Aquatic Herbicides and Surfactants: What they are and how they are used

Freshwater ecosystems are a vital resource for all forms of life on Earth. Consisting of lakes ponds, rivers, streams, springs, bogs, and wetlands, freshwater ecosystems provide essential resources that allow plant and animal species to thrive. Therefore, we must protect freshwater ecosystems at all costs from possible threats. One major threat is weedy and invasive […]

Postemergence Spraying and Tips for Application

Postemergance Spraying

Weed control is a routine task undertaken by almost everyone who manages land where plants are growing. From the homeowner who battles weeds in a lawn, a farmer who must control weeds in crops, to land and water managers who must confront a variety of vegetation management scenarios. To all of these individuals, postemergence spraying […]

What are Defoamers and Antifoam Agents and How are They Used?

Defoamers and Antifoam Agents and How are They Used

Foam is simply described as air bubbles trapped in a liquid or solid. In most cases, foam is seen as something positive. For example, whenever you use soap to wash your hands, the formation of foam is pleasing. In fact, you assume that because of the foam, your hands will be clean after you finish […]

Adjuvants 101: Emulsifying Agents for Pesticide Use

Emulsifying Agents for Pesticide Use

Whenever pesticides are used, the desire is that the pest is controlled as efficiently as possible. This means that the constituents of the pesticide spray mixture must be formulated properly and are compatible within the mixture to do the job as desired.   A good understanding of the chemicals in the pesticide spray mixture is […]

Pesticide Safety: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

man in personal protective equipment spraying pesticides on the farm

When you ride a bike, you put on a helmet to protect your head … that’s a no-brainer. Likewise, when you get into a car, it is almost automatic to reach for the seat belt and strap in … another no-brainer. The bike helmet and seatbelt are examples of personal protective equipment, or PPE. They […]

Pesticide Safety: 10 Things that Must be on a Pesticide Label

a caution sign with the word pesticides

Almost every manufactured product today comes with a set of instructions. The instructions are written to provide the buyer with a little knowledge to ensure successful use of the product. Where necessary, the instructions provide instructions that when followed provide adequate protection for the user. When it comes to using a pesticide, the most important […]

How Surfactants Affect Spray Droplet Size

spray droplets formed because of high surface tension

The general goal in spraying for pest control is to get good coverage of the target pest. Thereafter, retention and spread of the pesticide on pest surface, penetration of pest surface, and a high level of pest control. Ideally, good coverage of the target pest is required for good control when using pesticides. However, good […]

Adjuvants 101: Understanding What is in Your Sprayer Tank

Adjuvants 101: Understanding What is in Your Sprayer Tank

Understanding what is in your sprayer tank before you begin spraying is the most important aspect in management of a pest. Preparation of the pesticide spray solution happens in the sprayer tank where the right amount of pesticide is measured and placed into the tank and thereafter the tank is filled with water. Starting with […]

Ten Problematic Aquatic Plants to Watch in 2022

Ten Problematic Aquatic Plants to Watch in 2022

Aquatic ecosystems are vital resources for all forms of life on earth. They are compose of freshwater and marine habitats and support a wide range of plant and animal species.  As we seek to conserve our vital water resources, we are forced to confront the major threats to Earth’s aquatic systems. Four threats are widely […]

Limonene: An Environmentally Safe Compound for Pest Control

Limonene: An Environmentally Safe Compound for Pest Control

Pesticides are applied intentionally to the environment by people for the purpose of improving environmental quality for humans, domesticated animals, and plants. Despite the fears and real problems they create, pesticides are partly responsible for the physical well-being enjoyed by most people all over the world. In particular, pesticides are credited for making an important […]