pro-active problem solving

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

Pro-Active Problem Solving

How to Avoid and Handle Plant Injury Problems

By Joanne Kick-Raack, State CoordinatorPesticide Education Program

Ohio State University Extension


Handling ComplaintsSimplest method to deal with complaints is to prevent themEvaluate the application siteReview and adjust for potential problemsContinuously monitor the applicationRespond quickly and appropriately to concerns


Pro-Active Problem SolvingSprayer maintenanceCalibrationApplication techniquesMix/rinse/fill proceduresDisposalProtective EquipmentRecord keepingCommunication


Cleaning Field Sprayers to Avoid Crop Injury


Why is cleaning field sprayers so important?

New pesticides are highly active in low amountsThey can be redissolved with later contact with other herbicides, their solvents or spray adjuvants


Examples

Switching from Round-up on beans to a post-emergent application on cornSwitching from 2,4-D etc. on corn to Round-up on beans


General Sprayer Clean-up Procedures

Fill for the day and end with an empty tankCarry 50-100 gal.of fresh water for rinsing Flush the system in the field immediately after use and apply to the application site consistent with the label

– Don’t discharge solution in a small area– Select a location that is away from water supplies,

streams – Do apply so that puddling or run-off cannot occur


Sprayer Cleanout Between Crops—Step 1

Add ½ tank fresh water and flush tanks, lines, booms, nozzles for > 5 min. using a combination of agitation and sprayingWear protective equipmentRinse inside surfaces of tank – be sure to get areas around baffles and tank fixtures


Sprayer Cleanout Between Crops—Step 2

Fill the tank with fresh water and add cleaning solution and agitate for 15 minutes.Operate booms to ensure all nozzles and boom lines are filled with cleaning solution. Let solution stand for several hours or overnight.Add more water and rinse again. Remove nozzles, strainers and clean separatelyRinse and flush system again


Cleaning SolutionsShould be selected based on the herbicide and formulation to be cleaned.

– Dilution, solubilization, and deactivation

Add one of following to each 50 gals. water– 2 qts. Household ammonia (let stand overnight

for growth regulator herbicides such as 2,4-D, Banvel, Clarity

– 4 lbs. Trisodium phosphate cleaner detergent


Caution!

All sprayer components must be cleanedLowest point of the system should have a drain

– If not, remaining solution may be problem


Minimize Drift

Drift is the “ Number One”complaint to the Ohio Department of Agriculture as the result of

agricultural spraying.


Drift/Non-Target Application

No person shall apply a pesticide: -to an area or a crop in such a manner or at such time that he will contaminate adjacent crops, pasture land, other area or water

-at such time or under such conditions that the wind velocity will cause the pesticide to drift and cause damage


Remember…

ODA does issue penalties to farmersCivil penalties $200-$400If take lab samples, costs can range from $800-$2000Also, ODA begins looking at other aspects of operation when out thereIf damage is > $500, you are required to report


Preplan Your ApplicationEvaluate application site and adjacent area

– Wells– Lakes, ponds, streams, ditches, waterways– Gardens– Sensitive crops or ornamentals– Identify neighbors


Considerations for Problem Sites

Use of buffer zones or setbacksWind speed, directionTemperature and humidityNozzle selectionProduct volatilityProduct potential for damage & alternativesDrift control agents


Responding to Complaints

Respond immediately and in personListen!Don’t argueProvide a list of products applied (labels)Agree to follow up ---and do it!Document the complaintDon’t make promises you or insurance won’t keep


Risk Generalizations

Two key elements of risk perception– Familiarity– Control

Facts do not control risk perceptionThe public is not looking for zero risk


Risk Communication

The primary objective is to build trust not change public opinion about the

size of the risk.


Ohio Requirements for Private Applicator Record keeping

Record applications of all restricted use pesticides (RUP’s)Keep records for 3 yearsRecord information on the day of application


Ohio Requirements for Private Applicator Record keeping

If renting land, record must be made available to landowner within 30 days of the requestInformation must be provided to attending health care professionalsCustom applicator may keep records for you


Private ApplicatorPesticide Application Records

1. Certified applicator (name, address, certification number)

2. Brand name, formulation, EPA registration number3. Total amount and rate of application4. Crop treated5. Target pest


Private ApplicatorPesticide Application Records

7. Month, day, year of application8. Type of application equipment9. Method of application (preemerge etc.)10. Weather conditions: air temperature, wind speed and direction


Reasons to Keep Application Records

Improve management decisions—what works and what doesn’tImprove crop rotation decisionsPrevent future pesticide failuresProvide safeguard in case of claims of drift or injurySubstantiates product guarantee claims


Reasons to Keep Application Records

Saves MoneyHelps secure funding by providing environmental liability recordsMeets buyer requirementsRespond to food and water safety questionsAids in emergency medical treatmentProvides data to support pesticide use


Damage Control

Proper tank clean-outThoughtful ApplicationsGood recordsGood neighbor communications


Handling Complaints

Act concerned!!Take the time to talk rationally with themDon’t just say, “It will be all right don’t worry”

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