Private Applicator flashcards

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

Economic threshold

The pest density at which the cost of control equals the value of crop loss the pest would cause, signaling that treatment may be justified.

Degree-day accumulation

A measure of heat accumulated above a pest's lower development threshold; daily average temperature minus threshold, summed over days, predicts insect life stages and timing.

Disease triangle

Plant disease requires three interacting factors: a susceptible host, a virulent pathogen, and favorable environmental conditions; management aims to disrupt at least one leg.

Mode-of-action rotation

Alternating pesticides with different IRAC, FRAC, or WSSA group numbers to slow resistance; rotating product names within the same group does not count.

Restricted entry interval

The period after a pesticide application during which workers may not enter the treated area without required PPE, unless an exception in the label applies.

Preharvest interval

The minimum number of days allowed between the last pesticide application and harvesting the crop, specified on the label as the PHI.

Safety Data Sheet Section 8

The SDS section listing exposure controls and personal protective equipment, including occupational exposure limits and engineering controls recommended for handling the product.

Section 24(c) registration

A state-issued special local need registration that allows additional uses of a federally registered pesticide within that state, with EPA oversight and label requirements.

Private applicator

A certified applicator who applies restricted-use pesticides on land owned or rented by themselves or their employer, or to produce stored on that land, not for hire.

RU Pesticide records

Federal rules require certified private applicators to record restricted-use pesticide application date, product, EPA registration number, amount, location, crop, and applicator identity, retaining records two years.

Worker Protection Standard

EPA regulation protecting agricultural workers and pesticide handlers through training, notification, REI compliance, decontamination supplies, PPE, and application information, with records retained two years.

Emulsifiable concentrate

A liquid formulation with active ingredient, organic solvent, and emulsifier that mixes with water to form an emulsion; it can injure sensitive foliage and increase dermal absorption.

Jar test

A small-scale compatibility test mixing water and products in a clear jar in the planned addition order to detect flocculation, separation, sediment, or heat before tank mixing.

Nonionic surfactant

An adjuvant that lowers water surface tension to improve spray droplet coverage and retention on waxy leaf surfaces; it generally has little effect on pesticide uptake.

Oral LD50

The single oral dose in milligrams per kilogram of body weight expected to kill 50 percent of test animals; a lower value indicates greater acute toxicity.

Signal word DANGER

The label signal word for Category I acute toxicity or corrosive products; when oral, dermal, or inhalation toxicity is Category I, DANGER-POISON and a skull and crossbones appear.

Cholinesterase inhibition

A toxic effect of organophosphate and carbamate insecticides causing acetylcholine buildup, with signs such as salivation, sweating, miosis, vomiting, muscle twitching, and respiratory difficulty.

Dermal exposure

Pesticide contact with skin, the most common exposure route for applicators; absorption varies by product, skin condition, temperature, and whether the formulation contains solvents.

Chemical-resistant gloves

Gloves made of materials such as nitrile, neoprene, butyl, or viton that resist pesticide penetration; leather and fabric gloves absorb pesticides and should not be used.

Respirator fit test

An annual test verifying that a tight-fitting respirator seals to the face; facial hair at the sealing surface can cause leaks and is not allowed.

Decontamination supplies

Water, soap, single-use towels, and clean clothing kept available for workers and handlers to wash pesticide residues from skin and eyes and to change contaminated clothing.

GPM 5940 formula

Nozzle flow in gallons per minute equals gallons per acre times miles per hour times nozzle spacing in inches, divided by 5,940 for broadcast boom calibration.

Nozzle wear replacement

Replace spray nozzles when their measured flow exceeds the rated flow by about 10 percent; abrasive wettable powders and granules accelerate tip wear and uneven application.

Pressure and flow relationship

Nozzle flow varies with the square root of pressure, so quadrupling pressure roughly doubles flow, while halving pressure reduces flow to about 71 percent.

Temperature inversion

A weather condition with cool air near the ground and warmer air above; it suppresses vertical mixing, so fine spray droplets can remain suspended and drift long distances.

Pesticide leaching

Downward movement of pesticide through soil into groundwater, favored by high water solubility, low soil adsorption, long persistence, sandy soils, and shallow water tables.

Triple rinsing

Filling a pesticide container about one-quarter full with water, shaking, and draining into the spray tank, repeated three times, to remove residues before disposal.

Spill containment

Using absorbent material, soil, or dikes to keep a pesticide spill from spreading into drains, water, or soil; protect people first, then stop the source if safe.

Pesticide storage location

A locked, ventilated area away from food, feed, seed, and ignition sources, with pesticides kept in original labeled containers and liquids protected from freezing.

Pesticide poisoning signs

Symptoms including headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, salivation, blurred vision, pinpoint pupils, muscle twitching, weakness, seizures, and difficulty breathing after exposure.

Eye exposure first aid

Flush the eye immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open; remove contact lenses if present and seek medical attention.

Poison Control number

The national Poison Help telephone number, 1-800-222-1222, connects callers to local poison centers for emergency advice; have the pesticide label and SDS available.