Explain how to manage pests.

Explanation should include

  • IPM
  • types of pest management (e.g., biological, mechanical, cultural, sterilization, and chemical)
  • pesticide action
  • use of pesticide safety information, including
    • centralized bulletin board
    • personal pesticide safety training
    • EPA-approved warning signs
    • PPE
    • safety data sheets (SDS)
    • chemical storage, disposal, and mixing areas
    • pesticide labels
    • identifying sensitive environments
    • pesticide movement
  • discussing pesticide formulations (e.g., liquid, dry, fumigants, adjuvants)
  • discussing the use of pesticide application equipment, including hand-pump sprayer, backpack sprayer, gas or electric sprayer, foggers, and granule dispensers
  • discussing the timing of pesticide application
  • discussing pesticide formulations, including wettable powders, emulsifiable concentrate, dusts, aerosols, fogs, smokes, and granules
  • pesticide compatibility
  • discussing disposal methods
  • pest resistance to chemicals
  • phytotoxicity
  • discussing the use of chemicals to manage pests, including
    • mixing liquid pesticides
    • applying pesticides, using a backpack sprayer
    • calibrating pesticide application equipment
  • discussing granular pesticide application methods
  • discussing organic chemicals and biological controls.

Process/Skill Questions:

  • What are the key components of IPM?
  • How can a grower determine whether a contact poison or a systemic poison should be applied?
  • What are the environmental hazards associated with irresponsible pesticide use?
  • What safety precautions must be observed when handling pesticides?
  • What information is printed on every pesticide label?
  • What is pesticide compatibility?
  • When is the application of a chemical pesticide justified?
  • What PPE is associated with pesticide application?