Public perception of pesticides Public has a poor understanding of pesticides Public has a fear due to media and from misuse and accidents

Public perception of pesticides The factual placement of representative risks on a scale of 1 to 30 The placement of pesticides by different groups risks on a scale of 1 to 30

Spray Drift Volatilization Pesticide Fate Adsorption What happens to the Pesticide when we apply it? Absorption Runoff Leaching Plant Removal Degradation

Spray Drift Volatilization Pesticide Fate Adsorption What happens to the Pesticide when we apply it? Absorption Runoff Leaching Plant Removal Degradation

The movement of airborne pesticides (particles, droplets, or gases) beyond the intended contact area Three primary factors which contribute to spray drift Equipment configuration and operation Pesticide Fate Spray Drift Weather conditions Applicator attitude

Spray Drift Volatilization Pesticide Fate Adsorption What happens to the Pesticide when we apply it? Absorption Runoff Leaching Plant Removal Degradation

Volatilization occurs when a liquid changes to a gas Four primary factors which contribute to volatilization Air Movement Pesticide Fate Volatilization Higher Temperatures Low Humidity Small Spray Droplets

Spray Drift Volatilization Pesticide Fate Adsorption What happens to the Pesticide when we apply it? Absorption Runoff Leaching Plant Removal Degradation

Adsorption is the binding of chemicals to soil particles The amount and persistence of pesticide adsorption varies according to the following: Pesticide Properties Pesticide Fate Adsorption Soil Moisture Content Soil Ph Soil Texture

Spray Drift Volatilization Pesticide Fate Adsorption What happens to the Pesticide when we apply it? Absorption Runoff Leaching Plant Removal Degradation

Absorption by plants and microorganisms of pesticides can transfer them into the environment Pesticide residues may persist in the plant or be released back into the environment as the plant decays Pesticide Fate Absorption Some pesticides are persistent enough in the soil to be absorbed by plants grown in the field for one or more years

Spray Drift Volatilization Pesticide Fate Adsorption What happens to the Pesticide when we apply it? Absorption Runoff Leaching Plant Removal Degradation

Runoff is a process that moves pesticides in water and occurs as water moves over a sloping surface The amount of pesticide runoff depends on the following: Pesticide Fate Runoff Grade or slope of an area Soil texture Soil moisture content Amount and timing of irrigation or rain Properties of the pesticide

Spray Drift Volatilization Pesticide Fate Adsorption What happens to the Pesticide when we apply it? Absorption Runoff Leaching Plant Removal Degradation

Leaching is another process that moves pesticides in water as water moves through the soil Primary factors which influence the leaching of pesticides: Pesticide Fate Leaching Water solubility of the pesticide Soil texture Amount and persistence of pesticide adsorption to soil particles Amount and timing of irrigation and rainfall

Spray Drift Volatilization Pesticide Fate Adsorption What happens to the Pesticide when we apply it? Absorption Runoff Leaching Plant Removal Degradation

When treated crops are harvested or plant parts removed (clippings), the pesticide residues are removed with them and transferred to a new location. Pesticide Fate Plant Removal Washing or processing of agricultural commodities will remove or degrade much of the residues We should be concerned with the manner in which we dispose of our grass clippings

Spray Drift Volatilization Pesticide Fate Adsorption What happens to the Pesticide when we apply it? Absorption Runoff Leaching Plant Removal Degradation

The breakdown of a pesticide by processes involving living and non-living organisms or by the action of sunlight Primary factors which influence this breakdown of pesticides: Pesticide Fate Degradation Microbial action - the pesticide is used as food Chemical degradation - the breakdown of a pesticide by adsorption, soil pH, soil temperature, and soil moisture Photodegradation - the breakdown of a pesticide by the action of sunlight

Integrated Pest Management

What is IPM?

Definition Integrated Pest Management (IPM) means a coordinated decision making and action process that uses the most appropriate pest control methods and strategy in an environmentally and economically sound manner to meet agency programmatic pest management objectives.

Elements of IPM A.Preventing pest problems. B.Monitoring for the presence of pests and pest damage. C.Establishing the density of the pest population, that may be set at zero, that can be tolerated or correlated with damage level sufficient to warrant treatment of the problem based on health, public safety, economic, or aesthetic thresholds. D.Treating pest problems to reduce populations below those levels established by damage thresholds using strategies that may

include biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical control methods and must consider human health, ecological impact, feasibility, and cost- effectiveness. E.Evaluating the effects and efficiency of pest treatments. “Pest” means, but is not limited to, any insect, rodent, nematode, snail, slug, weed, and any form of plant or animal life or virus which is normally considered to be a pest.

Components of IPM 1.Knowledgeable Manager –The key to a successful program is understanding the biology, ecology, and behavior of pests commonly associated with plant species. 2.Appropriate Cultural Practices – The use of sound cultural practices results in healthy plants better able to ward off pests and pest injury. 3.Monitoring of Pest Activity – Frequent scouting can help determine the stage of pest activity or injury.

4.Accurate Records – Keeping accurate and up- to-date records of pest activity, actions taken, and the results of those actions will assist in future planning. 5.Current Information – Any use of pesticides should be based on reliable information and recommendations. 6.Site Map – Locating the pest on a site map will help in the monitoring process and can be used as a tool for pesticide application. 7.Economic Threshold – This takes into account the revenue losses resulting from pest damage and the cost of treatment to prevent the damage.

Why Do We Need/Use IPM? 1.Plants and insects are becoming resistant to many chemicals. A vicious circle is developing. As plants and insects become more resistant to chemicals, more are being used. 2.IPM has initiated new research into alternative methods of control. Now, there are a variety of pest control methods at our disposal that we didn’t have before.

3.Chemicals have a tendency to kill not only the pest, but the beneficiary too. 4.There has been a build up of chemicals in not only the water supply, but in the environment in general. We don’t need to eliminate the use of chemicals, but just reduce their usage.

Use Integrated Pest Management Programs Consider the Geology of Your Area Groundwater Contamination Consider Soil Characteristics Keeping Pesticides Out of Groundwater? Select Pesticides Carefully Follow Label Directions Calibrate Accurately

Measure Accurately Avoid Back-Siphoning Groundwater Contamination Consider Weather and Irrigation Keeping Pesticides Out of Groundwater? Clean Up Spills Dispose of Wastes Properly Store Pesticides Away from Water Sources