LA Pesticide Applicator flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

FIFRA

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act is the U.S. law governing pesticide registration, labeling, and use; it requires that pesticides be registered with EPA before sale or distribution.

Restricted-use pesticide

A pesticide that EPA has determined may cause unreasonable adverse effects on humans or the environment, even when used according to label directions, and therefore may be sold only to certified applicators.

Louisiana Department of Agriculture

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) is the state agency that administers pesticide certification, licensing, and enforcement under the Louisiana Pesticide Law.

Certified commercial applicator

A person certified by LDAF to apply restricted-use pesticides for compensation on property they do not own or rent; certification requires passing exams and earning continuing education credits.

Recordkeeping requirement

Certified applicators must keep records of restricted-use pesticide applications for at least two years, including product name, EPA registration number, amount, date, location, and applicator name.

Label violation

Using a pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its label is a violation of FIFRA and state law; penalties may include civil fines and criminal prosecution for knowing violations.

LD50

The lethal dose that kills 50% of a test population, usually expressed in milligrams per kilogram of body weight; a lower LD50 indicates a more acutely toxic pesticide.

Signal word DANGER

The label signal word for EPA Category I pesticides that are highly toxic by any route of exposure; DANGER-POISON appears when the product is highly toxic by ingestion, inhalation, or dermal exposure.

Cholinesterase inhibition

The toxic action of organophosphate and carbamate insecticides, which block the enzyme cholinesterase and cause symptoms such as salivation, sweating, vomiting, and blurred vision.

PPE

Personal protective equipment required by the pesticide label, such as chemical-resistant gloves, long-sleeved shirt, pants, shoes, socks, and respirator, to reduce exposure during handling and application.

Restricted-entry interval

The time immediately after a pesticide application during which entry into the treated area is restricted, as stated on the label, to protect workers from exposure.

Heat stress

A condition caused by high temperature and physical exertion that can mimic pesticide poisoning; symptoms include dizziness, confusion, and heavy sweating, and it is prevented by hydration and rest breaks.

Integrated Pest Management

A decision-making approach that combines cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical controls, using pesticides only when monitoring shows pest populations exceed economic thresholds.

Economic threshold

The pest population density at which the cost of control equals the value of crop damage prevented; treatment is justified when pest numbers reach or exceed this level.

Chewing insect mouthparts

Insects such as caterpillars and beetles that bite and chew plant tissue; they are controlled with stomach-poison insecticides that are ingested.

Piercing-sucking mouthparts

Insects such as aphids and whiteflies that insert stylets into plant tissue and suck sap; they are best controlled with systemic or contact insecticides.

Annual weed

A weed that completes its life cycle in one growing season, germinating from seed, producing seed, and dying within a year; control focuses on preventing seed production.

Resistance management

The practice of rotating pesticide mode-of-action groups and avoiding repeated use of the same group to slow the development of pest resistance.

Biological control

The use of natural enemies such as predators, parasitoids, and pathogens to suppress pest populations; it is a key component of integrated pest management.

Emulsifiable concentrate

A liquid pesticide formulation containing the active ingredient dissolved in an organic solvent plus an emulsifier; it forms an emulsion when mixed with water and requires agitation.

Wettable powder

A dry pesticide formulation that forms a suspension when mixed with water; it requires continuous agitation and can cause abrasive wear on spray equipment.

Surfactant

A surface-active agent added to spray mixtures to reduce surface tension and improve coverage; nonionic surfactants are most commonly used with pesticides.

Sprayer calibration formula

GPA = (GPM × 5940) / (MPH × W), where GPA is gallons per acre, GPM is nozzle flow rate, MPH is ground speed, and W is swath width in inches.

Flat-fan nozzle

A spray nozzle that produces a fan-shaped pattern, commonly used for broadcast herbicide and preemergence applications; it provides uniform coverage across the swath.

Tank mixing order

The sequence for mixing pesticides: fill tank half full with water, add dry formulations first, then liquid flowables, then emulsifiable concentrates, and add surfactants last.

Triple rinse

The procedure of rinsing an empty pesticide container three times, adding each rinse to the spray tank, to remove residual pesticide before disposal.

Endangered Species Act

The federal law that protects listed species and their habitats; EPA must consult with wildlife agencies before registering pesticides that may affect listed species.

Pesticide drift

The movement of pesticide through the air to non-target areas; it can be reduced by using low-drift nozzles, lower pressure, and applying when wind speed is between 2 and 10 mph.

Buffer zone

A specified distance from sensitive areas such as water bodies or endangered species habitat that must be maintained during pesticide application, as stated on the label.

Groundwater contamination

The movement of pesticides into underground water supplies; risk increases with high soil permeability, low organic matter, high water solubility, and pesticide persistence.

Pollinator protection

Practices to reduce pesticide harm to bees and other pollinators, such as avoiding applications to blooming crops and applying in late evening or early morning.

Spill response

The procedure for containing a pesticide spill using absorbent materials, preventing entry into drains or waterways, and reporting large spills to LDAF.