of Agriculture...... 785-296-3786 ual take regarding pesticide spills. For example, one quart of a highly Pesticide Emergency toxic insecticide requires more exper- Phone Numbers tise and precautions in handling cleanup and disposal than does one 1. Local Poison Control Center: ...... quart of low toxicity herbicide. 2. County Extension Agent: ...... Keeping the product toxicity in 3. Local Police Department: mind, a general procedure for clean- City ...... ing up a minor spill should be to use County ...... an absorbent such as pet litter, cover State ...... with bleach, and scrub the area with 4. Local Fire Department: ...... detergent. Then follow label state- 5. Civil Defense: ...... ments for disposal or telephone the 6. Department of Emergency State Department of Health and En- Management: ...... 785-296-3176 vironment (785-296-1600) or the State or 1-800-905-7521 Department of Agriculture (785-296- 7. Department of Health and 3786) for further instructions on Environment: ...... 785-296-1600 disposal. 8. Kansas Department of Agriculture: ...... 785-296-3786 Major Spills 9. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Pesticide spills caused by commer- Region VII Office...1- 800-223-0425 cial spray rigs, aerial spray planes, 10. Mid-America and large pesticide containers may be Poison Center ...... 1-800-222-1222 too big to be handled by one person. Before authorities arrive, get a copy There are certain procedures one of the pesticide label and if possible should follow to notify the proper determine the toxicity of the pesticide authorities. involved. Information from the label All spills should be reported by can be very helpful to the doctor. telephone to the Kansas Division of Emergency Management 785- 296-3176. If contact cannot be made, Protecting Animals you should notify the local authori- Pesticides can protect animals from ties such as the police department, pests, but they may be toxic to the an- fire department or civil defense imals being treated as well as to the office. pests. Apply them correctly to pre- If individuals have been exposed to vent adverse effects. Animals may be the spilled pesticide, the local poison sensitive to certain pesticides. Poison- Pesticide Emergency Line control center should be notified. ing signs usually include excessive

69 Protecting Your Body and the salivation, eye watering, defecation, tive plants. Humans may also be ex- urination, and muscle twitching. posed to pesticides because of drift. Environment DO NOT treat animals which are Drift of herbicides can damage under stress or which will be put nearby crops, forests, or landscape under stress. Be careful not to over- plantings. Poorly timed applications dose young or smaller animals. When can kill bees and other pollinators planning a pesticide application, which are working in the area, or kill choose the pesticide which has the beneficial parasites and predators least risk of adverse effects and will that help control pests. give good control. Runoff from treated areas can kill fish and other aquatic animals and plants in nearby ponds, streams, and Protecting the Environment lakes. Aquatic life also can be killed The “environment” is our sur- by careless tank filling or draining roundings and its many forms of life. and by rinsing or discarding used Every plant or animal is affected by containers along or in waterways. other plants or animals in the envi- Pesticides can harm other wildlife, ronment. Factors like rain, tempera- too. Even tiny amounts of pesticide ture, and wind are part of the envi- may kill them or destroy their source ronment. We cannot do much about of food. them, but we can control some other Ask for help in choosing the safest things, including the use of pesticides. pesticide for the job. Injury or death Many people consider pesticides a to non-target plants and animals can tool for preserving or improving the lead to lawsuits, fines, and loss of environment. Others feel that they your applicator certification, and/or cause pollution. Correct use prevents criminal charges. pollution by pesticides. Using pesticides in a way other Persistence and Accumulation than as directed on the label can in- jure plants and animals, leave illegal Pesticides can be harmful in the en- residues, and damage the environ- vironment even if they do not cause ment in many other ways. direct kills of non-target plants and Any pesticide can cause harm if not animals. Some pesticides can build chosen and used with care. Here are up in the bodies of animals (including accumula- some ways damage can occur. humans). These are called tive pesticides. The chemicals may be stored in an animal’s body until they Potential Hazards are harmful to it or to the meat-eater When pesticides are used in a way which feeds on it. Long-term effects other than as directed on the label, include eggs that will not hatch and they can: young that will not develop nor- ■ injure nontarget plants and mally. The behavior of an animal may animals, be altered so that predators can more ■ leave harmful residues, easily catch and kill it. Many accumu- ■ move from the application site lative pesticides are in the chlorinated into the surrounding environ- hydrocarbon family (eg. dieldrin, en- ment, and drin, heptachlor, and aldrin) and ■ move into the groundwater and have limited uses in the United surface waters. States. Some pesticides stay in the envi- Direct Kill of Non-target Plants ronment without change for long pe- persistent and Animals riods of time. These are pes- ticides. Persistent pesticides which Pesticides which are improperly are not stored by animal tissues are applied can kill non-target organisms. often harmless to the environment. Drift from the target area may injure They may stay on or in the soil and fish, birds, other wildlife, and sensi- give long-term pest control without

70 Protecting Your repeated applications. Sometimes with it. Pesticides in the air may settle Body and the these pesticides injure sensitive onto water, crops, livestock, trees, plants in the treated soil. parks, or houses. Provide adequate Environment Pesticides which break down spacing or a buffer zone when apply- quickly in the environment to form ing pesticides near sensitive areas. harmless materials are called nonper- Keep in mind that the wind can carry sistent. These pesticides are often bro- pesticide particles or droplets many ken down easily by microorganisms miles off target. or sunlight or are highly soluble in water. Most organophosphate and Contamination of Surface Water carbamate insecticides are nonpersistent. Water is necessary for all life. Hu- mans and animals need clean water for drinking and bathing. Most fish Pesticide Movement and other aquatic animals and plants Pesticides which move away from can survive only slight contarnination the target area are problems in the en- of their water environment. vironment. Highly volatile pesticides Farmers, ranchers, horticulturists, such as 2,4-D esters can move great foresters, and turf growers need un- distances as invisible vapor in the air contaminated water for their live- and injure non-target plants. Dusts, stock and for irrigation. Polluted aerosols, and fogs can easily drift water can injure the plants or animals away from the target area with air directly or cause illegal residues in currents. Any application that pro- the food, feed, poultry, or livestock duces fine dust or spray particles products. may result in drift. Pesticides get into water in many Pesticides move off target in other ways. Sometimes they are applied di- ways also. They may be carried off rectly to the water to control aquatic target by rain and runoff water. They pests. Pesticide contamination of may leach through the soil to areas water occurs most often when pesti- nearby or to groundwater below. cides reach the water through care- Whenever you are applying a pes- lessness or misuse of pesticides, such ticide, select the pesticide, the formu- as atrazine. lation, and the application equipment which will most likely result in an ap- Contamination of Groundwater plication which stays on target. Groundwater is by far the largest water resource in Kansas. Pumped Contamination of Soils from thousancls of wells, it is used by Pesticides which move off target virtually every person in Kansas onto soil or which persist in soil may every day. A few of the uses of limit the use of that soil. Agricultural, groundwater include drinking, cook- ornamental, turf, and forestry crops ing, irrigating, municipal, industrial, may be killed or contaminated if and recreational (such as swimming planted on the site. Residential, graz- pools). ing, and recreational uses of the soil In general, the sources of ground- may be impossible if the soil contains water include water from rain (and pesticide residues. The pesticide label other precipitation), lakes, streams, will list crop rotation limits and other ponds, etc., which slowly leaches growing restrictions. through the surface soil and accumu- lates in the underlying sand and Contamination of Air gravel layers. Such layers may be only a few feet from the soil surface The movement of pesticides in the and others are several hundred feet air cannot be controlled. The polluted below. These ground-water collection air creates a hazard for people, ani- layers are called aquifers and can be mals, or plants that come into contact thought of as underground lakes.

71 Protecting Your Body and the Environment Groundwater and Land Use in the Water Cycle

72 Protecting Your Body and the Environment

73 Protecting Your Body and the There are many potential sources can be traced back to an identifiable of groundwater contamination. Some area. Point source contamination ac- Environment of these include industrial and mu- counts for large doses being intro- nicipal wastes, livestock and human duced into groundwater and as a re- waste septic systems, pesticide use, sult poses the greatest risk of render- and various microbes. Fortunately, as ing the water unfit for drinking. the water slowly leaches through the Spills and other mishaps which soil, most (if not all) of these contami- occur during the handling and mix- nants are removed through chemicai ing of pesticides are a major con- and microbiological actions in the tributing factor. There are several soil. However, aquifers which are steps we can take to minimize only a few feet below the soil surface contamination. are being found contaminated with a Wells are a direct conduit to the variety of chemicals—including pesti- groundwater and extra care should cides. Abandoned, unplugged farm- be taken at these sites when handling stead, irrigation, stock water, etc. pesticides. In addition, many wells wells serve as direct conduits to the are not adequately sealed which in- groundwater. Studies are presently creases the risk of contamination in intensifying to determine the extent the event of a spill. Mix pesticides at of groundwater contamination. least 200 ft. from a well. Using a When filling a sprayer tank, nurse-tank as a water source helps ALWAYS be absolutely sure that the avoid these problems. Prevent back- hose-end is in such a position that it siphoning into the well. Keep the end can NOT become submerged as the of the filler hose above the water level tank fills. Never leave to do other of the tank at all times. Anti-backflow things when the tank is being filled. devices for hoses can be purchased By following these two procedures, from irrigation and spray equipment a pump power failure will not suppliers. Clean up spills, especially result in a back-siphon that could near wells and other water supplies. result in the water source becoming Additional practices which help contaminated. prevent point source contamination Pesticides are essential chemical include triple-rinsing and the proper tools used in the production, trans- disposal of pesticide containers and portation, and storage of food, feed, excess pesticides. and fiber. They are also vital in pest control related to food preparation Non-point Source Contamination and serving, and in health and recre- ation related situations. It is ex- Contamination which occurs from tremely important that pesticide non-point sources cannot be traced users recognize the importance of back to a specific location or event. properly handling pesticides to avoid Examples of non-point source conta- surface water and soil contamination mination would include the leaching with these chemicals. of pesticides through the normal course of pesticide use, or pesticides carried in surface run-off as a result Minimizing Groundwater of soil erosion. The extent of non- Contamination point source contamination is depen- dent upon pesticide (herbicide, insec- Pesticide contamination of ground- ticide, fungicide), soil, geological, water is a public concern. Contamina- production management, and tion results from two types of sources weather factors. —point and non-point. There are several practices which minimize non-point source contami- Point Source Contamination nation. Apply the proper amount of Point source contamination results pesticide for the crop, pest and site. from localized spills or accidents, Read the label to determine what the which is to say, the contamination minimum use rate is. Proper sprayer 74 Protecting Your calibration assures application unifor- Chemigation Body and the mity and more effective control. The In Kansas, chemigation is regulated amount of product can also be re- by the “Kansas Chemigation Law.” Environment duced by using band applications in- The basic intent of this law is to pro- stead of broadcast treatments. These tect surface and groundwater from practices not only reduce the poten- contamination by fertilizers and pes- tial for groundwater contamination ticides. There are specific require- but also decrease the chance of crop ments, such as paying a fee, passing injury, residual problems and make an examination, completing the regis- control more economical. tration forms, etc., which must be met In choosing a herbicide, less mo- in order to chemigate. Several impor- bile, short residual products are less tant terms in relation to chemigation likely to leach to the water table. are defined below. Crop and herbicide rotation also re- “Chemigation” is any process duces risk as a result of using differ- whereby pesticides, fertilizers or ent herbicides each year. other chemicals or animal wastes are It is also helpful to identify high added to irrigation water applied to risk areas. The greatest risk for conta- land or crops, or both, through an ir- mination exists where the groundwa- rigation distribution system. ter table is close to the soil surface. In “Irrigation distribution system” is addition, herbicides are more likely any device or combination of devices to contaminate groundwater when having a hose, pipe or other conduit applications are made to coarse tex- which connects directly to any source tured soils low in organic matter. of surface or groundwater, through High pH soils also present concerns which water or a mixture of water because some herbicides leach more and chemicals is drawn and applied readily under these conditions. Extra to land. The term does not include care should be taken when any of any handheld hose sprayer or other these situations exist.

Mainline Checkvalve Vacuum Breaker

Direction To Pump and Of Flow Water Supply Injection Port With Checkvalve Low Pressure Drain

Air Bleeder Valve

Positive Displacement Injection Pump

In-Line Strainer Interlock Calibration Suction Line Device To Bulk Chemical Storage Tank Manually Operated Valve

For further information and the necessary registration forms, contact: Kansas State Department of Agriculture, Pesticides & Fertilzer Program, 109 SW 9th Street, Topeka, KS 66612–1281 or phone 785-296-3786.

75 Protecting Your Usefulness of Honeybees Body and the similar device which is constructed so that an interruption in water flow By visiting flowers, bees follow a Environment automatically prevents any backflow pattern set by their behavior and biol- to the water source. Nor does it in- ogy. Colony numbers vary according clude greenhouse irrigation or resi- to the time of the year, but the colony dence yards. is always social. Boxes, called hive “Operating chemigation equip- bodies, contain 8 to 10 movable ment” includes: frames in which the honeycomb is ■ preparation of the solution and built and where bees raise the young filling the chemical supply and store honey. Each colony may re- container, quire one or more hive bodies, and ■ calibration of injection contain from 10,000 to 60,000 or more equipment, bees. ■ starting and stopping the equip- ment when injection of chemicals Protecting Bees from Pesticides is involved, and ■ supervision of the chemigation Do not spray while crops are in bloom: equipment to assure its safe Apply insecticides to target plants or operation. weeds when still in the bud stage, or “Supervision” means the attention just after flowering. given to the chemigating system dur- Spray when bees are not flying: Bees ing its operation when chemicals are fly on sunny days when the air tem- being applied. “Direct supervision “ perature is above 55–60°F. Bees are means supervision with ability to most active from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but change the procedures. applicators should always check a “Anti-pollution devices” means the field for bee activity immediately be- mechanical equipment used to reduce fore spraying. Pesticides hazardous hazard to the environment in cases of to honeybees must be applied to malfunction of the equipment during blooming plants when bees are not chemigation and includes (but is not working and preferably in the early limited to): interlock, waterline check evening. Evening applications allow valve, chemical line closure device, decomposition time for many chemi- vacuum relief device and automatic cals and new, unsprayed flowers to low pressure drain. open overnight. Do not contaminate water. Bees re- quire water to cool the hive and feed Pesticides and Bees young bees. They will be killed if the While there are other species of water is contaminated. Never spray bees, the honeybee is the only one standing water or drain spray tank that produces surplus honey and contents onto the ground to create wax, pollinates important agricul- puddles. tural crops, contributes to natural Use less toxic compound: Many pest food chains by pollinating wildlife control situations give the grower– food plants, and provides important applicator some choice in the com- sources of income and recreation. pound to use. Those hazardous to Chemical pesticide destruction of honeybees must state such on the these bees would significantly affect label, in which case another may be millions of dollars worth of honey, selected. Generally, botanical materi- wax, and bee-pollinated agricultural als, specific miticides, dinitro com- crops. While colony losses are not as pounds, fungicides and herbicides extensive or severe as in other areas are relatively non-toxic to honeybees. in the country, serious losses rou- However, there is new research evi- tinely occur each year. dence that some herbicides and fung- icides might be affecting bee develop- Honeybee

76 Protecting Your ment, so it is wise for the grower to tions where insecticides are to be Body and the use caution with all pesticides when applied to non-flowering plants. bees are involved. Choose application technique wisely: Environment Consult your county Agricultural Use the application technique that is Extension Agent for details, recom- most precise to avoid contamination mendations, and further information of non-target crops. Drift by moving about bee toxicity to specific air currents and wind adds to the compounds. contamination problem. Use less toxic formulations: Not all Notify beekeepers: Some beekeepers compounds are the same when made will move bees from a spray area, but into different formulations. Research they need at least 48 hours notice. and experience indicate that: Others may wish to cover colonies. ■ Dusts are more hazardous to Protect colonies in the area: Work bees than liquid formulations. with beekeepers so they will locate ■ Encapsulated formulations are their apiaries where they will not be especially hazardous. directly sprayed with any type of ■ Emulsifiable concentrates have pesticide. Beekeepers may wish to shorter killing power than wet- loosely cover hives with burlap or table powders. coarse cloth to confine bees so they ■ Ultra-low-volume (ULV) formu- cannot fly, yet allowing them to clus- lations often are much more haz- ter outside the hive, under the cloth. ardous to bees than other liquid Repeated sprinkling with water will formulations. prevent bees from overheating. Com- Eliminate attractive weeds: Prior to munications among growers, applica- insecticide treatment, mow, beat, or tors, and beekeepers are essential to otherwise control flowering weeds in prevent bee losses. orchards, nurseries, or other situa-

77 Application ■ low pressure limits versatility, Equipment and ■ agitation system may be of lim- The pesticide application equip- ited capacity. ment you use is important to the suc- cess of your pest control job. You High Pressure Sprayers must first select the right kind of ap- plication equipment. Then you must These are designed to deliver use it correctly to suit your needs and medium volumes at high pressure. take good care of it. These things are They are used to spray fruits, vegeta- true whether you use hand-carried, bles, trees, landscape plants, and live- tractor-drawn, self-propelled or air- stock. When fitted with the correct craft-mounted equipment. Here are pressure regulators, they can also be some things you should know about used at low pressures. Applications choosing, using, and caring for usually are made at high gallonages equipment. (100 gallons or more per acre above 100 psi). Even though very large tanks are used, they may need to be Sprayers filled often. Advantages: Your sprayer should be designed ■ to do the job you want to do. It well built, ■ should be durable and convenient usually have mechanical agita- Portable Sprayer to fill, operate, and clean. tion, and ■ last a long time even when using abrasive solutions. Hand Sprayers Limitations: Hand sprayers are used for small ■ high cost, jobs. You can use them in restricted ■ large amounts of water, power, areas where a power unit would not and fuel needed, work. ■ high tire loads, and Advantages : ■ high pressure capability which ■ economical, makes a spray that drifts easily. ■ simple, and ■ easy to use, clean, and store. Air Blast Sprayers Limitation : ■ frequent lack of good agitation These units use a high speed, fan- and screening for wettable pow- driven air stream to break the nozzle ders. Keep WP’s in suspension output into fine drops which move with the air stream to the target. The Low Pressure Sprayer by shaking the sprayer. air is directed to either one or both sides as the sprayer moves forward. Low Pressure Hydraulic Sprayers These sprayers are used in applying These sprayers deliver low to mod- pesticides to landscape plants, fruits, erate volume at 15 to 50 psi. Most of and vegetables, and for biting fly con- these are used for treating field and trol. Most air blast sprayers can be forage crops, pastures, fencer rows, adapted to apply either high or low and structures. They also may apply volumes of spray. These sprayers fertilizer-pesticide mixtures. should not normally be used to ap- Advantages : ply herbicides or for field broadcast ■ medium to large tanks, applications. ■ low cost, and Advantages: ■ light weight. ■ good coverage and penetration, Limitations: ■ low pump pressures, and ■ low-gallonage output may limit ■ mechanical agitation. their use when high volume is Limitations: High Pressure Sprayer required, for example, liquid fer- ■ drift hazards, tilizer applications, ■ chance of overdosages,

78 Application ■ ■ difficult to use in small areas, What kind of chemical will be Equipment and sprayed: herbicide, insecticide, ■ hard to confine discharge to fungicide? limited target areas. ■ What is the chemical’s formula- tion: wettable powder, flowable, Ultra-Low-Volume (ULV) Sprayers emulsifiable concentrate? ■ When is the chemical used: pre- ULV’s deliver undiluted pesticides plant incorporated, preemerge, from the air, on the ground, or in postemerge? buildings. ■ Is spray drift a problem? Advantages: ■ What will carry the chemical: ■ no water is normally needed, and water, liquid fertilizer? ■ equal control with less gallonage. ■ Will two or more chemicals be Limitations: used in combination? ■ does not provide for thorough ■ What kind of sprayer will be wetting, used in the application: airplane, ■ hazards of using high ground sprayer, floater, kit concentrates, attached to some other farm ■ chance of overdosage, and implement? ■ small number of pesticides la- ■ What pressure range is desired? beled for use in this manner. ■ What speed will sprayer operate? ■ Nozzles What is nozzle spacing on boom? Air Blast Sprayer Agricultural chemical spraying is Nozzle Selection Procedure becoming increasingly sophisticated and precise. Chemicals used by Refer to Table 1, Nozzle Styles, to farmers today are designed for spe- determine the proper nozzle pattern cific needs and require different noz- for the intended use and particular zles to be applied properly. sprayer. Then you can select the cor- The difference in nozzle styles is rect size of nozzle to insure proper important because it is the nozzle that chemical distribution. actually dispenses thousands of Step 1. Determine the sprayer appli- chemical and fertilizer dollars. Yet, la- cation volume in gallons per bels on these products often contain acre (gpa) from the pesticide little information about the kind of label or printed recommen- spray nozzle that should be used. dations. The application vol- Kansas farmers use five basic kinds ume is the gallons of carrier of spray nozzles: the flat fan, even flat (water, fertilizer) plus the Hollow Cone Spray fan, hollow cone, solid cone, and amount of chemical formula- flooding spray. tion applied per treated acre. Each has a specific use, distinctive Step 2. Select an appropriate ground spray distribution, and operating re- speed in miles per hour quirements. These nozzle styles, (mph) according to existing along with the Raindrop (Delevan) field conditions. The actual and Whirl Jets (Spraying Systems), speed should be measured as are summarized according to recom- part of the calibration mended uses, distinctive spray distri- procedure. butions, and operating requirements Step 3. Determine the spray width in Table 1, “Nozzle Styles,” and in per nozzle (w) in inches. For Table 2, “Nozzle Operations.” boom spraying, w = the noz- zle spacing. For band spray- Questions to Consider ing, w = band width. For fo- liar applications, such as It is not easy to make specific noz- row-crop spraying from drop Solid Cone Spray zle recommendations because many pipes or direct spraying. questions must be considered.

79 Application row spacing ■ available in color coding for easy Equipment w = ______number of nozzles per row identification New combination nozzles featur- Step 4. Determine the output re- ing stainless steel orifice inserts in in- quired for each nozzle by jection molded nylon bodies offer the using a manufacturer’s cata- advantages of both stainless steel and log or this equation: nylon at a reasonable price. gpa × mph × w The formulation of the pesticide gpm = ______being sprayed determines the mater- 5940* ial of which the nozzle can be made. gpm = individual nozzle out- Brass nozzle tips should not be used put in gallons per with wettable powder or other abra- minute sive formulations. The relative costs gpa = label requirements in of materials are summarized in figure gallons per acre below: Nozzle Material. mph = speed of applicator in For most Kansas farm sprayers in- miles per hour volved in a yearly spraying program, w = width in inches sprayed the stainless steel/nylon combination per nozzle as deter- nozzles will be the cheapest over the mined in step 3 life of the sprayer. *Using 6,000 instead of 5,940 makes the calculation easier and results in Check Nozzles Often Even Spray an error of only one percent. Keep nozzles in good working Step 5. Select a nozzle size from the condition. For most boom applica- manufacturer’s catalog that tions, select nozzles of uniform type will give the gpm output and size. when operating at the de- Nozzle caps should not be over- sired pressure. tightened. Adjust nozzle height and spacing to suit the target. Follow the You can purchase nozzles in many nozzle manufacturer’s instructions materials. Here are the main features and the pesticide label. Allow for of each kind. crop or weed height if necessary. Brass: Check each nozzle for uniform flow ■ inexpensive, using water and a jar marked in ■ wears quickly from abrasion, ounces. ■ probably the best material for With the sprayer running, hold a limited use. jar under each nozzle and time how Stainless steel: long it takes to fill the jar. There Flat Spray ■ will not corrode, and should be no more than 10 percent ■ resists abrasion, especially if it difference among all the nozzles. is hardened. Replace any nozzle tips that dis- Nylon : charge ±5 percent more than speci- ■ resists corrosion and abrasion fied by the nozzle manufacturer ■ some solvents may cause when new. swelling of older nylon compounds. Nozzle Material (Delavan LF-3–80° with Wettable Powder) Initial Actual Life Cost Cost/Hr. Material (Hrs.) Factor Factor Brass 100 1.0 1.0 Nylon 300 1.9 0.64 Flooding Spray Stainless Steel 500 2.9 0.57

80 Application Replace any nozzles having faulty 2. Hose down the inside of the tank Equipment spray patterns. A good check is to and fill it about half full. Then spray on asphalt pavement moving flush the cleaning water out slow enough to get the area thor- through the nozzles by operating oughly wet. Watch for streaks as you the sprayer. increase speed or as spray dries. 3. Repeat step 2. Clean nozzles only with a tooth- 4. Fill the tank about half full of brush or wooden toothpick. A nail or water and add about one pound pocket knife can damage the nozzle of detergent per 50 gallons of tip and ruin the spray pattern. water. Circulate the detergent through the sprayer for about 1 Operation and Maintenance ⁄2 hour, then spray it out. 5. If you have last used 2,4-D or an Always read and follow the opera- organophosphate chemical, con- tor’s manuals for all your spray tinue the cleaning process by re- equipment. They will tell you exactly placing the screens and nozzle how to use and care for it. After each tips. Then fill the sprayer half use, rinse out the entire system. full of water and add one pint Remove and clean nozzles, nozzle of ammonia for each 25 gallons screens, and strainers, and complete of water. Circulate this solution any maintenance required. Check for through the sprayer for a short leaks in lines, valves, seals, and tank while, then discharge a small both after filling with water and dur- amount through the nozzles. Let ing running. the remaining solution stand in Be alert for nozzle clogging and the sprayer overnight, and dis- changes in nozzle patterns. If nozzles charge it in the morning. clog or other trouble occurs in the 6. Flush the sprayer one final time field, be careful not to contaminate with clean water. yourself while correcting the prob- 7. Remove the nozzle tips and lem. Shut off the sprayer and move it screens and clean them with to the edge of the field before dis- kerosene or a detergent solution. mounting. Wear protective clothing Nozzle tips should be dried and while making repairs. stored in a dry place or may be Clean the sprayer thoroughly when stored in light oil or diesel fuel. changing chemicals or before storing. 8. If the sprayer is to be stored, fill Contamination from the previous chemi- tank almost full with clean cal can injure your crop or react with the water. Add a small amount of new chemical to decrease its effectiveness. new light oil to the tank. Coat the The following steps are suggested for system by pumping tank con- a thorough cleaning. Spray and tents out through nozzles or mix/load equipment should have handgun. Drain the pump and been thoroughly rinsed with clean plug its openings or fill the water and the rinsate applied to a pump with light oil or antifreeze. field area prior to the cleaning Remove nozzles and nozzle process. Additional precautions may screens and store in light oil or be necessary for certain chemicals. diesel fuel. 1. Choose a cleaning area so that the discharge will not contami- nate streams or water supplies. Keep children, pets, and live- stock away from puddles.

Check Fill-time

81 Application Equipment

Table 1. Nozzle Styles Recommended Suggested Pressure Single Nozzle Style Use (psi) Comments DistributionPattern Flat Spray Weed and 10–30; Reasonably coarse spray in a Bell Shaped brush control. never exceed 40 fan-type pattern that will overlap along a spray boom. Wider operating pressure ranges may be used with certain “wide range” flat fan nozzle tips. Even Spray Band application 15–30; Fan-type pattern that gives a Rectangular Shaped of preemergence never exceed 40 uniform volume of spray and postemergence across entire fan width. postemergence herbicides Cone Insecticides and 60 and above Circular fan-type pattern giving Hollow Cone fungicides (foliar good penetration of sprayed applications). surfaces. Solid Cone

Flooding Preemergence and 8–20 for Coarse fan-type pattern. Sprays Spray postemergence maximum drift wide surface yet can be sprayed herbicides where control; never close to surface. drift is hazardous exceed 40 Nozzle spacing should be 60 “ Flooding Spray or less for herbicide applications.

Raindrop® Preemergence and 20–60 psi Produces very large drops in a Raindrop postemergence hollow cone pattern herbicides where drift control is needed. (Aerial and ground applications.) Whirl Jet® Herbicide 5–20 psi Produces medium size drops in a Whirl Jet incorporation kits. hollow cone pattern with typical fan angles up to 140°.

Raindrop Weed and brush 10–40 psi Special drift reduction fan-type Bell Shaped Fan Flat Fan control. nozzle.

Drift-guard Weed and brush 10–40 psi Special drift reduction fan-type Bell Shaped Flat Fan Flat Fan control. nozzle.

Turbo-flood Preemergence and 10–40 psi Special drift reduction flooding- Wide Angle postemergence type nozzle with improved Bell Shaped herbicides where distribution with improved drift is a factor. distribution uniforming

82 Application Equipment

Table 2. Nozzle Operation Recommended Boom Recommended Spray Pressure Spacing Height Spray Type Angle (psi) (inches) (inches) Orientation Overlap Flat Spray 65° 10–30 20” 21–23 Vertical 30–50% 73° 10–30 20” 20–22 80° 10–30 20” 17–19 110° 10–30 30” 13–15 5”= 8” band Vertical Never Even Spray 80° 15–30 Row Spacing 6”=10” band 7”=12” band 8”=14” band Cone 40°–110° 60 and above As required for adequate foliar application. 100°–145° 8–20 40” 12–15 100% Flooding Spray100°–145° 8–20 60” 18–22 Spray discharged 100°–145° 8–20 120” 36–45 30°–45° from horizontal Raindrop® 80°–140° 20–60 20” 15–30 Spray discharged 50–100% 80°–140° 20–60 30” 16–31 30°–45° from horizontal Whirl Jet® 120°–140° 5–20 30” 10–11 Spray discharged 80–160% 120°–140° 5–20 40” 14–15 30°–45° from horizontal

Dusters and Power Dusters Granular Applicators Power dusters use a powered fan Hand Dusters or blower to propel the dust to the target. They range from knapsack or Like hand sprayers, hand dusters backpack types to those mounted on can be used around homes and in or pulled by tractors. Their capacity gardens. They may consist of a in area treated per hour compares fa- squeeze bulb, bellows, tube, or vorably with some sprayers. shaker, a sliding tube, or a fan pow- Advantages: ered by a hand crack. ■ simply built, Advantages: ■ ■ easy to maintain, and the pesticide is ready to apply, ■ low in cost. and Limitations: ■ good penetration in confined ■ drift hazards, spaces. ■ high cost of pesticide, and Limitations: ■ ■ application may be less uniform high cost for pesticide, than with sprays. ■ hard to get good foliar coverage, and ■ dust is subject to drifting.

83 Application Selecting a Duster Equipment Controlling Drift Look for a power duster that is Drift is one of the major problems easy to clean. It should give a uni- facing the application of agricultural form application rate as the hopper is chemicals. In addition to the potential emptied. Look for both hand and damage to non-target areas, drift power dusters that keep the dust tends to reduce the effectiveness of cloud well away from the user. chemicals and waste money. Drift is generally inconsistent with pesticide Granular Applicators labeling and is a violation of state and federal laws. There are two different These include hand-carried knap- types of drift. sack and spinning disk types for broadcast coverage, mounted equip- ment for applying bands over the Vapor Drift row in row crops, and mounted or Vapor drift occurs when a chemical tractor-drawn machines for broadcast vaporizes after being applied to the coverage. target area. The vapors are then car- Advantages: ried to another area where damage ■ eliminates mixing, may occur. The amount of vaporiza- ■ minimizes drift, and tion that occurs depends largely on ■ is less hazardous to applicator. the temperature and formulation of Limitations: the chemical being used. Volatile ■ high cost for pesticide, ester formulations vaporize rapidly ■ limited use against some pests as low as 65°F, while the “low vola- because granules won’t stick to tile” esters resist vaporization up to most plants, 85–100°F. The amine formulations are ■ need to calibrate for each granu- referred to as “non-volatile.” Thus by lar formulation, and choosing the correct herbicide formu- ■ poor lateral distribution, espe- lations, the dangers of vapor drift can cially on side slope. be reduced substantially.

Selecting a Granular Applicator Physical Drift Choose a granular applicator that is Physical drift is the actual move- easy to clean and fill. It should have ment of spray particles away from mechanical agitation over the outlet the target area. Many factors affect holes. This will prevent bridging and physical drift, but one of the most im- keep flow rate constant. Application portant is droplet size. Small droplets should stop when drive stops even if fall through the air much more outlets are still open. slowly, so they are carried farther by air movement. The particle may be Use and Maintenance trapped in a temperature inversion and carried for a great distance if Both dusters and granular applica- weather conditions are unfavorable. tors are speed-sensitive, so maintain In addition, evaporation has a greater uniform speed. Do not travel too fast effect on the smaller droplet, which in for ground conditions. Bouncing turn slows the settling rate and cre- equipment will cause the application ates still more opportunity for drift. rate to vary. Stay out of any dust The end result is that the carrier in cloud that may form. some of the smaller particles evapo- Watch banders to see that band rates completely before reaching the width stays the same. Small height ground. changes due to changing soil condi- All nozzles produce a wide range tions may cause rapid changes in of droplet sizes. and the very small, band width. drift-prone particles cannot be elimi- Clean equipment as directed by the nated completely. However, there are operator’s manual.

84 Application several things that can be done to Use a flooding nozzle where practi- Equipment minimize unwanted physical drift. cal. The flooding nozzle produces First of all, use adequate amounts larger droplets and operates at lower of carrier, usually 15–20 gallons per pressure than the equivalent tapered acre. This has several benefits from fan nozzle. Special low drift hollow the standpoint of drift control. With cone, flat fan, and flooding nozzles lower concentrations, more drift are claimed to greatly reduce the droplets will be necessary to produce number of fine particles. ill effects. In addition, more carrier Numerous drift-reducing spray ad- means larger nozzles, which in turn ditives are available today, although usually produce larger droplets. their effectiveness generally has not Although this will increase the num- been thoroughly tested. Foams and ber of refills, the added carrier may invert emulsions also have potential, also improve coverage and increase although special equipment is usually the effectiveness of the chemicals. required. Avoid high pressures. A higher Extreme care should be exercised pressure creates a finer spray, which to avoid drift away from the target is more subject to drift. Forty psi area. Either physical drift or vapor should be considered maximum pres- drift can cause damage and expose sure for flat fan, even fan, and flood- the applicator to civil liability and ing nozzle tips. For maximum drift possible criminal charges control with flooding nozzle tips, operate within the 8–20 psi pressure range (see table 1).

85 Calibration size for the job. Each nozzle in the system must deliver its rated amount.

Calibration is simply a process to Measured Course and Banding adjust your equipment to apply the 1 desired rate of pesticide. This process 1. Measure off a distance of ⁄8-mile is needed to insure that each pesticide (660 feet or 40 rods).It is best to is applied as directed on the label. run the test in the field that will Too much pesticide is dangerous; too be sprayed, since sinkage in a little will not do a good job. Only by soft field can change travel correct calibration can the best results speed. be obtained. 2. Start with a full spray tank, and Accurate calibration is the only be sure to eliminate air pockets way to know how much chemical is in the pump, lines, and tank. being applied. Water (or the usual carrier) will Failure to calibrate a sprayer can usually do for calibration, but if injure crops, create hazardous situa- you are using a chemical that tions, and cost money in wasted changes the viscosity of the car- chemical. In addition to calibrating rier, you should use the chemical the sprayer at the start of the season, as it will be sprayed. 1 it should be recalibrated every few 3. Spray the ⁄8-mile strip, using the days of use. Tests have shown that gear and throttle setting that you wettable powders can wear nozzle will use while spraying. You tips enough to increase the discharge should run the engine well into rate by 20 percent after spraying for the governed rpm range so that only ten hours. Also, some brand the governor can hold the speed new nozzles show a tendency to constant. “wear in” and increase discharge by a 4. Measure carefully the amount of few percent during the first hour or water needed to refill the tank. two. Again, be careful to eliminate air Before calibrating, check the pockets in the tank. sprayer carefully. Be sure that nozzle 5. Calculate the application rate as tips are clean. Is pressure holding follows: constant? Broadcast— When the sprayer is operating × Gallons______Used 66 Gallons per properly, proceed to calibrate. There = are many techniques for calibrating a Swath width in ft. treated acre sprayer, but they are all based on de- termining the volume of chemical ap- Banding— × Gallons per plied to a measured area of land. Two Gallons______Used 66 = methods are given for sprayers and Band width in ft. × treated acre one method is given for granular ap- Number of Bands plicators. The choice between the two sprayer methods will depend on the 6. Divide tank capacity by gallons type of equipment to be calibrated as per acre determined in step 5. well as personal preference. Use these This gives the number of acres or another method, but CALIBRATE. covered by one tankful of spray. 7. To determine the amount of Sprayers chemical to add to each tank, multiply the recommended rate To apply a pesticide evenly and ac- of application by the number of curately, the sprayer must move at a acres covered per tankful. constant speed and operate at a con- stant pressure. Each nozzle must be clean and at the right height. All noz- zles must be of the correct type and

86 Calibration Calibration Jar Where: 1. With the tractor stationary, oper- G.P.A. = Application rate in gal- ate the sprayer at the same pres- lons per acre (treated area) sure that will be used in the field. G.P.M. = Gallons per minute de- Use clean water for calibration livered by nozzle unless you are using a chemical MPH = Speed of tractor in miles that changes the viscosity of the per hour water. Hold a one-quart jar W = Width under each nozzle and measure (a) For broadcast spraying, W is the number of seconds needed to nozzle spacing in inches fill the jar. (b) For band spraying, W is band 2. Calculate the flow rate of each width in inches nozzle by the formula: 7. Divide tank capacity by the gal- G.P.M. = _____15 lons per acre determined in step S 6. This gives the number of acres Where : covered by one tankful of spray. G.P.M. = Gallons per minute de- 8. To determine the amount of livered by nozzle chemical to add to each tank, S = Number of seconds needed multiply the recommended rate to fill quart jar of application by the number of 3. Average the nozzle flow rates as acres covered per tankful. determined in Step 2. Compare the flow rate of each individual Calibration Nomograph nozzle tip with the average. Any The nomograph eliminates the cal- tip that has flow rate more than culations usually required to calibrate ±5% different than the average a sprayer. Needed are a quart jar, should be replaced. If the aver- funnel, tape measure, watch with a age flow rate differs from the fac- sweep second hand, pencil and a tory specifications for new tips straight edge. This procedure is not by more than ±5%, then the en- adapted to sprayers with ground tire set of nozzle tips should be driven, positive displacement pumps. replaced. The only other requirement is that the 4. Measure a distance of 176 feet speed, nozzle spacing, and nozzle and time the tractor over that flow rate fall within the limits shown distance while operating at the on the scales of the graph. same gear and rpm that will be used in the field. If possible, do this in the actual field to be Procedure sprayed so the sinkage will be 1. Operate the sprayer standing still constant. with plain water (or the usual 5. Determine the speed of the trac- carrier) in the tank. Use the nor- tor in miles per hour from the mal engine speed and pressure formula: settings. Use a funnel to catch the MPH = ______120 flow from one nozzle in a quart T jar. Determine the length of time Where: (in seconds) needed to fill the MPH = Speed of tractor in miles quart jar. Repeat this for all nuz- per hour zles and average the results. Re- T = Number of seconds place any nozzles that vary more needed to travel 176 feet than ±5% from the average. 6. Now, determine the application 2. Measure a distance of 176 feet, rate from the formula: and determine the length of time × G.P.A. = ______G.P.M. 5,940 (in seconds) needed to cover the MPH × W 176 feet distance. This should be done with the same gear and throttle setting as will be used

87 Calibration for spraying. If possible, do this ■ Change the speed of your in the field that will be sprayed sprayer. Slower speed means so that sinkage will be nearly more spray delivered, faster constant. speed means less spray deliv- 3. Measure the swath width of each ered. This method is practical for nozzle. For boom spraying small changes in delivery rate. If where the total area is covered, you drive half as fast, you double this is the nozzle spacing in the delivery rate. inches. For band spraying, this is ■ Change the nozzle tips to change the band width in inches. the amount delivered. The larger 4. Now, refer to the nomograph on the hole in the tip, the more page 89. Draw a straight line spray delivered. This is the best from the “seconds to travel method for making major 176 feet” to the “nozzle spacing changes in the delivery rate of in inches.” sprayers. Always select proper 5. Locate the point where your first nozzles for the job. Use the man- line crosses the pivot line. Draw ufacturer’s performance charts to second straight line from that make the selection. point to the “seconds to fill quart After making a change, recalibrate jar” using the average deter- to make sure the rate is correct. mined in step 1. 6. Read “Gallons per Acre” from Determining the Correct Dosage the appropriate scale. Next, the correct amount of pesti- Example (Shown in dashed lines) cide to put in the tank to apply the A field crop sprayer is equipped correct dosage must be determined. with nozzles that fill a quart To do this you need to know two 50 jar in seconds at the usual more facts: spraying pressure. The sprayer 1. How much the sprayer tank covers the distance of 176 feet in holds. 24 seconds. Nozzle spacing is 2. The amount of formulation to be 20 inches. When operated under used per unit of area. This will be these conditions, the sprayer will given on the label. 17.8 deliver gallons per acre. Suppose the tank holds 200 gallons Note: For a more thorough dis- of spray. The directions say to apply cussion of sprayer components, one pint of formulation on each acre, nozzle selection and calibration, and the sprayer applies 20 gallons per refer to Extension Bulletins acre. First find the number of acres FM-l3, “Understanding Your one tank load will spray. Divide Sprayer,” and AF-20, “Selecting 200 gallons by 20. the Right Sprayer Nozzle.” 200 gallons per tankful ______= 10 acres 20 gallons per acre per Adjusting Your Sprayer tankful If the sprayer is delivering more or To find the amount of formulation less spray than the label directs, you to add to the tank for spraying can change the rate three ways: 10 acres with one pint per acre, ■ Change the pressure. Lower multiply 1 pint by 10. pressure means less spray deliv- × ered; higher pressure means 1 pint per acre 10 acres per tankful more spray delivered. This is not = 10 pints per tankful. a good method, because a pres- Suppose the formulation of a pesti- sure change may change the cide is a 50 percent wettable powder 1 nozzle pattern and droplet size. and you want to apply ⁄2 pound of ac- Pressure must be increased tive ingredient per acre. In this exam- 4 times to double the output. ple the tank will cover 10 acres.

88 Calibration

Seconds To Fill Quart Jar

Calibration Nomograph I

Pivot Line

Miles per Hour

Seconds To Travel 176 Feet

89 Calibration Find how many pounds of formu- granules through the outlet hole is 1 lation are needed to apply ⁄2 pound not necessarily proportional to speed. of active ingredient per acre. There It is not uncommon to find a 100 per- 1 is ⁄2 pound of active ingredient in cent variation in the application rate 1 pound of 50 percent wettable pow- with a speed change of 1 mile per der formulation. So 1 pound of for- hour. mulation is needed for each acre your The factors that affect application sprayer will cover. rate can vary from one day to the next or from one field to another. For 1 pound per acre × 10 acres per tankful this reason, check the application rate = 10 pounds per tankful. often so the necessary adjustments to Add the 10 pounds of wettable obtain the proper application rate can powder to a small amount of water in be made. a clean bucket. Stir until it is mixed well and add this mixture (called a Field Check of Application Rate slurry) to the partly filled tank. Remember to operate the sprayer’s Once the applicators have been set agitator while adding the slurry and according to the operator’s manual, filling the tank. make a field check for each hopper. This can be done in several ways. One method is to make a round or Granular Application two in the field with the seed boxes Calibration removed from the planter. Paper, plastic, or cloth bags can be used for Granular chemicals for weed or in- collecting the granules from each sect control must be applied with pre- hopper. The granules collected can be cision. This is particularly true of pre- weighed or checked with a calibrated emergence herbicides and soil measure. Repeat this process until the insecticides. desired rate is obtained from each Both herbicides and insecticides hopper. may be broadcast before planting or Another method that is less accu- applied after planting. It is common, rate but still acceptable is to proceed however, to apply those chemicals in with the planting and check the exact a band over the row by attaching ap- amount dispensed through each hop- plicators to the planter. This reduces per. The disadvantage of this method the amount of material used and thus is the possibility of not having the lowers costs. proper application rate on the cali- brating rows. Check and Maintain Ground Speed The table at right shows the num- Speed should be checked carefully ber of feet of row in 1 acre, and the in the field where the chemicals will pounds per acre to equal 1 ounce per be applied. One method is to set 1,000-foot row. The table can be used markers 176 feet apart and check the to check calibration. time (in seconds) required to drive between them. Make each check with Example 1 a running start. To determine the Table: Field Speed Determination It is desired to apply a granular in- speed in miles per hour, divide Time required secticide with units mounted on a 120 by the traveling time in seconds. to drive 176 feet Speed 6-row 30-inch planter. The insecticide Some examples are given in the fol- (seconds) (miles per hour) calls for 6 to 8 ounces per 1,000 feet of lowing table. row. Four passes were made across a 60 2 Once the field speed has been es- quarter section and the operator re- 40 3 tablished and checked, keep the speed filled all the hoppers. Refilled, they 30 4 uniform during the application. held a total of 20 pounds of insecti- 24 5 Even though granular applicators cide. Is this within the allowable 20 6 use a rotating agitator that varies range? 17 7 with ground speed, the flow of the

90 Calibration Solution: Volume and Area The total row length covered is: 4 Determinations passes × 6 rows × 2,640 feet = 63,360 Determining Volume feet, so the application rate is: Volume of a Cylinder = 3.1416 × 20 pounds × radius × radius × length. 16______ounces/pound 5.05 oz./ × × × = Volume of a Cone 1.0472 radius l,000 ft. 63.36 thousand feet radius × height (i.e. round hopper The application rate is too low, so bottom). the applicator should be readjusted. Volume of a Pyramid = length of base × × 1 width of base ⁄3 of the height (i.e. square hopper bottom). Example 2

An applicator refilled his granular How much is in the tank? hoppers after finishing a 9-acre field and found that he had applied Cylindrical spray tanks are often 75 pounds of granules. The label calls mounted horizontally, but unless the for 5 to 7 ounces per 1,000 feet of row. tank has a capacity scale taped to it, it He is using 24-inch rows. Is he within is hard to calculate how much liquid the allowable range? is left in the tank. The first question is “What is the Solution: total capacity of the tank?” The vol- The application rate in lbs/acre is: ume of a cylindrical tank is: 75 pounds × × × ______= 8.33 lbs/acre V = 3.1416 R R L 9 acres This assumes the end of the tank is From the table, 1 oz./l,000’ = 1.36 flat, not oval or spherical. For lb./ac, so the row application rate example, if the tank diameter is was: 36 inches and the length is 48 inches, ______8.33 lb/ac the volume is: = 6.125 oz/l,000’ × × × 1.36 lb/ac V = 3.1416 18 18 48 = The application rate was 48,858 cubic inches acceptable. Since one gallon contains 231 cubic inches, the tank capacity in gallons is:

______48,858 Example 3 = 211.5 gallons 231 A patch of weeds about 80 feet in Now, if the tank is only partially diameter needs to be treated for a filled, how much does it contain? To noxious weed. The granular herbicide determine this, with the tank level, being used should be applied at the measure the depth of the liquid, then rate of 2 pounds per square rod. How consult the graph below. Considering much should be broadcast on this the same tank (36 inch × 48 inch) as area? above, assume the liquid depth is Solution: 9 inches. Then, d/D X 100 becomes × 1 rod = 16.5 feet, so one sq. rod = 9/36 100 or 25. Reading up from the Table: Checking Calibration 272 sq. ft. bottom axis, then over, the graph in- dicates that the tank is 20 percent full, lbs/Acre The area of a circle is: × A = 3.14 × r × r, where r is the ra- or 20 percent 211.5 gallons equals to Equal dius of the circle. 42.3 gallons. 1 oz. per In this case, r = 40‘, so: Row Feet of Row 1,000 ft. A = 3.14 × 40 × 40 = 5,024 square Volume Conversion Factors: Spacing in 1 Acre of Row feet, or 1 gallon = 231 cu. in. 40 13,068 .82 5,024 sq. ft. 36 14,520 .91 ______= 18.5 sq. rd. 7.48 gallons = 1 cu. ft. 272 sq. ft./sq. rod 62.4 pounds of water = 1 cu. ft. 30 17,424 1.09 So, the total amount applied 8.336 pounds of water = 1 gallon 24 21,780 1.36 × should be: 2 lbs./sq. rd. 18.5 sq. rd. 1 gallon = 0.1337 cu. ft. 20 26,136 1.63 = 37 lbs. 27 cu. ft. = 1 cu. yd.

91 Calibration Determining Field Areas of the second round. Swath width is Area of a Rectangle = length × width 30 feet. How many gallons per acre 1 × Area of Right Triangle = ⁄2 length are being applied? × width Solution: Area of a Circle = 3.14 × radius × First, calculate the area sprayed. In radius this case, the top and bottom strips are 5,280 feet long, while the end Area Conversion Factors: strips are 2,640 – 90 = 2,550 feet long. Thus, the areas sprayed are: Acres = sq. ft./43,560 × miles = ft./5,280 Top: 30’ 5,280’ = 158,400 Bottom: 60’ × 5,280’ = 316,800 miles = rods/320 × rods = ft./16.5 Left: 60’ 2,550’ = 153,000 Right: 30’ × 2,550’ = 76,500 TOTAL 704,700 ft2 Example 1 Now to convert square feet to An operator filled a 300 gallon acres: spray tank and started spraying a 704,700 ft2 ______= 16.18 acres half section. He ran out in the middle 43,560 ft2/acre So the application rate is: 100 ______300 gallons 100 = 18.5 gallons/acre × 16.18 acres ) C V 80 Example 2 D d A creek runs through an 80 acre 60 field, cutting a large corner off. The 1 east and west boundaries are ⁄2 mile 1 and ⁄8 mile long, and the south fence 1 is ⁄4 mile long. The creek is nearly 40 straight. A 25’ wide sprayer makes 30 passes, starting at the west edge, and about 340 gallons of spray is 20 used. What is the application rate? Solution:

0 To solve the problem, first divide 100 80 60 40 20 0 d the sprayed area into two regions, LIQUIDLIQUID VOLUME, PERCENT OF CAPACITY ( V DEPTH, PERCENT OF DIAMETER ( D ) × 100 a rectangle and a triangle. Rectangle (Region 1) Depth-Volume “Graph” Area = 30 passes × 25’ × 660’ = 495,000 ft2 1 Start ( ⁄8 mile = 660 feet) Triangle (Region 2) 1 × × Area = ⁄2 W X 1 1 3 Now, Z = ⁄2 – ⁄8 = ⁄8 mile = 1,980’ W = 750’ 2640' Since the creek is nearly straight: X is the same proportion of Z as W is to 1 Empty ⁄4 mile. Thus,

5280'

92 Calibration

______W × Area not yet sprayed X = 1 Z ⁄4 mile r = 1,320 – 90 = 1,230’ × × or A = 3.14 1,230 1,230 = 4,750,506 ft2 ______750 × X = 1,980 = 1,125’ or 1,320 2 1 × × 4,750,506______ft So Area = ⁄2 750 1,125 = 421,875 2 = 109.1 acres and the total area sprayed is: 43,560 ft /ac 495,000 + 421,875 = 916,875 ft2 So, the area that has been sprayed is 125.6 – 109.1 = 16.5 acres, and the or application rate is: 916,875 ft2 ______= 2l.05 acres ______320 gallons 2 = 19.4 gallons/acre 43,560 ft /acre 16.5 acres Since 340 gallons were used, the application rate is: Useful Conversions 340 gal. MPH × ft/min/88 ______= 16.2 gallons/acre 21.05 acre Acres/ MPH × swath width (ft) = ______Hour 8.25 Example 3 Acres/ MPH × swath width (ft) 1 ______A sprayer starts spraying a ⁄4 sec- = Minute 495 tion sized center pivot irrigated field. At the end of the third round, he has Example: A 20 foot sprayer traveling Z used about 320 gallons of spray. He is 6 MPH covers 14.5 acres/hour. A Sprayed Area X 1 using a 30 foot boom. What is the ap- 100 MPH airplane with a 50 foot ⁄2 plication rate? swath covers 10.1 acres/minute. 2 Solution: 3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon 2 tablespoons = 1 fluid ounce A 90 feet wide strip was sprayed 8 fluid ounces = 1 cup 1/8 1 around the outside of the circle, so we 2 cups = 1 pint can calculate the total area of the cir- 2 pints = 1 quart W cle, then subtract the area that has not 4 quarts = 1 gallon yet been sprayed. 1 pint = 473 milliliters 1 ⁄4 Total area of circle: 1 gallon = 3,785 milliliters 1 pound = .454 kilograms × × 2 A = 3.14 1,320 1,320 = 5,471,136 ft 1 liter of water weighs 1 kilogram or 1,000 milliliters = 1 liter 5,47l,l36 ft2 ______= 125.6 acres 1,000 grams = 1 kilogram 43,560 ft2/ac Start

Stop

93 Laws and ■ by someone who is certified, or Regulations ■ under a certified person’s supervision. Without pesticides, we would not Some uses may be general under have the food, fiber, and landscape some conditions and restricted under plants we need. But because pesti- others. cides can be dangerous, Congress has passed laws affecting pesticide use. Prohibited Actions These laws try to balance the need for pesticides against the need to protect The law names many things you people and the environment from cannot do. These two concern you their misuse. most: ■ You may not use a pesticide other than as the label or labeling Federal Insecticide, directs, except when special reg- Fungicide, and Rodenticide ulations allow you to—use it for Act (FIFRA) as Amended other pests or at a lower rate than the label recommends. You are taking this training be- ■ You may not dispose of any pes- cause of a law passed by Congress in ticide or its container except as 1972. It is often called by its initials— the label or labeling directs. FIFRA. It requires you to show that You also should know your State you know the correct way to use and and local laws. They may prohibit handle pesticides. more actions than the Federal law Here are the parts of the law which does. concern you the most: The applicator is responsible for ■ It says that all pesticide uses proper pesticide use and empty con- classified must be as either gen- tainer disposal. eral or restricted, ■ It requires you to be certified as Residues competent to use any of the pes- ticides classified for restricted The pesticide that stays in or on use, raw farm products or processed ■ It makes it a crime to use any foods is called a residue. EPA sets pesticide in a manner inconsis- residue tolerances under regulations tent with its labeling, and authorized by the Federal Food, ■ It provides penalties (up to Drug, and Cosmetic Act. A tolerance $1000 and 30 days in prison) for is the concentration of a pesticide that people who do not obey the law. is judged safe for human consump- tion. Residues in processed foods are Classification of Pesticides considered to be food additives and are regulated as such. Manufacturers must register every Tolerances are expressed in “parts pesticide with EPA. By regulation, per million” (ppm). One ppm equals when each pesticide is registered, all one part (by weight) of pesticide for its uses must be classified. EPA must each million parts of farm or food decide whether each use is a general product. Using pounds as a measure, or a restricted one. 50 ppm would be 50 pounds of pesti- Under the law, pesticide uses that cide in a million pounds of the prod- will damage the environment very uct. The same pesticide may have a little or not at all when done as the different tolerance on different prod- gen- label directs can be classified as ucts. It might be 50 ppm on grapes eral uses. and 25 ppm on apples. Uses that could cause damage, If too much residue is found on a even when done as directed on the farm or food product, the product restricted label, must be classified as may be seized or condemned. uses. They may be carried out only:

94 Laws and ■ The label will tell you how many Location must be designated Regulations days before harvest the pesticide may “spot treatment” be applied. Follow the label exactly. ■ Date of application Then you can be sure you are not A commercial applicator must, breaking the law. within 30 days of an RUP application, provide a copy of the required records to the person for whom the Restricted Use Pesticide RUP was applied. However, certified Application Recordkeeping commercial applicators can hold Requirements these RUP application records for their clients as long as the client has Private applicators must record signed a statement recognizing the their restricted use pesticide (RUP) commercial applicator as the record applications, as required by the Food, holder. Commercial applicators Agriculture, Conservation and Trade should provide their clients with a (FACT) Act of 1990. The USDA Agri- copy of the signed statement, make cultural Marketing Service adminis- these records available to their clients ters this activity. However, for good upon request, and maintain separate management, recordkeeping is records for each client. strongly encouraged for ALL pesti- cide applications. Each pesticide application requires The Kansas Pesticide Law an individual record. RUP applica- The State of Kansas, under the Kan- tion records may be handwritten on sas Pesticide Law, has been granted individual notes or forms, consist of primacy by the Federal Government. invoices, be computerized, and/or This primacy says, in effect, that the maintained in recordkeeping books. State has jurisdiction over all pesticide RUP application records must be matters. Primacy allows the state to maintained for two years from the adopt rules and regulations regarding date of application. The certified pes- pesticide use that must meet Federal ticide applicator should retain these standards. However, the state regula- RUP records, but must be able to tions may be more strict than the fed- make them accessible for copying by eral law. Pesticide users in Kansas authorized representatives. should expect firm but fair enforce- Your records must include: ment of the Pesticide Law. ■ Brand/product name Criminal penalties under the ■ EPA registration number Kansas Pesticide Law for violations ■ Total amount of RUP applied by certified private applicators shall ■ Location of application be expressed as a misdemeanor. Upon ■ Size of area treated conviction, a violator shall be pun- ■ Crop, commodity, stored prod- ished by a fine of not less than one uct, or site treated hundred dollars ($100) and not more ■ Application date (month/day/ than five hundred dollars ($500). year) Noncriminal penalties may also be ■ Name of certified applicator assessed a certified private applicator. ■ Certification number These penalties range from an admin- istrative letter of warning to having Spot Treatments one’s certification denied, suspended, RUP applications made on the or revoked. same day in a total area of less than one-tenth of an acre require the fol- Recordkeeping Requirements for lowing information to be recorded: Sales of Restricted Use Pesticides ■ Brand/product name Effective July 1, 1985, an amend- ■ EPA registration number ment to the Kansas Pesticide Law re- ■ Total amount applied quires persons selling Restricted Use

95 Laws and Regulations Pesticides to maintain, for a period of Laws and Regulations two years, records of the sales trans- in Regard to Wildlife action of pesticides classified as Damage Control Restricted Use. The records for sales of Restricted Because of public attitudes about Use Pesticides must contain the fol- wildlife and information about bird, lowing information: rodent, and predator biology, control 1. The name and address of the res- actions are regulated beyond normal idence or principal place of busi- pesticide laws and regulations. Any- ness of each person to whom the one intending to become involved in restricted use pesticide product a wild animal damage problem has been sold; should first learn of the laws and reg- 2. The name and address of the res- ulations related to the target species idence or principal place of busi- in the area of control action. Remem- ness or the individual to whom bering control actions are designed the restricted use pesticide prod- to stop the damage, not necessarily uct has been delivered or made to kill the offending animals. available if different from the purchaser; Some State Regulations to Consider 3. The certification number of Are As Follows: applicator’s certificate; 4. The name of the state issuing the A nuisance bird control permit certificate; shall be required to use any lethal 5. The expiration date of the method of control which involves certificate; poisons or chemicals for controlling 6. If the applicator is a certified nuisance birds. When a permit is re- commercial applicator of pesti- quired, nuisance birds killed and the cides, the categories and subcate- plumage shall be utilized only in the gories, if applicable, in which the manner specified in the permit. All applicator is certified; nuisance bird control activities shall 7. The registered name of the re- be subject to all federal and state laws stricted use pesticide product, its and rules and regulations. EPA registration number and the A permit is required from the state special local need registra- Kansas Department of Wildlife and tion number, if any: Parks to use any burrow fumigants. 8. The quantity of the restricted use Burrow fumigants are used for pesticide product sold; and prairie dog control and to a lesser 9. The date of the transaction. extent for norway rats and 13 lined A pesticide dealer may make a re- ground squirrels. The permit has to stricted use pesticide product avail- be recommended by the Extension able to an uncertified person for use Specialist, Wildlife Damage Control, (application) by the certified applica- at Kansas State University before the tor if the following additional records permit will be issued. are kept by the dealer: A permit is required from the 1. The name and address of the res- Kansas Department of Wildlife and idence or principal place of busi- Parks to use a device referred to as ness of the uncertified person to M-44s. This device is used occasion- whom the restricted use pesti- ally for coyote damage control, espe- cide product has been made cially during the winter time. Sodium available; and cyanide is the chemical agent used in 2. The name and address of the res- the M-44. The permit has to be rec- idence or principal place of busi- ommended by the Extension Spe- ness of the certified applicator cialist, Wildlife Damage Control, at who will use the restricted use Kansas State University. pesticide product.

96 Laws and Prior to any chemical prairie dog Federal laws that relate to wildlife Regulations control effort, the label states that the damage control include, but are not prairie dog colony must first be limited to, the following. searched for black-footed ferret signs 1. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and that no control can be carried out 2. Fish and Wildlife Coordination if this endangered species, the black- Act footed ferret, might be present as the 3. Animal Damage Control Act of sign indicates. March 2, 1931 These are only a few of the related 4. National Environmental Policy state laws and regulations which Act apply to wildlife damage control. 5. Federal Insecticide, Fungicide Any person intending to conduct and Rodenticide Act damage control involving a wildlife 6. Endangered Species Act species should contact the Extension 7. Bald Eagle Protection Act Wildlife Damage Control Office at Kansas State University or a Con- servation Officer with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

97 Terms Used In Carcinogenic: Can cause cancer. Pest Control Carrier: The inert liquid or sold material added to an active ingredient to pre- pare a pesticide formulation. Some of these words have several Causal Organism: The organism meanings. Those given here are the ones (pathogen) that produces a specific that relate to pest control. Abrasion: disease. The process of wearing away Chemosterilant: A chemical that can pre- by rubbing. Abscission: vent reproduction. The separation of fruit, Chlorinated Hydrocarbon: A synthetic leaves, or stems from a plant. Absorption: organic pesticide that contains chlorine, The pricks by which a chem- carbon. and hydrogen. Same as ical is taken into plants, animals, or organochlorine. minerals. Compare with adsorption. Chlorosis: Activator: The yellowing of a plant’s A chemical added to a pesti- green tissue. cide to increase its activity. Cholinesterase: A chemical catalyst Adherence: Sticking to a surface. Adjuvant: (enzyme) found in animals that helps Inert ingredient added to a regulate the activity of nerve impulses. pesticide formulation to make it work Compatible: When two or more chemi- better. Adsorption: cals can be mixed without affecting The process by which each other’s properties, they are said to chemicals are held on the surface of a be compatible. mineral or soil particle. Compare with Concentration: The amount of active in- absorption. Adulterated: gredient in a given volume or weight Any pesticide whose of formulation. strength or purity falls below the Contaminate: To make impure or to quality stated on its label. Also, a food, pollute. feed, or product that contains illegal Corrosion: The process of wearing away pesticide residues. Aerobic: by chemical means. Living in air. The opposite of Crucifers: Plants belonging to the mus- anaerobic. Aerosol: tard family, such as mustard, cabbage. An extremely fine mist or fog turnip, and radish. consisting of solid or liquid particles Cucurbits: Plants belonging to the gourd suspended in air. Also, certain formu- family, such as pumpkin, cucumber, lations used to produce a fine mist. Agitation: and squash. The process of stirring or mix- Deciduous Plants: Perennial plants that ing in a sprayer. Alkaloids: lose their leaves during the winter. Chemicals present in some Deflocculating Agent: A material added plants. Some are used as pesticides. Anaerobic: to a suspension to prevent settling. Living in the absence of air. Degradation: The process by which a The opposite of aerobic. Animal Sign: chemical is reduced to a less complex The evidences of an ani- form. mal’s presence in an area. Dermal: Antagonism: Of the skin; through or by the The loss of activity of a skin. chemical when exposed to another Dermal Toxicity: Ability of a chemical to chemical. Antibiotic: cause injury when absorbed through A substance which is used to the skin. control pest microorganisms. Diluent Antidote: : Any liquid or solid material A practical treatment for poi- used to dilute or carry an active soning, including first aid. Aqueous: ingredient. A term used to indicate the Dilute: To make thinner by adding water, presence of water in a solution. another liquid, or a solid. Arsenicals: Pesticides containing arsenic. Dispersing Agent: Aseptic A material that re- : Free of disease-causing duces the attraction between particles. organisms. Dormant: Bait Shyness: Stale in which growth of seeds The tendency for rodents, or other plant organs stops birds. or other pests to avoid a poi- temporarily. soned bait. Dose, Dosage: Botanical Pesticide: Quantity of a pesticide A pesticide made applied. from plants. Also called plant-derived Economic Injury Level: The lowest num- pesticides. Broadleaf Weeds: ber of pests that will cause an amount Plants with broad, of injury equal to the cost of applying rounded, or flattened leaves. control practices. Brush Control: Control of woody plants. Economic threshold: Carbamate: Also called the ac- A synthetic organic pesticide tion threshold; the pest number or den- containing carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen. sity at which remedial control practices and sulfur. should be taken to prevent pests from exceeding the economic injury level.

98 Terms Used In Emulsifier: A chemical which aids in sus- Necrotic: Showing varying degrees of pending one liquid in another. dead areas or spots. Pest Control Emulsion: A mixture in which one liquid Nitrophenols: Synthetic organic pesti- is suspended as tiny drops in another cides containing carbon, hydrogen, ni- liquid, such as oil in water. trogen, and oxygen. Fungistat: A chemical that keeps fungi Noxious Weed: A plant defined as being from growing. especially undesirable or troublesome. GPA: Gallons per acre. Oral: Of the mouth; through or by the GPM: Gallons per minute. mouth. Growth Stages of Cereal Crops: Oral Toxicity: Ability of a pesticide to (1) Tillering—when additional shoots cause injury when taken by mouth. are developing from the flower buds. Organic Compounds: Chemicals that (2) Jointing—when stem internodes be- contain carbon. gin elongating rapidly. (3) Booting— Organochlorine: Same as chlorinated when upper leaf sheath swells due to hydro-carbon. the growth of developing spike or pan- Organophosphate: A synthetic organic icle. (4) Heading—when seed head is pesticide containing carbon, hydrogen, emerging from the upper leaf sheath. and phosphorus; parathion and Hard (water): Water containing soluble malathion are two examples. salts of calcium and magnesium and Ovicide: A chemical that destroys eggs. sometimes iron. Pathogen: Any disease-producing Herbaceous Plant: A plant that does not organism. develop woody tissue. Penetration: The act of entering or ability Hydrogen-Ion Concentration: A measure to enter. of acidity or alkalinity, expressed in Phytotoxic: Harmful to plants. terms of the pH of the solution. For Pollutant: An agent or chemical that example, a pH of 7 is neutral, from 1 to makes something impure or dirty. 7 is acid, and from 7 to 14 is alkaline. PPB: Parts per billion. A way to express Immune: Not susceptible to a disease or the concentration of chemicals in foods, poison. plants, and animals. One part per bil- Impermeable: Cannot be penetrated. lion equals 1 pound in 500,000 tons. Semipermeable means that some sub- PPM: Parts per million. A way to express stances can pass through and others the concentration of chemicals in foods, cannot. plants, and animals. One part per mil- Lactation: The production of milk by an lion equals 1 pound in 500 tons. animal, or the period during which an Predator: An animal that destroys or eats animal is producing milk. other animals. LC50: The concentration of an active ingre- Propellant: Liquid in self-pressurized dient in air which is expected to cause pesticide products that forces the active death in 50 percent of the test animals ingredient from the container. so treated. A means of expressing the PSI: Pounds per square inch. toxicity of a compound present in air as Pubescent: Having hairy leaves or stems. dust, mist, gas, or vapor. It is generally Residual Activity: Persistence of pesti- expressed as micrograms per Liter as a cide after application, usually in terms dust or mist but in the case of a gas or of continued effectiveness against tar- vapor as parts per million (ppm). geted pests. LD50: The dose of an active ingredient Residue: Quantities of a pesticide taken by mouth or absorbed by the or pharmaceutical product that re- skin which is expected to cause death mains in or on food, feed, soil, water, in 50 percent of the test animals so or other substrate after application or treated. If a chemical has an LD50 of contamination. 10 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) it Resistance: The ability of an individual or is more toxic than one having an LD50 population of plants or animals to of 100 mg/kg. withstand a physical or chemical chal- Leaching: Movement of a substance lenge that is lethal to others of its kind. downward or out of the soil as the re- Such resistance is genetically conveyed sult of water movement. to descendants. 1) Crop varieties are Mammals: Warm-blooded animals that bred for resistance to diseases, insects, nourish their young with milk. Their herbicides, or drought. 2) Populations skin is more or less covered with hair. of insects or weeds may become resis- Miscible Liquids: Two or more liquids tant to insecticides or herbicides that can be mixed and will remain through continual use of the same type mixed under normal conditions. of material which eliminates individu- MPH: Miles per hour. als most susceptible to that material Mutagenic: Can produce genetic change. and leaves resistant ones to dominate Necrosis: Localized death of living tissue the population. such as the death of a certain area of a RPM: Revolutions per minute. leaf.

99 Terms Used In Safener: A chemical added to a pesticide Suspension: Finely divided solid parti- Pest Control or seed to keep the pesticide from in- cles mixed in a liquid. juring the crop. Synergism: The joint action of two or Seed Protectant: A chemical applied to more pesticides that is greater than the seed before planting to protect seeds sum of their activity when used alone. and new seedlings from disease and Target Pest: The pest at which a particu- insects. lar pesticide or other control method is Soil Sterilant: A chemical that prevents directed. the growth of all plants and animals in Tolerance: (1) The ability of a living thing the soil. Soil sterilization may be tem- to withstand adverse conditions, such porary or permanent, depending on as pest attacks, weather extremes, or the chemical. pesticides. (2) The amount of pesticide Soluble: Will dissolve in a liquid. that may safely remain in or on raw Solution: Mixture of one or more sub- farm products at the time of sale. stances in another in which all ingredi- Toxicant: A poisonous chemical. ents are completely dissolved. Trade Name: Same as brand name. Solvent: A liquid which will dissolve a Vapor Pressure: The property which substance to form a solution. causes a chemical to evaporate. The Spreader: A chemical which increases the lower the vapor pressure, the more eas- area that a given volume of liquid will ily it will evaporate. cover on a solid or on another liquid. Vector: A carrier, such as an insect, that Sticker: A material added to a pesticide to transmits a pathogen. increase its adherence. Viscosity: The property of liquids that de- Surfactant: A chemical which increases termines whether they flow readily. the emulsifying, dispersing, spreading, Viscosity usually increases when tem- and wetting properties of a pesticide perature decreases. product. Volatile: Evaporates at ordinary tempera- Susceptible: Capable of being diseased or tures when exposed to air. poisoned; not immune. Wetting Agent: A chemical which causes Susceptible Species: A plant or animal a liquid to contact surfaces more that is poisoned by moderate amounts thoroughly. of a pesticide.

100

Frannie L. Miller Pesticide Coordinator

Authors: Robert Bowden, Extension Specialist, Plant Pathology, Kansas State University H. Leroy Brooks, Extension Specialist, Insecticides (Pesticide Safety), Kansas State University F. Robert Henderson, Extension State Leader, Wildlife Damage Control Program, Kansas State University Randall Higgins, Extension State Leader, Entomology, Kansas State University Dennis K. Kuhlman, Extension Agricultural Engineer, Pesticide Application, Kansas State University Larry Leuthold, Extension Specialist, Turfgrass, Kansas State University Donald E. Mock, Extension Specialist, Livestock Entomology, Kansas State University Dallas E. Peterson, Extension Specialist, Weed Science, Kansas State University

Consulting Staff: Appreciation is expressed to the following for review of the material in this manual: Jerry Dreher, Ford County Extension Agent, Agriculture Dale Ladd, McPherson County Extension Agent, Agriculture and Community Development Art Johnson, Jefferson County Extension Agent, Agriculture Joe Smith, Montgomery County Extension Agent, Agriculture Rick Snell, Barton County Extension Agent, Agriculture

Acknowledgements: Appreciation is expressed to the following for cooperation in the Private Pesticide Applicator Training Program: Jeanne Fox, Ecological Specialist, Pesticide Use Section, Plant Health Division, Kansas Department of Agriculture Sue Ann Funk, Pesticide Use Section, Plant Health Division, Kansas Depart- ment of Agriculture Gary Boutz, Administrator, Pesticide Use Section, Plant Health Division, Kansas Department of Agriculture

Brand names appearing in this publication are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned. Publications from Kansas State University are available on the World Wide Web at: http://www.ksre.ksu.edu Publications are reviewed or revised annually by appropriate faculty to reflect current research and practice. Date shown is that of publication or last revision. Contents of this publication may be freely reproduced for educational purposes. All other rights reserved. In each case, credit Frannie L. Miller, et al., Private Pesticide Applicator Manual, Kansas State University, February 1997.

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service MF-531 (Revised) February 1997 It is the policy of Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service that all persons shall have equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities, and materials without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability. Kansas State University is an equal opportunity organization. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, as amended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and United States Department of Agriculture Cooperating, Marc A. Johnson, Director.