Tag: Frederick M. Fishel

Tank-Mixing Pesticides without Disasters

A tractor spraying pesticides on rows of experimental tomatoes growing at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, Florida. Tomato, fruits and vegetables, horticulture. UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones.

Tank-mixing several pesticides is a common practice in conducting pest control. Tank mixes can consist of much more than just pesticides, such as fertilizers, micronutrients, and adjuvants. However, applicators must be aware of potential problems given that there are so many potential combinations when combining these products. Manufacturers cannot possibly test for all of these combinations, so both chemical and physical incompatibility are a concern with the practice. This new 4-page document, written by Frederick M. Fishel and published by the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office, describes some common-sense practices to help overcome costly tank-mixing errors.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi285

Rodenticides

Ready-to-use bait station

Rodenticides are pesticides designed to kill rodents, primarily mice and rats. However, rodents are not the only species that can be poisoned by rodenticides. Practically any mammal, including humans, can suffer severe effects from unintentional exposure to rodenticides. Rodenticides vary widely in the hazard they present even though they are all designed to kill animals that are physiologically comparable to humans. This new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office addresses those hazards for rodenticides currently registered in Florida. Written by Frederick M. Fishel.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi284

Restricted Use Pesticides for Use in Florida

Phil Koehler, left, a professor of entomology with the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, and Dempsey Sapp, president Florida Pest Control & Chemical Co. in Gainesville, check pesticides left unguarded from children and pets on a lawn service trailer. (UF/IFAS photo by Josh Wickham)

All pesticides are classified according to their toxicity, use pattern, and environmental effects. The two main classifications are unclassified use and restricted use, though unclassified pesticides are commonly referred to as general use pesticides. A restricted use pesticide is one that is for retail sale to and use by only certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision and only for those purposes covered by the applicator’s certification. This document will provide a listing of pesticide active ingredients registered in Florida that are classified as restricted and the reason(s) for the restricted use classification. This 4-page major revision was written by Frederick M. Fishel and published by the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi073

Worker Protection Standard: Records of Employee Safety Training

Kenneth Gioeli, Extension Agent at St. Lucie Cooperative Extension Service, places empty pesticide containers in plastic bags readying them for recycling. Photo by Milt Putnam

The EPA’s Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides (WPS) covers pesticides used in the outdoor and enclosed-space production of plants on farms, forests, and nurseries, as well as greenhouses. The WPS requires agricultural employers to take steps to reduce pesticide-related risks when agricultural workers and pesticide handlers are exposed to these pesticides. The EPA has made several changes to the WPS since it was fully implemented in 1995, and this new 3-page document addresses maintaining records of worker and handler training under the revised WPS, including a sample employee-training verification. Written by Frederick M. Fishel and published by the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi283

Toxicity of Common Indoor Household Insecticides Registered in Florida

White-Footed Ant: A tiny ant with a big appetite for sweets is the latest nuisance pest for South Florida residents. (UF/IFAS File Photo)

Insecticides are designed to control insect pests, but they can also be toxic (poisonous) to desirable plants and animals, including humans. Some pesticides are so highly toxic that very small quantities can kill a person, and almost any pesticide can make people ill if they are exposed to a sufficient amount. Because even safe pesticides, such as those intended for household use, can irritate the skin, eyes, nose, or mouth, it is a good idea to understand how pesticides can be toxic so you can follow practices designed to reduce or eliminate your exposure to them. This new 3-page document addresses the acute toxicity of common indoor household insecticide active ingredients registered in Florida and provides a table with mammalian toxicity values for each of these insecticides. Written by Frederick M. Fishel and published by the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information office.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi282

Avicides

A flock of Red-Winged Blackbirds fly in a pecan grove durring a winter's morning ,Clay county. (UF/IFAS Photo by: Josh Wickham)

By and large, birds are beneficial because they provide enjoyment and recreation to humans and are vital to ecosystem balance. However, occasionally some species can compete with human interests. When these situations occur, some forms of control may become necessary. Avicides are pesticides designed to kill or repel pest birds. This new 2-page document addresses those avicides currently registered for use in Florida. Written by Frederick M. Fishel and published by the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi281

Pesticide Recordkeeping Form for Florida Applicators

UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones

This new 5-page document provides a form containing the required elements to include on a record of pesticide application for meeting the restricted use pesticide and Worker Protection Standard (WPS) requirements. An example application record and an explanation of the required elements is provided. This is not a required form because there are other methods to keep records if they contain the required information. Handwritten notes, electronic records, and other recordkeeping software systems are also acceptable. Written by Frederick M. Fishel and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi280

New Paraquat Requirements

Pesticide testing.

This 2-page document addresses the mitigation measures being undertaken by the EPA which will become new labeling requirements for paraquat (one of the most widely used herbicides registered in the United States) products. Written by Frederick M. Fishel and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, November 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi279

Licensing of Commensal Rodent Trappers

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Bureau of Licensing and Enforcement administers Limited Certification Categories to certify Governmental or Private applicators. This 2-page document discusses the Limited Commercial Wildlife Trapper Certificate. Written by Frederick M. Fishel and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, October 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi278

Specifically Regulated Pesticides in Florida-Bromacil

Pesticide testing.

Bromacil is a general use pesticide that is marketed in Florida under many names and is used on sites such as citrus, pineapple, and industrial areas. This 2-page document discusses the characteristics and use of bromacil. Written by Frederick M. Fishel and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, May 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi112

Pesticide Injection and Drenching

Drenching and injection are two pesticide application methods that are particularly effective in controlling some of the most troublesome insect pests of ornamental landscape trees. This 4-page document describes the equipment and procedures you will need to carry out either of these methods. Written by Frederick M. Fishel and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, January 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi274

Worker Protection Standard: Requirements for Commercial Pesticide Handler Employers

Herman Brown, a University of Florida agricultural assistant, sprays pesticide on transgenic rice plants in a greenhouse in Gainesville -- Friday, Oct. 10, 2003. Researchers at UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are adding a gene to the plants to protect them from bacterial blight, which is a major disease for rice farmers in Africa and Southeast Asia.

In 1992, the US Environmental Protection Agency issued a comprehensive regulation called the Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides (WPS). The EPA has made several changes to the WPS since it was fully implemented in 1995. This 5-page document will address the WPS protections commercial pesticide handler employers must provide to their handlers. Written by Frederick M. Fishel and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, January 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi275

Worker Protection Standard: Requirements for Agricultural Employers of Workers and Handlers

Pesticide testing.

Safety is a high concern for agricultural employers whose workers deal with hazardous materials, such as pesticides. In 1992, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides (WPS), a regulation that requires agricultural employers to take steps to reduce pesticide-related risks for their workers and handlers. This five-page document describes the responsibilities of employers who must adhere to the WPS. Written by Frederick M. Fishel and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, January 2018.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag417

Worker Protection Standard: Additional Requirements for Agricultural Employers of Workers

The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Act for Agricultural Pesticides was established by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 and has undergone several revisions since. Recent revised provisions became effective in January 2017. This document will address the additional requirements for agricultural employers of workers under the revised WPS. Written by Frederick M. Fishel and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, December 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi273

Worker Protection Standard: Determining Your WPS Responsibilities

A single-nozzle backpack sprayer is useful for foliar treatment of many woody invasive plants.

In 1992, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a comprehensive regulation called the Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides (WPS). The EPA has made several changes to the WPS since it was fully implemented in 1995. This five-page document will address determining responsibilities under the revised WPS. Written by Frederick M. Fishel and published by UF’s Agronomy Department, September 2017.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag418

Worker Protection Standard: Respirators

Figure 5. Respirator use must conform to OSHA standards in the revised WPS.

On November 2, 2015, the EPA revised the WPS, making significant changes to the rule’s requirements. Most of the revised provisions became effective January 2, 2017; there are four provisions that are delayed until January 2, 2018. This four-page document will address respirator use under the revised WPS. Written by Frederick M. Fishel and published by the Agronomy Department and the Pesticide Information Office.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi272

Pesticide Labeling: Protection of Pollinators

On May 29, 2015, the EPA published its Proposal to Mitigate Exposure to Bees from Acutely Toxic Pesticide Products. This seven-page fact sheet outlines the highlights from this policy and its proposed restrictions, which would prohibit applications of pesticide products that are acutely toxic to bees during bloom where honey bees are known to be present under contract for pollination services. Written by Frederick M. Fishel, James Ellis, and Gene McAvoy and published by the Agronomy Department.
edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi271

Quick Reference Guide to the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) as Revised in 2015

Pesticide testing.

The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is a regulation originally issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992 and most recently revised in 2015. This eight-page reference guide gives an overview of the 2015 revisions. Written by Frederick M. Fishel, and published by the Agronomy Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi270