NE Pesticide Applicator flashcards

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

Label is the law

Under FIFRA, applying a pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling is a violation of federal law; the label governs use, rates, sites, and precautions.

Section 24(c) special local need

A state-issued registration amendment that allows an additional use of a federally registered pesticide within that state to address a pest problem the federal label does not cover.

Section 18 emergency exemption

EPA authorization for a state to use an unregistered pesticide, or an unregistered use, for a limited time during an emergency pest outbreak; the exemption expires on the stated date.

Restricted-use pesticide records

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

Preharvest interval

The minimum number of days required by the label between the last pesticide application and harvest of the crop, so residues stay within established tolerances.

Restricted-entry interval

The label-stated period after an application during which workers may not enter the treated area without required PPE, unless the label allows a specific early-entry task.

Nebraska applicator certification period

In Nebraska, the Department of Agriculture administers pesticide applicator certification, and a private or commercial applicator certification remains valid for three years before renewal.

Integrated pest management

A decision framework that combines prevention, regular scouting, action thresholds, and selection of the least-risk effective control method to manage pests economically with minimal harm.

Economic threshold

The pest density at which the value of the crop loss the pest would cause equals the cost of control, so treatment is justified at or above this level.

Degree day

A cumulative heat unit calculated as average daily temperature minus a pest's lower development threshold; it predicts insect life stages and timing of scouting or treatment.

Site-of-action rotation

Alternating or combining pesticides that have different modes of action, identified by group numbers, to slow selection of resistant pest populations in a field.

Monocot versus dicot weeds

Grass weeds (monocots) have one cotyledon and parallel leaf veins; broadleaf weeds (dicots) have two cotyledons, netlike veins, and growing points on stems.

Pesticide resistance

An inherited ability of a pest population to survive a pesticide rate that would normally control it, developing after repeated exposure to the same mode of action.

LD50

The dose of a pesticide that kills 50 percent of test animals; a lower LD50 indicates a more toxic product, and values are reported for oral, dermal, and inhalation routes.

Chemical-resistant glove materials

Butyl, nitrile, neoprene, and barrier laminate resist pesticide penetration; leather and cloth gloves absorb pesticides and should never be used when handling pesticide concentrates.

SLUDGE poisoning signs

Salivation, lacrimation, urination, diarrhea, gastrointestinal cramps, and emesis are signs of organophosphate or carbamate poisoning; seek emergency medical care immediately.

Poison Control number

The national Poison Help line, 1-800-222-1222, connects callers to poison centers; have the product label available when calling about a pesticide exposure.

Respirator fit test

A required check that the respirator seals to the wearer's face; it is done before use, along with a medical evaluation and knowledge of the cartridge change schedule.

Heat illness vs poisoning

Both cause headache, dizziness, nausea, and weakness; stop work, cool the person, and get medical help rather than assuming either cause.

Safety Data Sheet sections

A 16-section document from the manufacturer covering hazard identification, first aid, handling, and spill response; keep it accessible at the workplace, separate from the label.

Gallons per acre formula

GPA = (GPM x 594) / (MPH x nozzle spacing in inches); use it for broadcast booms to check that nozzle output matches the desired carrier volume.

1/128 acre method

Calibration shortcut: spray a set distance, catch one nozzle's output in ounces, and the ounces equal gallons per acre; use 340 feet for 20-inch nozzle spacing.

Nozzle flow and pressure

Nozzle flow changes with the square root of pressure, so quadrupling pressure doubles flow; adjust pressure only within the nozzle's rated range to avoid pattern changes.

Jar test

A small-scale mix of the intended products in the same order and water source as the tank, used to detect clumping, separation, or heat before mixing a full load.

Triple rinse procedure

Empty the container, add about one-quarter volume of water, close and shake, pour the rinse water into the spray tank, and repeat twice before puncturing or recycling.

Tank mix order

Add products in the order of dry formulations first, then liquid flowables, then emulsifiable concentrates, with surfactants and oils last, while maintaining agitation throughout.

Temperature inversion

A stable layer where cooler air lies beneath warmer air; droplets can travel long distances, so avoid spraying when smoke or dust hangs and drifts.

Vapor drift

Movement of pesticide vapor after application as the product volatilizes from soil or foliage; risk increases with high temperature, low humidity, and volatile formulations.

Leaching risk factors

High water solubility, low soil adsorption, long persistence, sandy low-organic-matter soils, and shallow groundwater all increase the chance a pesticide moves downward into groundwater.

Filter strip

A band of vegetation between treated fields and water bodies that slows runoff, traps sediment, and promotes breakdown, reducing pesticide movement into streams.

Bulletins Live! Two

EPA's online tool listing pesticide use limitations in specific geographic areas to protect endangered species; check it for the application site and month before spraying.

Pollinator protection timing

Apply when blooming crops or weeds are not attracting bees, typically late evening or night, and never apply to flowering plants while pollinators are foraging.