Use Pesticides Safely

National Pesticide Information Center

Link to "Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings" from US EPA and National Pesticide Telecommunications Network

All pesticides are regulated by state and federal laws to protect the user and consumer. Read labels carefully. Follow instructions.

Most pesticides are poisonous to humans and animals, but when properly used, they are not harmful. Handle them with care. Store them in closed, plainly labeled original containers, out of the reach of children and animals. Keep pesticides in locked storage facilities.

When handling, do not allow pesticides to come in contact with the skin. Do not apply on a windy day. Do not smoke while handling pesticides. Do not inhale dusts, sprays, or vapors. After handling pesticides, wash hands and face before eating or smoking.

To avoid accidental injury to susceptible plants, avoid drift of sprays and dusts. Use separate equipment for applying hormone-type herbicides such as 2,4-D.

Dispose of empty containers so that children cannot play with them.

Please refer to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation circular 865, part 325, Rules and Regulations Relating to the Application of Pesticides, for further information relating to the use of pesticides in New York State.

NYS DEC pesticide regulation information

Protecting Honey Bees from Insecticides

Honey bees, wild bees, and other insects are important for proper pollination of many vegetables. Vine crops, for example, must be pollinated because they have male and female flowers, and pollen must be transferred from the male to female flowers if fruit is to set. Poor pollination results in small or odd-shaped fruit as well as low yields. Each flower must be visited eight or more times for adequate pollination to occur.

To avoid harming bees with insecticide treatments, remember these points: do not spray crops in bloom; mow blooming weeds before treatment or spray when the blossoms are closed; avoid application during the time of day when field bees are most numerous; make application in the early morning or evening; and always read the label before use.

If pesticides that are highly toxic to bees are used in strict accordance with label directions, little or no harm should be done to bees. Label statements on pesticides that are highly toxic to honey bees may carry a caution statement such as the following: “This product is highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment or residues on crops or weeds. Do not apply or allow to drift to weeds in bloom on which an economically significant number of bees are actively foraging. Protective information can be obtained from your Cooperative Extension Service.”

Pesticide Control Legislation

In accordance with New York State legislation, pesticides that are highly toxic or that are persistent and accumulative are placed on a restricted-use list and may be sold to and used only by certified applicators. "Restricted-use pesticide" or "restricted pesticide" means any pesticide listed in Section 326.2 of Part 326, according to the criteria of Environmental Conservation Law, Section 33-0101(42), or any pesticide whose labeling bears the statement ³Restricted-Use Pesticide. The following criteria and designations (A through H) refer to those pesticides restricted for use, sale, purchase, or distribution in New York State as noted within Part 326.2. Restricted-use pesticides recommended in this publication are identified by (*). Pesticide products that cannot be used on Long Island, New York, are identified by (**) and a statement about Long Island limitaitons in the comments seciton and the footer of the table.

A: May be distributed, sold, purchased, possessed, and used only upon issuance of a commercial or purchase permit for any uses listed on the approved label as registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
B: May be distributed, sold, purchased, possessed, or used only upon issuance of a commercial permit or purchase permit for those purposes listed in ³Part 326 Registration and Classification of Pesticides,² a publication of the NYS DEC.
E: Federally restricted pesticides per EPA.
G: Any product whose label limits use to commercial pesticide applicators only may be distributed, sold, purchased, possessed, and used only upon issuance of a commercial permit or certification identification card. Label statements that limit use to commercial pesticide applicators include but are not limited to the following: (1) Only for sale to and use and storage by commercial pest control operators. (2) To be applied only by or under the direct supervision of commercial applicators responsible for insect control program.
H: Any pesticide labeled for direction application to or in surface waters may be distributed, offered for sale, sold, purchased, possessed, or used only by the holder of a valid commercial permit, verification identification card, or purchase permit.

NYS DEC pesticide regulation information

Pesticide Product Registration Information for New York State

Cornell University and the NYSDEC provide access to several databases that allow for retrieval of pesticide information, including product registrations and pesticide label images pertinent to New York State. Current New York State product registrations and label images can be accessed from http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/pims/. For more information regarding these databases, please contact the Pesticide Sales and Use Reporting Database Group at 607-257-5706 or PMEP_webmaster@cornell.edu

Verifying Pesticide Registration and Restricted-Use Status

Any pesticide used in New York State must be currently registered with the NYSDEC and the USEPA. Applicators can easily verify whether pesticides are currently registered and classified as restricted-use in New York State if they have access to the Internet. Cornell maintains a web site (http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/pims/) where NYSDEC approved labels, EPA numbers, or active ingredients can be searched. The NYSDEC also maintains a web site (http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/27354.html) from which users can download a regularly updated file listing all pesticides currently registered for use in the state. This is a large document that includes nonagricultural products and less detail than the Cornell site. Although some pesticide registrations may be shown as expired, we are advised by NYSDEC that if a pesticide is listed it is considered approved for use in New York as of the list date. NOTE: Federally restricted pesticides will state “RESTRICTED-USE” on the label, but those restricted in New York State may not. Use of federally restricted pesticides requires on-site supervision of a certified applicator according to NYS regulation (6 NYCRR part 325.7(d)(2)(ii)). Certified commercial pesticide technicians are not permitted to purchase restricted-use pesticides.

Applicator Certification Commercial applicators using restricted-use and general-use pesticides as well as private applicators using restricted-use pesticides must be certified. Certification training, exams, and recertification courses are continually given throughout the state. Please consult your Cornell Cooperative Extension educator or regional NYSDEC pesticide specialist if you have questions concerning certification. Pesticide certification information, including a listing of approved recertification courses with contact, category, and credit information can be obtained from http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/certification/index.html.

Pesticide Recordkeeping/Reporting for New York State

Manufacturers and importers. The NYSDEC requires annual reports from manufacturers and importers of all sales within the state of each restricted-use pesticide product, including EPA registration number, container size, and number of containers sold to New York purchasers. Records would need to be maintained for at least three years.

Commercial applicators. The NYSDEC requires annual reports from commercial applicators of pesticide use, including EPA registration number; product name; quantity of pesticide used; date applied; and location of application by address, including 5-digit zip code. Records would be maintained for at least three years and would also include the dosage rates, methods of application, and target organisms.

Reporting at point of sale. The NYSDEC requires every person who sells or offers for sale restricted-use pesticides to private applicators to report annually each sale of a restricted-use pesticide or general-use pesticide used in agricultural crop production to such applicator, including EPA registration number; product name of pesticide purchased; quantity purchased; date purchased; and location of intended application by address, including 5 digit zip code, or if address is unavailable, by township and 5 digit zip code.

Recordkeeping by private applicators. New York State regulations require private applicators to maintain, for at least three years, restricted-use pesticide records, including pesticide(s) purchased; crop treated; application method, and date of application.

For more information, contact the NYSDEC at (518-402-8768).

Federal Private Applicator Recordkeeping Requirements

Federal regulations require private applicators to keep records of the restricted-use pesticides they apply. Federally required records need to contain the following elements:

• Applicator name;
• Applicator certification number;
• Month, day, and year of application;
• EPA registration number for product applied;
• Brand or product name of pesticide applied;
• Crop, commodity, or site treated;
• Size of area treated;
• Total amount of pesticide product applied; and
• Location of the application.

application records need to include: month/day/year of application; brand or product name of pesticide applied; EPA registration number; total amount of pesticide applied; and location of the application designated as a “spot treatment” with a brief description. NOTE: Spot treatments do not apply to nurseries or greenhouses. Applications at these locations need to be recorded as if they are a non-spot application.

Federally required records must be made within 14 days of the application and need to be maintained for 2 years following the application. Access to the record information is limited to: USDA-authorized representatives presenting identification; state-authorized representatives presenting identification; and attending licensed health care professionals (or those acting under their direction) when treating individuals who may have been exposed to a restricted-use pesticide.

EPA Worker Protection Standard (WPS) for Agricultural Pesticides

The Worker Protection Standard contains requirements designed to reduce the risks of illness or injury resulting from occupational exposures to pesticide handlers and agricultural workers. Accidental exposure of agricultural workers and other persons to pesticides used in the production of agricultural plants on farms, nurseries, greenhouses, and forests are included under these regulations. They include the following:

• Restricted-entry intervals (REIs) for most pesticides
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) for handlers and early-entry workers
• Decontamination supplies and emergency assistance
• Pesticide safety training and posting
• Revised labeling that includes specific WPS instructions

The Neighbor Notification Law

to which the application is to be made and require the posting of specified visual notification markers. These provisions apply to all commercial lawn applications throughout the state. They do not apply to commercial nursery, greenhouse, or other production operations.

The Neighbor Notification Law added to Title 10 a mechanism to allow counties and New York City to pass a local law to “opt into” additional requirements for lawn applications (including ground, trees, and shrubs) including posting of visual notification markers by homeowners for residential lawn application, posting of informational signs at retail establishments selling general-use lawn care pesticides and, for certain commercial lawn applications, procedures for 48-hour advance notification to occupants of dwellings, multiple dwellings, and other structures on abutting property with boundaries that are within 150 feet of an application. Certain pesticides or applications are exempt from the requirement of 48-hour prior notification, including the following:

• Directed aerosol sprays from containers 18 fl. oz. or less to protect from an imminent threat from stinging and biting insects.
• Nonvolatile insect or rodent bait in a tamper-resistant container.
• Materials classified by EPA as exempt under 40 CFR 152.25 (the so-called “minimum-risk” pesticides).
• Materials classified by EPA as reduced-risk pesticides or biopesticides.
• Horticultural oils and soaps that do not contain synthetic pesticides or synergists.
• Granular pesticides (i.e., solid pesticides applied to ground).
• Pesticides injected into the plant or the ground.
• Spot application of pesticides from a manually pressurized or nonpressurized container of 32 fl. oz. or less to an area of ground less than 9 sq. ft.
• Applications to the ground or turf of any cemetery.
• Emergency application of pesticides to protect human health, provided an effort is made to give written notice and notification is also given to the commissioner of health.

Reduced-Risk Pesticides, Minimum-Risk Pesticides, and Biopesticides

Since 1993 EPA has expedited the registration of conventional pesticides with characteristics such as very low toxicity to humans and nontarget organisms including fish and birds, low risk of groundwater contamination or runoff, low potential for pesticide resistance, demonstrated efficacy, and compatibility with IPM. Materials meeting these criteria are referred to by EPA as “reduced-risk.” The “reduced-risk” designation applies only to certain uses of a particular pesticide, which may not be all label uses for that product.

Minimum-risk pesticides are certain products that are exempted from EPA registration (and therefore have no EPA registration number). They contain only active ingredients outlined in FRFRA 40 CFR 152.25(g) (“the 25b list”) and inert ingredients currently identified on Federal Register Notice 59 FR 49400 (“the 4a list”). The lists can be accessed from the following link: http://www.epa.gov/ pesticides/biopesticides/. For use in New York State, minimum-risk products must display pesticide use directions. All ingredients and percent concentrations must also be listed on the label. New York State pesticide registration policy exempts true minimum-risk pesticides from product registration requirements. Policies may differ in other states, which sometimes require such products to carry a state registration number.

FIFRA 2(ee) Recommendations

Certain limited variations from the use directions specified on pesticide labels are authorized under FIFRA Section 2(ee).

These “2(ee) recommendations” allow:

1. Use at any dosage, concentration, or frequency less than specified on the labeling.

2. Use against any target pest not specified on the labeling.

3. Methods of application not prohibited on the labeling.

4.Mixtures with fertilizer unless prohibited on the labeling.

In New York State, all 2(ee) recommendations must be approved in writing by the NYSDEC with the exception of those pesticides applied for agricultural purposes at less than label rate and mixtures with fertilizer (item 4 above).     

No fee is required for a 2(ee) recommendation request.

Requirements:

1. Anyone receiving approval of a 2(ee) recommendation is responsible for distributing the recommendation to all users of the product pursuant to the approved recommendation.

2.Any user must have the 2(ee) recommendation in his or her possession at the time of application, e.g., “Cornell Guidelines.”

Information required for submission of 2(ee) recommendations:

1. Requests for approval of 2(ee) recommendations must be made in writing by recognized research institutions, certified crop advisers, manufacturers (registrants), or organizations representing individual users. Individual users may not request approval of 2(ee) recommendations.

2.Requests must be accompanied by data demonstrating that the use will be effective.

Prepared by:

Mike Helms and William Smith, August, 2007
Pesticide Management Education Program.

Protecting Our Environment

Environmental Impact Quotient

Because of the pesticide registration process, there is a wealth of toxicological and environmental impact data for most pesticides that are commonly used in agriculture. However, these data are not all readily available or organized in a manner that is usable to the IPM practitioner. A method called the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) has been devised to calculate the environmental impact of most common pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides) used in agriculture. The values obtained from these calculations can be used to compare the environmental impact of different pesticides and pest management programs. The EIQ is based on data obtained from EXTOXNET, PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT AND EDUCATION, SELCTV, the National Pesticide/Soils Database developed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service and Soil Conservation Service, the 1989 New York State Pesticide Recommendations, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and technical bulletins developed by the agricultural chemical industry.

Factors such as toxicity (dermal, bird, chronic, bee, fish, beneficial arthropod), soil half-life, systemicity, leaching potential, plant surface half-life, surface loss potential, and farm worker, consumer, and ecological effects are all considered when calculating an EIQ for a particular pesticide. The result is a single number describing the EIQ of a pesticide active ingredient. The New York State Food and Life Sciences Bulletin No. 139 entitled "A Method to Measure the Environmental Impact of Pesticides" describes in detail the derivation of the EIQ.

Once an EIQ value has been established for the active ingredient of a pesticide, field use ratings can be calculated. To compare pesticides and pest management strategies, the dose, the formulation or percent active ingredient of the product, and the frequency of application of each pesticide needs to be determined. To account for different formulations of the same active ingredient and different use patterns the EIQ Field Use Rating was developed. This rating is calculated by multiplying the EIQ value for the specific chemical by the percent active ingredient in the formulation and by the rate used (usually in pints or pounds of formulated product per acre).

EIQ Field Use Rating = EIQ x % active ingredient x rate

The lower the EIQ Field Use Rating the lower the environmental impact. This method allows comparisons of the environmental impact among pesticides and different pest management programs. For example, if several pesticides are registered against a particular pest, which pesticide has the least impact on the environment? Table 6.1 shows an example comparing the environmental impact of three insecticides: carbaryl (Sevin 50WP), endosulfan* (Thiodan 50WP), and azinphos-methyl* (Guthion 35WP).

Table 6.1 Hypothetical example of the EIQ Field Use Rating for three different insecticides
Material	EIQ	AI	Rate	EIQ field use rating
endosulfan* Thiodan 50WP	42.1	0.50	3.0	63.15
carbaryl Sevin 50WP	21.7	0.50	6.0	65.1
azinphos methyl Guthion 35WP	44.9	0.35	2.2	34.6
NOTE: Thiodan 50 WP and Guthion 35 WP are no longer registered for use in New York State. They are shown here for illustrative purposes only.

Although carbaryl has a lower EIQ (21.7) than endosulfan* (42.1) or azinphos-methyl* (44.9) it may take more applications to provide equivalent control. For example, 6 lbs/acre of Sevin may provide the same level of control of a certain pest as 3 lbs/acre of Thiodan* or 2.2 lbs/acre of Guthion*. In this situation, Guthion* would have the lowest EIQ Use Rating (34.6) and would have the lowest environmental impact. The EIQ Field Use Rating can be used to compare different pest management strategies. To compare different pest management programs, EIQ Field Use Ratings and number of applications throughout the season are determined for each pesticide and these values are then summed to determine the total seasonal environmental impact of the particular strategy. By using the EIQ model, it becomes possible for IPM practitioners to rapidly and easily estimate the environmental impact of different pesticides before they are applied.

Cornell Pesticide Application Technology

Proper Pesticide Use

Boom Sprayers

Airblast Sprayers

Injection Sprayers

Solutions for Safer Spraying

Reducing risk of pesticide exposure through use of engineeering controls

Why use engineering controls?

Because handling and applying pesticides is risky business, keeping pesticide exposure to a minimum should be a chief concern of any pesticide applicator. To reduce the risks associated with handling and applying pesticides, devices known as engineering controls can be used that help to reduce or practically eliminate exposure to toxic chemicals.

Loading the Sprayer

Closed Transfer Systems - Closed transfer systems allow concentrated pesticide to be moved from the original shipping container to the sprayer mix tank with minimal or no applicator contact. Many systems provide a method to measure the concentrated pesticide. Some systems also include a container rinsing system. Currently available closed transfer systems use a probe inserted into the pesticide container, a connector on the container that mates to a similar connector on the application equipment, or a vacuum-type (venturi) system that uses flowing water to transfer the chemical from the container.

Induction Bowls - Induction bowls are metal, plastic or fiberglass hoppers attached to the side of the sprayer or the nurse tank that allow pesticides to be added to the mix tank without the applicator climbing onto the spray rig. Pesticides are poured into the bowl and water is added to flush out the bowl and carry the pesticide to the spray tank. Often a rinse nozzle is mounted inside the bowl for rinsing out empty pesticide containers. Typically induction bowls are raised out of the way during spraying and lowered to about 3 feet above ground when loading the sprayer.

Direct Pesticide Injection System - Direct pesticide injection systems allow pesticides to be mixed directly with water in the sprayer plumbing system rather than in the main spray tank. The pesticide is pumped from its container and mixed with the water either in a manifold or at the main water pump. Only clean water is held in the main tank of the sprayer. An electronic controller and up to four pumps adjust the amount of concentrated pesticide that is injected into the water stream, allowing for variable application rates.

Container Rinse System - Container rinse systems consist of a rinse nozzle and a catch bowl that traps the container washings (rinsate). The empty container is placed over the rinse nozzle and a jet of water cleans the inside of the container. The rinsate caught in the bowl is pumped into the spray tank to be used along with the spray mixture. Often rinse nozzles are installed in chemical induction bowls. Most closed transfer systems also provide a way of rinsing containers and piping the rinse water into the spray tank.

Reducing Contamination at the Boom

Boom Folding/Extending - Manually folding booms can be a major source of operator contamination because the boom can be covered with pesticide from drift or dripping nozzles. Consider the use of hydraulic or mechanical folding methods.

Diaphragm Check Valves - Typically, when a sprayer is shut off and as the system pressure drops, any liquid remaining in the boom piping drips from the nozzles, possibly dripping onto the boom or even the operator. Diaphragm check valves installed at each nozzle prevent this by using a spring-loaded rubber diaphragm to close off the flow of liquid once the system pressure drops below about 10 pounds per square inch. When the sprayer is switched on and system pressure builds up, the valve opens and allows the liquid to flow through the nozzles.

Multiple Nozzle Bodies - Contamination can occur when operators change or unclog nozzles during an application. Multiple nozzle bodies (or turret nozzles) allow operators to switch between nozzles with a turn of the nozzle body rather than having to unscrew or undo a threaded or a bayonet fitting.

Hand Wash Water Supply - Providing adequate wash water is essential (and often required). A simple container with a hand-operated valve can be mounted on the side of the sprayer to provide clean water for hand washing and personal hygiene.

Drift and Contaminated Clothing in Cabs

Cab Filtration Using Carbon Filters - Carbon filtration systems are used to remove pesticide odor and pesticide-laden mistfrom fresh air used in a tractor or self-propelled sprayer cab. Carbon filtration systems are often a standard feature on self-propelled sprayers. Now many factory installed tractor cabs offer optional filtration systems. In 1998, the American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) adopted testing standards for operator cabs used in pesticide application. Cabs certified under this standard meet the requirements for enclosed cabs contained in the Worker Protection Standard.

Protective Clothing Lockers - To prevent contamination of the tractor or sprayer cab interior, protective clothing should be removed before entering the cab. A few sprayer companies offer a simple compartment (or locker) mounted to the side or front of the sprayer where protective clothing can be stored. Alternatively a locker can be fitted to the mixer wagon.

Controlling Drift

Low-Drift Nozzles - Low-drift nozzles create larger-size droplets than conventional nozzles. The larger droplet sizes are less prone to drift, reducing environmental and operator contamination.

Air Induction (Twin Fluid) Nozzles - These nozzles allow air to mix with the spray liquid, creating large, air-filled droplets that have virtually no fine, drift-prone droplets. The droplets explode when they contact their target and offer similar coverage to droplets from conventional, finer-spray nozzles.

Cleaning the Sprayer

Tank Rinse Systems - Tank rinse systems consist of a clean water supply tank mounted to the sprayer and one or more rotating discs or nozzles mounted inside the main sprayer tank. Water is pumped from the clean water tank to the rinse nozzles, which spray water around the inside of the spray tank. These systems are designed for in-field rinsing of the sprayer so that the tank washings can be applied to the field at label rates.

Figure 6.1 Areas of potential pesticide exposure risk and engineering controls to reduce exposure (click)

Preparing the crop sprayer for work

Checking the sprayer

Surveys have shown that many farmers are using inaccurate sprayers; faulty sprayers contribute to increased drift levels and waste money through inefficiency and overuse of chemicals. Sprayers must be regularly checked to ensure that proper maintenance has been carried out and that no outstanding repairs need to be done. Before attempting any work on a machine make sure that it is fully supported on stands and that all necessary protective clothing is on hand.

The cost of replacing a faulty gauge which has been indicating at 15% below the actual pressure is recouped in around two hours' operation.

Maintenance measures such as fitting a new set of nozzles at the beginning of each season also save money. Even when there is overdosing by as little as 5%, the cost of a new set of nozzles would be recovered in less than a day's work.

CAUTION

• · Take great care when adjusting a sprayer while the tractor engine is running

• . Engage the handbrake when leaving tractor seat.

Fitting the sprayer to the tractor

The selected tractor must always be powerful enough to operate the sprayer efficiently under the working conditions that will be encountered. All its external services - hydraulic, electrical and pneumatic - must be clean and in working order. Tractors fitted with cabs must have efficient air filtration systems. All protective guards must be in place. Trailed sprayers are often close-coupled to the tractor, so it is essential that the drawbar and the PTO shaft are correctly adjusted for turning. PTO shafts must be disengaged when making very tight turns.

Checking the operation of the sprayer

Part fill the tank with clean water and move the sprayer to uncropped waste ground. Remove the nozzles. Although not using any chemical at this point, get into the habit of wearing a coverall, gloves and a face visor when working with the sprayer. Engage the PTO and gently turn the shaft, increasing speed slowly to operating revs. Test the on/off and pressure relief valves, and check the agitation system. Flush through the spray lines, then switch off the tractor. Refit the nozzles and check the liquid system again for leaks.

Pre-season maintenance

• Follow the checklists before you begin spraying

Hoses

Have you checked

• · for splits and cracks, particularly where booms fold
• · connections to ensure they are water-tight
• · for hose chafe, particularly in routing clips

Action: Replace damaged hoses.

Filters

Have you checked

• · for missing filter elements and seals
• · for leakage
• · for blocked or damaged filters

Action: Replace any damaged or blocked filters.

Tank

Have you checked

• · for fractures and any other damage
• · the tank sits firmly in its mount
• · the securing straps are correctly adjusted
• · the agitation is working
• · the tank is clean

Action: See the supplier/manufacturer now about fractures and any other repairs.

Controls

Have you checked

• · the control circuitry (electrical, hydraulic or air) for correct operation
• · valves for both internal and external leaks

Action: Replace leaky valves, which waste money and are potentially dangerous to operators and the environment.

Pump

Have you checked

• · lubrication levels
• · for leakages
• · the air pressure in the pulsation chamber (if fitted) is at the recommended level
• · the pump rotates freely without friction or noise. Do so by rotating manually or starting at low speed (corrosion may cause seizing up)

Pressure Gauge

The pressure gauge is vital for indicating whether the nozzles are delivering the correct amount of chemical per unit time while spraying.

If you have any doubts about the pressure gauge, replace it or refer the problem to the manufacturer or supplier.

Boom

The boom suspension must operate smoothly to ensure a stable 'nozzle platform'.

Have you checked

• · friction plates, dampers, shock absorbers, pivots and slides ­ and scheduled future maintenance
• · boom movement and stability*
• · the boom folding mechanism
• · the height adjustment mechanism for correct functioning
• · for distortion or sagging
• · the break backs for correct operation

*The boom movement must be free but not too loose: for a 40 foot boom, the tip should return to within 2'' of its original height after a vertical displacement of 12'' or more.

Boom Piping

Have you checked

• · the condition of all pipework
• · the nozzle bodies for damage or loose fit
• · for any damaged units, and replaced them
• · for leaks under pressure

Action: remove boom end caps and flush clean water through.

Anti-drip valves

Avoid leaks by keeping these small valves, above or to one side of each nozzle, in good repair. Damaged diaphragms and seats will lead to faulty functioning.

Examine all units under pressure to test for leaks and correct cut-off action.

Nozzles

Have you checked

• · all nozzles on the boom are the same
• · all nozzles are in good condition, with no evidence of streaks or irregularities in the spray pattern
• · all nozzles are clean and free from obstruction (note: clean with a soft brush or airline ­ don't damage nozzles by using wires or pins)
• · all nozzles deliver to within + or - 5% of the manufacturer's chart value

Action: Always ensure the correct nozzles and operating pressure are selected before use. Have two or three sets of nozzles in stock to meet different spray qualities at different volume rates. Inspect nozzles throughout the season to avoid faults which could prove both costly and damaging to the environment if they develop unchecked. Using water only, set to 'spray' at the specified pressure and collect the output from each nozzle in turn for a period of 60 seconds. Record each output and replace those outside the 5% tolerance around the manufacturer's chart value.

Calibration

Equipment must be calibrated accurately if correct dosages are to be applied. The sprayer must give the right total gallonage per acre, and each nozzle must deliver its share of that total. The pesticide may be ineffective or may be wasted if it is not applied as accurately as possible. Over application results in more costly operation or causes off-target environmental contamination. Under application of materials may result in poor control and could require repeated applications which will be more costly.

The United States Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency recommend that pesticides be applied within ten percent of the intended rate of application. Frequent checks of sprayer and tractor performance should be made to ensure that the machines are operating as expected. As the recommended label rates of active ingredient required per acre decrease, it is even more important that operators give tractor and sprayer performance proper attention.

There are many different ways to calibrate liquid sprayers. Some growers actually spray a measured acre; others spray a small part of an acre; others keep the sprayer stationary, but collect and measure the spray for a certain number of minutes. If the initial results show that the volume of water is too low, the gallonage can be increased by reducing tractor speed or changing to larger nozzle tips. If the gallonage is too high, the reverse can be done. It is not desirable to make drastic changes in pressure in order to adjust gallonage per acre. Most nozzles have a relatively narrow pressure range in which they will operate properly.

Only clean water should be used when calibrating sprayers. Calibration requires knowledge of the amount of material applied over a known area. Liquid chemical application requires information on the volume (gallons) of material applied.

The equipment required to calibrate a broadcast sprayer using this technique includes a tape measure, a stopwatch, and a measuring jar graduated in ounces. Personal safety protection equipment should also be worn when working around the sprayer.

The most accurate calibrations are performed by measuring the output of each nozzle (gallons per minute, gpm), measuring nozzle pressure (pounds per square inch, psi) with a pressure gauge on the spray boom, and measuring travel speed (miles per hour, mph) in the field with the sprayer operating.

Travel Speed Calibration

Travel speed is a critical factor in maintaining accurate application rates and will influence spray deposition depending on location within the canopy. The slower a sprayer travels, the greater the uniformity in spray deposition. Although there is inconsistency in research results that try to determine the effect of travel speed on average spray deposition, all studies to date have been in agreement that the higher the travel speed, the greater the variability in spray deposit. Variation in spray deposit is an important factor where uniformity of spray coverage throughout the canopy is required. Conclusions from research were drawn using travel speeds of 1-4 mph.

Factors that will affect travel speed include:

- weight of sprayer to be pulled
- slope of terrain
- ground conditions traveled over (wheel slippage!)

The best way to measure travel speed is to pull a sprayer with tank half filled with water on the same type of terrain that the sprayer will be operated on.

Set up test course at least 100 feet long, measure the course with a tape measure. Do not pace the distance. The longer the course the smaller the margin of error. Run the course in both directions.

Use an accurate stop watch to check the time required to travel the course in each direction. Average the two runs and use the following formula to calculate the speed in MPH.

Formula:

MPH=	_ft traveled sec. traveled	X	60 88

Your figures:

Tractor gear___________ Engine revs.___________

MPH=	_ft traveled sec. traveled	X	60 88	= ______________

Boom Sprayer Calibration

Step 1. Record your tractor sprayer speed from above

MPH = _________

Step 2. Record the inputs

	Your Figures	Example
Nozzle type on your sprayer (all nozzles must be identical)	_________	110 04 flat fan
GPA (from manufacturer's label)	_________	20 GPA
Measured sprayer speed	_________	4 MPH
Nozzle spacing	_________	20 inches

Step 3. Calculate the required nozzle output

Formula: GPM=	GPA x mph x nozzle spacing 5940 (constant)
Formula: GPM=	20 x 4 x 20 5940	=	1600 5940	=0.27 GPM
Your figures: GPM =	_______x _______x_____ 5940	=	_____ 5940	=______GPM

Step 4. Operate the sprayer:

-Set the correct pressue at the gauge using the pressure regulating valve
-Collect and measure the output of each nozzle for one minute
-The output of each nozzle should be approximately the same as calculated in Step 3 above
-Replace all nozzle tips which are more than 10% inaccurate

Banded Boom Sprayer Calibration

The only difference between the boom sprayer calibration mentioned above and calibrating for a banded sprayer is the input value used in the formula in Step 3.

For a single nozzle banding applications:

Nozzle spacing = sprayed band width or swath width (in inches)

For multiple nozzle directed applications:

Nozzle spacing = row spacing (in inches) divided by the number of nozzles per row.

Minimally, vegetable sprayers should be calibrated at the beginning of the spraying season. Accuracy is important to any calibration technique. The more accurate the measurements, the more accurate and reliable the calibration calculations. If nozzle output (gpm) at the desired operating pressure varies more than ten percent from the manufacturers specification, the nozzle should be replaced. Volume measurements should be made to the nearest 1/2 ounce when collecting small volumes of water. Time should be measured to the nearest 1/10 second. Nozzle performance should be checked frequently because nozzles may wear, especially when operated at high pressures or if used to apply abrasive materials. Local Cooperative Extension offices can supply additional information about the details of sprayer calibration.

Nozzles on the net
http://www.albuz.com.fr/
This web page contains product information on agricultural and industrial nozzles. Albuz offer a variety of nozzles and whirl plates for application systems. There are also a nmber of educational fact sheets about Albuz nozzles located on the webpage: http://www.hypropumps.com/. Albuz nozzles are distributed throughout America by this company. Also on the web page they offer technical training and information about the use of each nozzle.

http://www.delavanagspray.com/Index.htm
This web page contains product information on nozzles, nozzle accessories, sprayer accessories, high pressure guns/nozzles, pumps and high pressure washers. They offer educational material on calibration of nozzles and sprayers. They also have a nozzle type selection guide that is very useful to help select the right nozzle for your specific application. There are conversion factors for broadcast nozzle spacing and metric and imperial gallon conversion.

http://www.hardi-us.com/html/home.html
This web page contains product information on sprayers for all crops, nozzles, pumps and electronic controllers. They feature new products in the marketplace and educational materials which provide knowledge on servicing your sprayer. Also there is an online nozzle selection guide that is very useful in selecting the correct nozzle for your specific application.

http://www.hypropumps.com/en-us/
This web page contains product information on Ag pumps, boom and sprayer components, nozzle bodies, pressure washer pumps, and spray tips. They also list educational guides that help you select the correct nozzle for your specific application. They are the distributor for Albuz nozzles in US.

http://www.lechlerusa.com/whois.asp
This web page contains product information on nozzles and sprayer components. They offer many educational resources including a conversion program for sprayers and other aids to assist you in nozzle selection and sprayer use. They have catalogs you can download about their nozzles and other sprayer components such as nozzle bodies. They have a section that features all their new products, you can also shop online for spray nozzles and parts.

http://www.teejet.com/english/home.aspx
This web page contains product information on all different types of nozzles, spray guns, valves, manifolds, boom components, electronic controls and guidance systems. They provide educational support with the use of a spray calibration calculator. They also have a nozzle selection guide you can download to help you in making a decision on which nozzle is good for your application.

http://www.turbodrop.com/
This web page contains product information on nozzles for turf, vegetables and other crops. The featured products are the turbodrop, spraymax and airmix nozzles. There is a nozzle guide to assist you in locating a nozzle for your application. There are educational materials such as droplet size data, independent test data and news articles you can look through.

http://www.wilger.net/
This web page contains product information on various sprayer parts and nozzles. Some of their featured products include tips, caps, strainers, nozzle bodies and flow indicators. Their web page also has a nozzle selection calculator called tip wizard which helps you locate the correct nozzle for your application. Tipnology is another link on the web page which explains everything about each nozzle.

http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/faculty/landers/pestapp/
This webpage contains information on various types of sprayers (air-blast, boom and knapsack etc). There are links to most of the manufacturers of orchard, vineyard, turf and vegetable spraying equipment. The website contains useful information on sprayer calibration, nozzles, sprayer manufacturers and agricultural links for that particular crop. In each one of the specific crop spraying sections also there are extension publications and research publications covering research projects conducted on sprayers in the northeast.

Minimizing Pesticide Drift

Spray drift of pesticides is an important and costly problem facing pesticide applicators. Drift results in damage to susceptible off target crops, environmental contamination to watercourses and a lower than intended rate to the target crop, thus reducing the effectiveness of the pesticide. Pesticide drift also affects neighbouring properties, often leading to concern and debate.

There are two types of drift, airborne drift, often very noticeable and vapour drift. The amount of vapour drift will depend upon atmospheric conditions such as humidity, temperature and the product being applied and can occur days after an application is made. Drift is influenced by many inter-related factors including droplet size, nozzle type and size, sprayer design, weather conditions and last but not least the operator.

Droplet Size

In the past crops were drenched with high volumes and coarse droplets at up to 50 gallons per acre resulting in plants dripping with excess pesticide. The belief that too much is better than too little is misplaced. Dripping crops lead to environmental pollution such as soil contamination and an excessive number of tank loads per acre results in poor time management.

Lower volumes must be used which may result in smaller droplets although there is a limit to droplet size because of concerns about drift. Droplets under 150 microns generally pose the greatest hazard; droplets less than 50 microns have insufficient momentum for impaction as they remain suspended in the air indefinitely or until they evapourate. Research in England concluded that a 100 micron droplet takes about 11 seconds to fall ten feet in still air; when a similar size droplet is released into a 5mph wind it will drift about 75 feet before hitting the ground. The higher the operating pressure, the smaller the droplet, conversely, low pressure produces large droplets that may bounce off the target. Certain spray surfactants can change the droplet spectrum, reducing the number of driftable droplets.

Nozzle Type and Size

Correct nozzle selection is one of the most important yet inexpensive aspects of pesticide application. A nozzle's droplet size spectrum determines deposition and drift.

Conventional flat fan nozzles fitted to a crop sprayer produces droplets in the range of 10 ­ 450 microns. There are 25,000 microns in one inch. Drift is a major problem with droplets less than 100 microns.

Increasing the Volume Median Diameter (VMD) will certainly reduce drift, but too large a droplet will bounce off the leaves to the ground, thus causing pollution, wasting money and resulting in less product on the target. Drift has been a major concern for some years, off target application wastes money, reduces deposition on the target plant, pollutes water courses and may cause nausea to other people.

Conventional flat fan nozzles

Nozzles with 80⁰ degree angle produce coarser droplets than 110⁰ at the same flow rate but 80⁰ nozzles require the boom to be set at 17-19 inches whereas 110⁰ nozzles can be set lower at 15-18 inches above the target. (The lower the boom, the less chance of drift). Spray quality is fine ­ medium at 15- 60 psi

Pre-orifice flat fan nozzles

The internal design of this nozzle reduces the internal operating pressure compared to a conventional flat fan resulting in coarser droplets ( high pressure creates fine droplets, low pressure creates coarser droplets). Available as 80⁰ or 110⁰ nozzles. Spray quality is medium - coarse at 30- 60 psi. Drift-guard is a well-known trade name.

Turbo-teejet

A turbulence chamber produces a wide angle flat spray pattern of 150⁰. Spray quality is medium - coarse at 15- 90 psi. Nozzles can be set at 15-18 inches above the target.

Air induction nozzles

Air induction, air inclusion or venturi nozzles are flat fan nozzles where an internal venturi creates negative pressure inside the nozzle body. Air is drawn into the nozzle through two holes in the nozzle side, mixing with the spray liquid. The emitted spray contains large droplets filled with air bubbles (similar to a candy malt ball) and virtually no fine, drift-prone droplets. The droplets explode on impact with leaves and produce similar coverage to conventional, finer sprays.

Air induction nozzles reduce drift even at higher pressures of 80-90 psi. They are only available at 110 fan angles so boom height may need to be adjusted to 15-18 inches.

The use of adjuvants will certainly help create bubbles and trials in Europe confirm this.

Air induction nozzles are regarded as expensive, the list price is three times the cost of a conventional flat fan tip, although some nozzle suppliers in NY will supply for approximately twice the cost.

Manufacturers include:

Greenleaf TurboDrop nozzles consist of two primary components - the venturi air aspirator and the exit pattern tip. A ceramic orifice in the venturi determines the flow rate of the complete assembly. The venturi is ISO color coded to designate flow rate. The exit pattern tip does not affect flow rate: it is only used to form the desired spray pattern. Pressure range is 40-90 psi.

Spraying Systems Tee Jet Air Induction (AI) comprises a plastic body with a steel tip, rated for 30 to 100 psi. They are plastic, single-piece construction.

Hardi air induction is similar in construction to Spraying Systems AI nozzle, it is a one piece plastic nozzle.

Sprayer Design

Air-sleeve booms are better at targeting the spray into the canopy, reducing drift and increasing deposition. Shields can vary from the simple to the complex, fitted with flat fan nozzles or controlled droplet applicators using reduced herbicide rates. Shielded sprayers allow growers to apply herbicides in variable weather conditions.

Trials were conducted by van de Zande (2002) over a number of seasons on potato crops. Their results (Table 6.2), shows that air assistance reduced spray drift in all situations by 50% (sprayer boom height 27inches) to 70% (sprayer boom height 20 inches), independent of the nozzle being used. The results also show how nozzle technology has improved over the years, especially at reducing drift. Modern air induction nozzles reduce drift much better than traditional nozzles plus air assistance. The cost savings are also appreciable.

Table 6.2

Year	Crop-free Buffer zone (ft)	Year of tests	Nozzle type ##	Boom height (inches)	Air Assistance	Drift Deposition (%) on water surface ###
1995	2.5	'92-'94	4110-18	27	No	5.4
1995	2.5	'92-'94	4110-18	27	Yes	2.7
1998	2.5	'97-'98	XR11004	20	No	2.9
1998	2.5	'97-'98	XR11004	20	Yes	0.6
2000	5	1998	DG1104+end	20	No	0.9
2000	3.3	1998	DG1104+end	20	Yes	0.15
2000	5	1998	ID12004	20	No	0.7
2000	3	1998	ID12004	20	Yes	0.15
##Spray drift deposition on water surfaces for potato groing in the Netherlands for 1995,1998, and 2000. ### Note: ID series nozzles are air induction nozzles. Adapted from Zande,J.C. van de, (2002). Spray drift and buffer zones. Danske plantevaernkonference 2002. DJF rapport nr.66. pp69-71.

Sprayer Calibration

Correct calibration will ensure that all the nozzles are discharging the correct amount of liquid at the correct distance and angle to the target and at the correct forward speed.

Weather

Wind speed and direction, relative humidity, temperature and atmospheric stability affects drift. Applying the correct product to the correct target at the correct time with the correct equipment is the key to good spraying.

Shelterbelts

Research in England and New Zealand has been conducted to measure the effectiveness of shelterbelts. Natural and artificial belts were used and drift is reduced the closer you are to the shelterbelt. Shelterbelt height and density will affect drift, and may, in certain conditions, create additional air currents and eddies. There are so many variables such as topography and wind direction that it is difficult to conclude that research at one site is transferable to another.

Sprayer Size

Choose the correct size sprayer with good back-up support to ensure that spraying may be done in a timely manner. Far too often growers are racing around in an attempt to apply pesticides after a problem disease or insect attack has occurred. Good logistical support in reducing the need to return for frequent refills is so important. The use of field cards, detailing the block, pesticide required, application rate, quantity required per tank fill etc. will reduce stress levels found amongst some applicators.

Reducing drift from sprayers

Problem:
Farmer Brown has a neighbor adjacent to his farm and would like to stop any drift from reaching his neighbors property.

Method:
1. Monitoring equipment. Purchase and use good quality instruments for wind speed, temperature and humidity
2. Air Induction Nozzles (AI): These nozzles, when used properly, can reduce drift by at least 50 percent. The principle behind these nozzles is to create a larger droplet that won’t drift as far but still maintain good leaf and fruit coverage. Note, not all AI nozzles are the same. Wilger and Lechler manufacture air-assist units to enable AI and hollow cone nozzles to be switched on/off from the tractor.
3. Shielded Sprayers: Shielded sprayers are the best way to reduce drift. Very little spray gets out of the shield spraying system allowing for a 90 percent reduction in drift. If A.I. nozzles are used within the shield sprayer 99 percent of drift can be reduced.
4. Drift reducing additives. A number of manufacturers supply drift reducing agents, most work via increasing droplet size. Beware not all of them can withstand the higher pressures associated with fruit sprayers and need independent verification.
5. Calibrate and check that sprayer is functioning correctly.

Conclusion:
Drift is impossible to eliminate but can be minimized. Implementing just one of these methods will greatly reduce the effects of drift and improve your efficiency of spray application saving you time, money, and future problems.

Management strategies to reduce drift
Before spraying:
1. Train the operator to use the sprayer correctly on your farm under your conditions.
2. Plan the spraying operation; consider the use of field work-cards, outlining the amount to be mixed/sprayed per block as a good management tool.
3. Read and follow the pesticide label.
4. Select the correct nozzle for the target. Adjust the size and position of the nozzles to achieve correct distribution within the canopy, particularly as the growing season progresses.
5. Consider the use of sprayers which direct the spray to the target such as canopy and air assist.
6. Consider spray additives to reduce drift only if they are independently proven to work.
7. Improve spraying logistics to ensure adequate time to spray within ‘ideal’ conditions.
8. Only spray when weather conditions are ideal; avoid spraying on days when conditions are favorable for atmospheric inversion or wind drift.
9. Calibrate the sprayer with water to ensure that everything is working correctly.
10. Start planting windbreaks!

During spraying:
1. Stay alert: ensure the spray is not allowed to drift on to non-target areas and watch for changes in wind speed and direction.
2. Keep spray pressure as low as possible and ensure an accurate gauge is used.
3. Maintain a constant speed and pressure, if an automatic regulator is fitted, remember, small increases in speed result in large increases in pressure. The delivered air and spray must be given time to penetrate the canopy.
4. Avoid spraying near sensitive crops or water courses. Use a 50-100 feet buffer zone; Spray inwards, with one side of the sprayer, for at least 50 feet from the boundary to create a “headland”

Table 6.3 Registration of BBA - Approved plant protection equipment for field crops in the list of loss reducing equipment

Drift Reduction Class	Sprayer or Sprayer Parts	Regulations of Use
		Spray Pressure	Height above target
50%	Air Induction Nozzles: AVI, AirMix, S InJet, ID, MD, IDK, IDN, AI, AIC (various sizes)	43.5-101.5 PSI	20 in
	Twin Fluid Nozzles (various sizes)	43.5-72.5 PSI Air pressure 5 PSI	20 in
	HARDI Alpha or HARDI COMMANDER plus TWIN FORCE (59-92ft) all with HARDI ISO nozzles	Spray Pressure at 36 PSI fan drive at 2 KSI	12 in
75%	Air Induction Nozzles: AVI, AirMix, ID, MD, IDK, IDN, AI, AIC (various sizes)	14.5-43.5 PSI	20 in
	Dammann ANPA with air-assisted DAS(79-92ft) all with Air Induction nozzles: ID, AI, AirMix, AVI (various sizes)	Spray Pressure at 14.5-43.5 PSI fan drive at max 2.5 KSI	20 in
	HARDI Alpha or HARDI COMMANDER plus TWIN FORCE (59-92ft) all with HARDI ISO nozzles	Spray Pressure at 43.5 PSI fan drive at max	20 in
90%	Air Induction Nozzles: AirMix, S Injet, ID, MD, IDK, IDN (various sizes)	14.5-29 PSI	20 in
	Lechler ES	Band Spraying

Key: AirMix = Agrotop; AVI = Albuz; S Injet = Hard; MD = Hardi Minidrift; D = Lechler; IDK = Lechler; IDN = Lechler; AI = TeeJet; AIC = TeeJet

Decontaminating and Storing Sprayers

Disposal of pesticide waste

REMEMBER cleaning up should be done in such a way that washings DO NOT enter public sewers or any water courses, nor fields which have under-drainage and certainly not catchment areas for boreholes or wells.

The safe disposal of pesticide waste is a serious responsibility for sprayer operators. It is important, therefore, that everything should be done to keep to a minimum the amount of waste generated. Remember pesticide waste is of four types: Concentrated products, diluted pesticides, including washings, empty containers and contaminated clothing and other materials.

Decontaminating boom sprayers

Introduction

Sprayers must be thoroughly cleaned inside and out after use. Ideally, a sprayer should be cleaned at the end of each day and especially before switching to a different pesticide. Pesticide residues left on the outside of the sprayer can cause operator contamination. Residues on the inside of the tank or left over pesticides trapped inside the sprayer plumbing system can contaminate the operator and possibly lead to crop damage. Growers should be concerned about this, especially if they are using one sprayer to apply different chemicals to different crops. In some cases, only a small amount of a pesticide remaining in the sprayer can cause significant crop damage or lead to unacceptable residues on a crop. Crop contamination can even occur several months after a sprayer has not been properly cleaned. Where a sprayer is used to spray different vegetable crops, residue left in the tank can cross contaminate another vegetable crop resulting in rejection by the purchaser.

Sprayers can also retain tremendous amounts of pesticide solution. Depending on the size and design of the sprayer, there can be nearly 6 gallons of solution left in a sprayer's plumbing. As illustrated in Table 6.4, research conducted on boom sprayers has shown that, depending on the spray tank size, the total chemical solution retained in the sprayer ranged from just under 3 gallons to over 12 gallons. The parts that retained the most chemical solution are the chemical induction bowl, the booms, tank and the pump and its related piping.

Tests have shown that triple rinsing the spray tank is better than using just one single rinse. For example, using 100 gallons of clean water in one single rinse to clean a 100-gallon sprayer tank reduced the concentration of the original spray solution from 100% to 5% both in the tank and at the nozzle. If triple rinsing was performed using 33 gallons of clean water per rinse, a concentration of 0.2% to 0.5% was gained. The aim is for maximum dilution with minimal use of water. Table 6.5 illustrates how triple rinsing reduces the pesticide concentration at the nozzle and the tank drain.

Before rinsing a sprayer, read the sprayer manufacturer's instructions for specific guidance on the best methods for cleaning your equipment. Also consult the pesticide label for any special cleaning instructions. When cleaning spray equipment, you should use the protective clothing listed on the pesticide label. Sprayer cleaning should be done so that rinse water does not enter any waterway, field drainage system, or well. Ideally, sprayer rinsate should be applied to a labeled crop rather than dumped at the cleaning location. If rinsing needs to be done at the mixing/loading site, it must be done on an impervious surface. All contaminated rinse water must be trapped and either used to mix another load of the same pesticide at the label recommended rates or disposed of at an approved pesticide waste handling facility.

Table 6.4 Quantity and location of chemical remnants in crop sprayer (in gallons)
	Sprayer Size
Location	159 gallons 39' boom	212 gallons 39' boom		396 gallons 59' boom
Tank	0.50	1.32		4.57
Pump and associated piping	0.40	.85		2.22
Pressure agitation	0.02	.16		0.27
Manifold	0.40	.16		0.27
Filter relief valve	NA	.15		0.23
Chemical induction bowl	1.16	1.69		NA
Total without boom	2.12	4.33		7.56
Booms	0.50	2.32		4.76
Total with booms	2.62	6.65		12.32
Source: Nilsson, E., Hagenwall H. og Jorgensen L.

Table 6.5 Concentration of pesticide in rinse water
Rinse Number	Sample Location	Percent Concentration
1	Nozzle	5.5
	Tank Drain	4.8
2	Nozzle	1
	Tank Drain	1
3	Nozzle	0.2
	Tank Drain	0.2
Source: Nilsson, E., Hagenwall H. og Jorgensen L.

Reducing Cleaning Problems

The need for cleaning can be reduced by good planning and equipment maintenance. The following are suggestions to help reduce cleaning needs:

-Carefully plan how much pesticide to mix so that all mixed pesticides are used up when you are finished with the field.
- Be sure that the sprayer is clean before you use it.
-Make sure all parts of the sprayer are in good condition. Corroded, cavitated or pitted surfaces are prime areas for pesticide residue to hide. Replace any worn parts.
-Mix the chemicals in the correct order. Some chemicals, when mixed in the wrong order, can actually become more difficult to remove from the equipment. Consult the pesticide label for the proper mixing order.
-Follow any label instructions for cleaning spray equipment.
- Be sure that cleaning solutions contact ALL equipment surfaces.
- Remove and clean filters, strainers and nozzle screens separately from the rest of the sprayer.

Sprayer Cleansers

Several sprayer cleansers are commercially available. These cleansers should be selected based on the pesticide formulation used. Specific recommendations can be found on the pesticide label, by contacting the pesticide manufacturer or through the label or manufacturer of the cleaning agent you wish to use. Some available cleansers are listed in the table below. Household detergents, such as laundry soaps and household ammonia, can also be used, but they may not adequately deactivate and solubalize the pesticides for effective cleaning. Chlorine bleach solutions should not be used. Cleaning agents can be used to wash both the inside and outside of the sprayer. When using commercial cleansers, follow the product's instructions for the best results.

Tank Rinse Systems (Low-Volume Tank Rinsing)

Tank rinse systems consist of a clean water supply tank mounted to the sprayer and one or more rotating discs or nozzles mounted inside the main sprayer tank. Water is pumped from the clean water tank to the rinse nozzles where the water is sprayed around the inside of the spray tank. These systems are designed for in-field rinsing of the sprayer so that the tank washings can be applied to the field and reduce the amount of time spent travelling to and from the farmyard .

A tank rinse system can be purchased as an option on some sprayers or as an add-on kit. Rinse systems can also be made from readily available parts and installed on the sprayer. A sample rinse system layout is shown below. A typical rinse system uses 360-degree tank wash nozzles mounted in the top of the tank. These nozzles are available in flow rates of 10 gallons of water per minute at 20 psi up to 20 GPM at 50 psi. If a spray tank has baffles, at least one rinse nozzle per compartment should be provided. In any case, a sufficient number of rinse nozzles should be installed to provide enough rinse water to contact the entire tank interior.

A 50 to 100 gallon tank is plumbed into the sprayer plumbing system to provide the clean water. This tank should be permanently marked "Clean Water Only" so that only clean water is placed in the tank, reducing the chance for contamination of the rinse system. The tank should be mounted above the pump in order to aid in priming the pump. Ideally, the tank should be mounted on the sprayer.

When using tank rinse systems, you may want to check the pesticide label or with the chemical manufacturer to be sure that low-volume rinsing is suitable for the products you're using. Also, during he rinse process, be sure to open and close the pressure valve and other control valves on the sprayer to ensure that any chemical that may be trapped in the valve is rinsed out, further reducing the chance for contamination of future pesticide mixes. To obtain the best results, practice using the rinse system by placing spray marker dye or food coloring in the spray tank. Using the rinse system, run three rinse cycles, making sure the water discharged from the nozzles is completely clear by the end of the third rinse.

Figure 6.2 Sample layout of a sprayer rinse system (click)

Figure 6.3 Two types of 360-degree tank rinse nozzles (click)

Table 6.6 Commercially Available Sprayer Cleansers
Product	Supplier	Product	Supplier
Protank Cleaner	Agriliance P.O. Box 64089 St. Paul, MN 55164-0089 Web: http://www.agriliance.com/	Wipe-Out	Helena Chemical Company 225 Schilling Blvd Collierville, TN 38017 Web: http://www.helenachemical.com/
All Clear Tank Decontaminator	UAP Loveland Industries, Inc. P.O. Box 1289 Greeley, CO 80632 Phone: 970-356-8920 Fax: 970-356-8926 E-mail: webmaster@lovelandindustries.com	Ag Chem Tank Cleaner	Ag Chem Equipment Co. Ag-Chem Division 202 Industrial Park Jackson, MN 56143 Phone: 800-760-8800 Web: http://www.sprayparts.com/

 

Cleaning the Sprayer

The pesticide applicator should try to keep the volume of tank wash water produced to a minimum. Ideally a tank rinse system should be used.

There are two levels of sprayer cleaning:
- where the same or similar products are to be used on consecutive occasions or
- where the type of product is changed for another or at the end of the season.

Cleaning Where Similar Products are to be Used

Reminder: Before cleaning application equipment, remember to wear the protective clothing listed on the pesticide label.

1. Be sure that all mixed pesticides have been used up from the sprayer or removed and disposed of properly.

2. Flush sprayer with clean water, making sure to wash all inside surfaces of the tank, including the underside of the lid. Use of a tank rinse system is preferred so that rinsing can be done in the field where the rinse water can be applied to the crop. If a tank rinse system is not available, fill the spray tank about half full with clean water and flush the system for at least 5 minutes using both agitation and spraying. Be sure to open and close any control valves during the rinse process. The rinsate should be applied to the crop at labeled rates. Repeat this procedure two more times.

3. Hose down the outside of the sprayer making sure to reach all parts, scrubbing if necessary.

4. Remove suction, main and in-line filter elements and wash them thoroughly in clean water using a soft bristle brush. Put the filters back on the sprayer when clean.

5. Remove the nozzles, nozzle screens and nozzle bar end caps (if used) and wash them thoroughly in clean water with the appropriate cleanser and rinse. Remember to use a soft bristle brush, such as an old toothbrush, when cleaning nozzle parts.

6. Partly fill the sprayer with clean water and run the sprayer to flush out all parts.

7. Reinstall nozzles and nozzle screens.

8. Hose down the outside of the sprayer once again.

Cleaning Where Product Type is Changed

This procedure should also be followed at the end of a season or before sprayer maintenance. Reminder: Remember to wear the protective clothing listed on the pesticide label.

1. Be sure that all mixed pesticides have been used up from the sprayer or removed and disposed of properly.

2. Flush sprayer with clean water, making sure to wash all inside surfaces of the tank, including the underside of the lid. Use of a tank rinse system is preferred so that rinsing can be done in the field where the rinse water can be applied to the crop. If a tank rinse system is not available, fill the spray tank about half full with clean water and flush the system for at least 5 minutes using both agitation and spraying. Be sure to open and close any control valves during the rinse process. The rinsate should be applied to the crop at labeled rates. Repeat this procedure two more times.

3. Hose down the outside of the sprayer making sure to reach all parts, scrubbing if necessary.

4. Remove suction, main and in-line filter elements and wash them thoroughly in clean water using a soft bristle brush. Put the filters back on the sprayer when clean.

5. Remove the nozzles, nozzle screens and nozzle bar end caps (if used) and wash them thoroughly in clean water with the appropriate cleanser and rinse. Remember to use a soft bristle brush, such as an old toothbrush, when cleaning nozzle parts.

6. Partly fill the sprayer with clean water and run the sprayer to flush out all parts.

7. Refill the tank with clean water, adding any detergent recommended by the pesticide manufacturer. Remember, use commercial cleansers according to their directions. Agitate the solution and pump it through the sprayer plumbing system.

8. Discharge the cleaning solution from the sprayer through the plumbing system, making sure to drain the system as thoroughly as possible.

9. Rinse the sprayer and flush the plumbing system with clean water.

10. Inspect the sprayer for deposits that may remain in the tank or plumbing system. If any remain, use some of the cleaning solution and scrub the problem spots. Rinse the sprayer out completely.

11. Repeat steps 7 to 9.

12. Hose down the outside of the tractor and sprayer, scrubbing if necessary.

13. If changing from one type of pesticide to another, refit nozzles, filters and other parts that may have been removed in the cleaning process.

14. When cleaning and preparing the sprayer at the end of the season, safely store nozzles and filters to keep them clean and damage-free. Leave valves open and the tank lid loosely closed.

Mechanical maintenance

Lubrication must be carried out prior to storage, check all oil levels. Check the soundness of all mechanical components, particularly booms and boom hinges. Electrical connectors which operate boom control valves, spray monitors etc need to be cleaned and a non-conductive grease, available at an auto store, applied to prevent corrosion. Check wheels, wheel bearings and tire inflation.

Storage of sprayers

Store the sprayer under cover, taking care to prevent dirt and moisture affecting the tank or working parts. Remember, sunlight softens and weakens rubber materials and can degrade plastic materials. Storing in a building also allows you the opportunity to conduct any routine or pre-season maintenance.

Spray Additives

The word 'adjuvant' is used for any chemical that, when added to a liquid spray, makes it mix, wet, spread, stick, or penetrate better. Water is almost a universal diluent for pesticide sprays. However, water is not compatible with oily pesticides, and an emulsifier may be needed to obtain good mixing. Furthermore, water from sprays often remains as large droplets on leaf surfaces. A wetting agent lowers the interfacial tension between the spray droplet and the leaf surface and thus moistens the leaf. Spreaders are closely related to wetters and help to build a deposit on the leaf and improve weatherability. Stickers cause pesticides to adhere to the sprayed surface and are often called spray-stickers. They are oily and serve to increase the amounts of suspended solids held on the leaves or fruits by holding the particles in a resin-like film. Most fungicides greatly benefit from the use of a sticker.

A new group of materials, called extenders, has been developed recently. Extenders form a sticky, elastic film that holds the pesticide on the leaves and thus reduces the rate of loss caused by sunlight and rainfall.

There are a number of adjuvants on the market including Triton B 1956, DuPont SS, Ortho SS, Plyac, Triton CS7, Nu Film 17, Pinolene, Ortho X77, Sun llE, Booster + E, and others. Probably no two are identical, and some may be quite specific for crop or pesticide use. Read the label, both for dosages and for crop uses and compatibilities, since some adjuvants must not be used with certain pesticides. Most labels will suggest amounts needed. Although many formulations of pesticides contain adequate adjuvants, some do require additions on certain crops, especially cabbage, cauliflower, onions, and peppers.

Spray adjuvants for use with herbicides often serve a funcon distinctly different from that of adjuvants used with insecticides and fungicides. For example, adjuvants such as oils used with atrazine* greatly improve penetration of the chemical into crop and weed leaves, rather than just giving more uniform coverage. Do not use any adjuvant with herbicides unless there is a specific recommendation for its use, either on the label or from extension personnel. Plant damage or even crop residues can result from using an adjuvant that is not recommended.

Spray Equivalents, Conversions, and Dosages

Pesticide containers give directions in terms of pounds or gallons of material in 100 gallons of water. Recommendations for rates of pesticides are often stated in pounds of active ingredient per acre. However, commercial products are not 100 percent active. They have been specially formulated by adding ingredients such as solvents and adjuvants to improve the sprayability, storage life, and other properties of the pure chemical. The additions reduce their concentration. For example, dry concentrates contain perhaps 50 percent or 75 percent active ingredients; liquid concentrates, 50 percent or four pounds per gallon. Thus, to obtain one pound active ingredient, two pounds of formulation may be needed. Refer to the label to determine correct amounts.

Storage

Most pesticides will retain their effectiveness for more than a year if properly stored. Low temperatures, excessive heat and/or inadequate storage conditions can ruin pesticides. Always store pesticides in their original containers with the labels securely attached and plainly visible. If material is to be stored for a long period, you can protect the labels by covering them with transparent tape or lacquer. Mark each container with a purchase date and keep a complete inventory of all products. Keep this list readily accessible in a separate building. Do not store herbicides with other pesticides since some herbicides are volatile and readily contaminate other chemicals. Some signs of deterioration commonly observed in pesticide formulations after storage are given in Table 6.10.

Table 6.10 Signs of deterioration in pesticides
Formulation	General Sign of Deterioration
Wettable powders	Excessive lumping or caking; powder will not stay in suspension.
Oils	Milky coloration or clouding does not occur when added to water.
Liquid concentrates	Crystals form, separation or layering of components; sludge is present, milky coloration does not occur when added to water.
Granular	Excessive lumping or caking into useless blocks.
Flowables	Settling out or layering of components.

Pesticide Storage Building

Site

· All-weather accessible site ­ loading, unloading, fire brigade access

· 50 feet from other buildings

· 100 feet min. from wells/water supplies 7 down slope from them

Building

Comprise of:

· Pesticide storage room.
- Mixing room
- Locker room
- Filling/loading pad
- Electrical power for lights, ventilation fans and heatin
- Sign to say pesticide storage, Danger etc.

Pesticide storage room

• · Well ventilated, perhaps electric fan fitted via light switch to ensure rapid ventilation
• · Lights to see the labels
• · Shelves; heavy drums on lower shelves, lighter packs above
• · Base should be a bund to prevent seepage, to contain fire water
• · Roof: insulated but light to blow out in fire/explosion
• · Keep all containers off the floor, eg. pallets
• · Locked door
• · Contents list
• · Rotate stock, oldest at the front
  
  Mixing room

• Keep all calibration equipment, all measuring jugs, records etc., on organized shelves
  
  Locker room

• · PPE, ventilated, check list of issue dates
• · Definitely not in the pesticide storage room
• · A cupboard perhaps in filling /load area
  
  Filling/loading pad

• · Water supply: one way (anti-syphon) valve to prevent chemicals into the water supply
• · Consider a top hat cage to provide a gap between hose end and tank top
• · water pipe: insulate
• · Eye wash unit
• · Major dousing hose or hook up filling hose to become a dousing site

Indoor versus covered:

Outdoor: cheaper but frost heave and rain water collects

Mixing room and filling pad should also hold any spillage, e.g. Sprayer tank contents plus 25%; Sump or sloping concrete

Construction

• · Insulation of R11 on outside walls, 4" fiberglass
• · R19 in the ceiling, 6" fiberglass
• · Air inlet with louvres for the opposite of the fans
• · Beware of draughts, therefore fans/inlets above top storage shelves
• · Plastic sheet under concrete: keep building dry
• · Gutter down pipe: keep intact and water away from the building
• · Electrically shielded fan, some suggest shielded lights
• · Fire extinguisher

Tank Rinse Nozzle Suppliers

Spraying Systems (Teejet) http://www.teejet.com/english/home.aspx

Delavan http://www.delavan.co.uk/

Please note: Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the author or Cornell University is implied.

World Wide Web Sites:

Cornell Pesticide Application Technology
http://aben.cals.cornell.edu/extension/pestapp/index.htm

Cornell Pesticide Management Education Program: http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/

Measuring Environmental Impact of Pesiticides:
http://nysipm.cornell.edu/publications/eiq/default.asp

Cornell Vegetable Team
http://www.hort.cornell.edu/extension/commercial/vegetables/vegeteam/index.html

The Northeastern Pest Management Center has links to information on IPM in the northeast and throughout the US

Next chapter General Culture

Maintained by Curtis Petzoldt, New York State IPM Program. Address comments or questions to