Pesticide Applicator IPM Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What should you wear over your regular work clothes for protection against pesticides?

Coveralls

What must be checked every time a respirator is put on?

Fit check

What are the three 'C's of spill management?

Clean up (correct)

Contain (correct)

Control (correct)

Cover

How many times should empty pesticide containers be rinsed prior to disposal?

3 Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the rinse water from the triple rinsing of pesticide containers?

Added to the spray tank and applied to the labeled site. Signup and view all the answers

It is permissible to reuse empty pesticide containers.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of materials must be used for worker training?

Written or audio-visual training materials (EPA approved). Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in managing a pest problem?

Pest identification. Signup and view all the answers

What factors influence the economic threshold for pest control?

Plant maturity Signup and view all the answers

The growing point of a seedling grass plant is located _____ the soil surface.

below Signup and view all the answers

What are nematodes?

Microscopic roundworms that live in soil. Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for herbicides to be effective on perennial weeds?

They must translocate into the below-ground parts. Signup and view all the answers

Define IPM?

A pest population management system that anticipates and prevents pests from causing damage; an ecological approach to pest control. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are components of IPM? (Select all that apply)

Pest identification Signup and view all the answers

What is the intent of IPM?

To use tactics that include pesticide alternatives to reduce pesticide use and lessen the development of pest resistance. Signup and view all the answers

How is a pesticide defined by law?

Any substance intended for preventing, destroying, or repelling pests, and for use as a plant growth regulator. Signup and view all the answers

Which agencies register pesticides?

Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Signup and view all the answers

What is the federal law that regulates the sale and use of pesticides?

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Signup and view all the answers

What is a state-limited-use pesticide?

A pesticide on which additional restrictions are placed by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Signup and view all the answers

As defined by law, what is a private pesticide applicator?

A person who uses or supervises the use of restricted-use or state-limited-use pesticides for agricultural commodity production. Signup and view all the answers

When supervising pesticide use, the private applicator must always be physically present.

False Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for ensuring that individuals working under a licensee's supervision understand label requirements?

The licensed applicator. Signup and view all the answers

What practical knowledge and skills should a private applicator have?

Recognize common pests and damage, read labels, apply pesticides according to instructions, and know first-aid for poisoning. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of pesticide label directions regarding the law?

The label has the force of law, and using any chemical inconsistently with it is a violation. Signup and view all the answers

It is legal to use more than the labeled rate of a pesticide under certain circumstances.

False Signup and view all the answers

What role do Texas counties have in regulating pesticides?

Some counties regulate the sale and use of herbicides, requiring permits for use during certain times. Signup and view all the answers

What is a spray permit?

A document issued by TDA that authorizes a person to apply regulated herbicides in a regulated county. Signup and view all the answers

When does a spray permit expire?

When the acreage has been sprayed or after a certain number of days, whichever occurs first. Signup and view all the answers

What Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are required to renew the private applicator's license?

Fifteen CEUs every five years, including two credits in laws and regulations and two in integrated pest management. Signup and view all the answers

What late fees are added to the renewal fee after February 28th?

A $30 late fee is added after February 28th until May 31. Signup and view all the answers

Failing to inform TDA of a change in mailing address may lead to license denial or suspension.

True Signup and view all the answers

When can a person request prior notification?

When pesticides are applied with air-blast or aerial equipment by people on adjoining property or sensitive locations. Signup and view all the answers

Name an accepted method for giving prior notification of a scheduled application to a neighbor.

Raising an EPA WPS flag/sign in or about the field. Signup and view all the answers

How long are licensed pesticide applicators required to keep records?

For a period of two years. Signup and view all the answers

What is needed when regulations require that the total volume of spray mix be recorded?

You need to record the rate per area, such as 1 gallon per 1000 square feet. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) applied to?

Most agricultural production Signup and view all the answers

The person ultimately responsible for ensuring worker compliance with WPS is the ______.

Agricultural employer Signup and view all the answers

How often must a supervisor monitor a handler using a highly toxic pesticide?

At least every two hours. Signup and view all the answers

What items are necessary at a decontamination site?

Water for washing, emergency eye flushing, soap, single-use towels, and a clean change of clothing. Signup and view all the answers

What are some consequences of groundwater contamination?

Potentially prohibitive clean-up expenses and health effects. Signup and view all the answers

What routes can pesticides reach groundwater? (Select all that apply)

Spills Signup and view all the answers

What site features contribute to greater chemical movement through soil?

Coarse soil, low organic matter, and shallow depth to groundwater. Signup and view all the answers

What chemical and physical properties increase a pesticide's potential for leaching?

High water solubility and weak adsorption to soil. Signup and view all the answers

What pesticide application practices help minimize groundwater contamination?

Accurate measuring and mixing, and proper equipment calibration. Signup and view all the answers

List ways to minimize direct contamination of groundwater.

Protect well heads, conduct water activities away from water sources. Signup and view all the answers

How can back-siphoning be prevented?

By keeping the discharge end of the hose above the tank liquid level. Signup and view all the answers

What procedures should be used to clean out pesticide containers?

Triple rinse or pressure rinse and return rinse water to the spray tank. Signup and view all the answers

What are the benefits of biological diversity?

Provides sources for food, medicine, and contributes to ecosystem health. Signup and view all the answers

What is an endangered species?

A species in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Signup and view all the answers

What responsibility does the Environmental Protection Agency have regarding endangered species protection?

To ensure pesticide registrations do not harm endangered species or their habitats. Signup and view all the answers

How can the label help protect endangered species?

By including limitations on chemical use and providing warnings in specific areas. Signup and view all the answers

Name two government agencies that can provide information on endangered species.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Signup and view all the answers

What information is required by the 1990 Farm Bill regarding pesticide applications?

Applicator name, date of application, product name, amount applied, crop/site treated, and location. Signup and view all the answers

If you make a spot application to an area less than one-tenth of an acre, what must you record?

Date of application, product name, EPA registration number, amount applied, and location. Signup and view all the answers

Greenhouse and nursery applications qualify for shorter recordkeeping requirements.

False Signup and view all the answers

How long must records be kept after pesticide application?

Records must be kept for two years after application. Signup and view all the answers

What is required when regulations mandate recording the total volume of spray mix?

The rate per area must be recorded, such as 30 gallons per acre. Signup and view all the answers

What precautions should be taken when handling pesticides?

Watch out for spills, avoid contact with skin, and wear appropriate PPE. Signup and view all the answers

What types of gloves should NOT be worn when handling pesticides?

Cotton and leather gloves. Signup and view all the answers

List some easy rules for wearing PPE correctly.

Keep pant legs over boots, wear gloves that reach halfway to the elbow. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

IPM is a proactive pest population management system designed to prevent damage caused by pests.
Implements ecological approaches including pest identification, monitoring, and biological controls.

Pesticide Regulations

A pesticide, per law, is any substance aimed at preventing or mitigating pests, including growth regulators.
Registration of pesticides is done by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) governs the sale and use of pesticides.

Applicator Types and Responsibilities

A private pesticide applicator is one who supervises the use of restricted-use pesticides for agricultural purposes.
Supervision does not require the applicator to be physically present but must be reachable.
Licensed applicators must ensure that supervised personnel understand label requirements and regulations.

Record-Keeping and Reporting

Private applicators must maintain records for two years for restricted-use pesticides.
Records must document applicator identity, application details, product used, and treated area.

Pesticide Label Importance

Pesticide labels have legal weight; deviation from label instructions violates federal and state laws.
Signal words indicate toxicity levels: "Caution" (least toxic), "Warning" (moderately toxic), "Danger" (highly toxic).
Restricted-use pesticides require certification for safe application.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Pesticide application can harm groundwater, necessitating careful practices to prevent contamination.
Situations increasing leaching risk include sandy soils, shallow groundwater, and excessive pesticide solubility.
Biological diversity is critical; many pharmaceuticals originate from natural sources.

Worker Protection Standards (WPS)

WPS applies mainly to agricultural production areas; exemptions include pastures and rangeland.
Employers must monitor handlers using highly toxic pesticides every two hours for safety.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Chemical-resistant PPE includes materials like PVC and rubber; cotton or leather gloves are inadequate.
Properly wearing PPE involves several guidelines related to clothing and glove usage to minimize exposure.

Cleaning Up and Managing Pesticides

The proper management of pesticide spills follows the three 'C's: Control, Contain, Clean up.
Contaminated work clothes must be washed separately using heavy-duty detergent and hot water.

Notification Requirements

Neighbors within 1/4 mile must be notified prior to pesticide applications using specific equipment.
Notification can be accomplished through raising an EPA WPS flag or through other agreed methods.

Licensing and Renewal

Renewal of the private applicator's license requires 15 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) over five years, including legal and IPM credits.
Failure to renew on time incurs late fees and can result in license suspension if address changes are unreported.### Cleaning and Disposing of Contaminated Items
Perform two complete washer cycles for moderately to heavily contaminated items.
Hang washed work clothes outside to dry.
Run an empty washer cycle with hot water and detergent for additional cleaning.
Avoid using a dryer; if necessary, use the highest setting. Heavily contaminated clothing should be destroyed.

Pesticide Container Disposal

Rinse empty pesticide containers three times before disposal.
Rinse water from triple rinsing should be added to the spray tank and applied at labeled sites.
Empty, rinsed containers must not be reused; triple rinse and either recycle, recondition, or puncture for landfill disposal. Burning is prohibited in Texas.

Worker Training Requirements

Worker training must utilize EPA-approved written or audio-visual materials.
Training information can be personally delivered or through audio-visual programs with the option to involve another approved trainer.
Ensure training is presented in a language and terms that workers can understand.

Pump Pressures and Capacities

Rank pumps by pressure: centrifugal (lowest), roller (mid), piston (highest). Centrifugal pumps have higher volume capacity.
Pump size should supply all spray boom nozzles and provide agitation if necessary.
Choose a pressure gauge with a range twice the maximum expected pressure.

Nozzle Considerations

Avoid brass tips for spraying wettable powders.
Adjust boom height to change spray pattern overlap with flat spray tips.
Flat and even spray tips can operate between 20 to 40 psi.

Nozzle Flow Rate and Maintenance

Changing operating pressure can alter nozzle output, but significant changes may require nozzle tip replacement.
To double nozzle flow rate, increase pressure fourfold, which is impractical for typical psi ranges.
Clean nozzles with soft brushes like toothbrushes, avoiding knives or wires.

Drift Prevention and Application Timing

Monitor weather conditions to prevent chemical drift; do not apply chemicals with wind towards sensitive crops.
Optimal spray application times are early morning and late evening when temperature differences are minimal.

Equipment Calibration

Calibrate equipment before each use.
Use water in the tank for checking nozzle discharge or calibrating the sprayer.

Plant and Insect Management

Recognize plant diseases by symptoms such as leaf spots, blights, and wilts; requires a susceptible host, the organism's presence, and a favorable environment for infection.
Economic thresholds guide when pest control measures are needed, considering pest population development and damage levels.

Pest Categories and Control

Insects categorized by impact: 90% have no significant impact, 7% beneficial, 3% economically important or destructive.
Key, occasional, and secondary pests differ in their economic impact and frequency.

Weed Life Cycles and Control Methods

Weeds categorized by life cycle: annuals (1 year), biennials (2 years), and perennials (multiple years).
Control methods include biological (e.g., beneficial insects), mechanical (e.g., mowing, tilling), cultural (e.g., crop rotation), and chemical (caution with herbicide use).

Herbicide Effectiveness

Herbicide effectiveness varies with the weed growth stage: near 100% effectiveness at seedling stage, drops to 75% at vegetative, less than 40% at flowering, and lowest at mature stage.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with these flashcards. This study guide covers key concepts such as pest identification, monitoring, and components that contribute to effective pest control. Perfect for pesticide applicators looking to enhance their understanding.