Samuel G. Huber
Control of pests depends on (1) correct identification of the pest, (2) selection of an appropriate means of control, (3) selection of the proper chemical(s) if chemical control is used, (4) application of the proper amount of chemical per unit of area or unit of volume, (5) sufficient coverage to completely and uniformly control the pest, and (6) prevention of drift that may cause damage outside the target area.
Items 4, 5 and 6 are discussed in this bulletin to assist owners and operators of low pressure sprayers in selecting and using equipment to obtain the most effective pest control.
Pest control is often difficult to achieve even under optimum conditions. A very important factor in obtaining optimum control is application of the proper quantity of active ingredient (A.I.) per unit of area. Excessive rates may cause damage to the present or succeeding crops, harm to animals or result in environmental concerns. Application rates less than recommended likely will result in inadequate pest control, which leads to decreased crop yields. Excessive or inadequate application rates increase the cost of production because expensive chemicals are wasted.
Although good pest control depends on applying the proper amount of active ingredient per acre (A.I.A.), adequate and uniform coverage is also necessary. That is, the chemical must be properly mixed with water (in the case of sprays) and enough gallons per acre (GPA) of the mixture applied to obtain control. Thus, the right quantity of chemical and the recommended number of gallons per acre must be uniformly applied. The correct amount of material may be applied on each acre but the material may be so unevenly distributed that pest control is not obtained (Fig. 1). In addition, some pesticides can cause damage if they drift outside the target area.
The amount of chemical applied, adequacy of coverage and prevention of drift depend on proper selection and use of equipment.
Copyright © The Ohio State University 1984
All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.
Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.
TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868