Staying a Step ahead of the Soil Seedbank
Every year, farmers, gardeners, and land managers do battle with a bank like no other. The soil seed bank. In fact, this battle is waged constantly throughout the year to ensure that desirable plants prevail, and those plants (weeds) that are the primary combatants in this battle fail. Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s […]
Adjuvants 101: 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)
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 […]
Use of Silicone Adjuvants in Agriculture
Pest management in agriculture is perhaps the most important task that crop producers worldwide must undertake every year. To accomplish this task, crop producers must make important decisions that focus on eliminating the pest without causing harm to the crop, humans, non-targeted species, and the environment. To control pests, therefore, it is most ideal for […]
Pesticide Safety: 10 Things that Must be on a Pesticide Label
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
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
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
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
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 […]
Late Season Control of Perennial Weed Species
Each spring there is one perennial weed species that dominates the urban and rural landscape like no other. It has a beautiful yellow flower that looks good but is always growing where it is not wanted. The lawn or sometimes crop fields. Yes, I am talking about dandelion. Like clockwork, many home and property owners […]
