Right-of-Way (ROW) Pest Control 6B Exam Study
What are proper methods for preventing back-siphoning of 1. Keep the end of the fill hose above the water level in the spray tank. (Make sure
pesticides into the water supply? the Filler Hose doesn't dip into the sprayer tank)
2. Use a separate pump with check-valves to prevent back-siphoning.
3. Be sure the sprayer doesn't overflow and drain pesticide contaminated water
back into that water source.
4. Anti-siphon devices include a reduced-pressure zone device or air gap between
the filler pipe and the tank.
What are features of a sprayer filling station that will 1. Don't use a water source used for domestic purposes or watering livestock.
minimize spills & contamination problems? 2. Use a tank truck to carry mixing water to the application site
3. Do not locate the station on a pond or stream banks; Locate an area that slopes
away from the water.
Identify who is responsible for cleaning up a pesticide spill 1. Under FEPCA, it is the applicator's legal responisibility to clean up any spills that
are a result of his/her pesticide application.
2. For major spills, contain the spill, isolate the area, call appropriate emergency
response agency (For Food: State/Federal FDA, city/county/state health officials; for
Water: Public health, regional/state/federal water quality or pollution authorities and
state fish & game agency
Describe methods of cleaning a spill & decontaminating 1. For herbicide spills, removing the upper layer of soil can prevent damage, if
the spill area immediately done. The longer you wait, the farther the penetration into the soil.
2. Root pruning can isolate the herbicide away from the root system.
3. Activated charcoal absorbs the herbicide from the soil, making it unavailable to
plants
Discuss the effects of pesticide, temperature and soil 1. Drift will increase as droplet size (of pesticide) decreases. Spray droplet size is
moisture on Vapor Drift the most important factor affecting potential for particle drift.
2. Drift is more likely during a Temperature Inversion (Warm air sandwiched
between layers of cold air). Volatility increases with temperature.
3. Wet soil increases rate of volatilization, increases risk of drift.
What is the first rule of Drift Management? Knowing when NOT to spray.
Under some conditions (e.g. high wind), there is nothing you can do except refrain
from spraying.
What are 2 main considerations for reducing drift if you 1. Use the lowest nozzle distance that provides uniform coverage
decide to spray 2. Apply the coarsest droplet size spectrum that provides sufficient coverage and
pest control
What is the procedure for selecting nozzles that will Focus on the droplet spectrum (a single nozzle may produce a different range of
provide adequate deposition with least risk of drift? droplet sizes at different pressures). Conduct a calibration procedure to find a
desired spray rate; use a nozzle that will deliver within 5% of the target application
and spray rates. Check the catalog to find whether the nozzle and pressure
combination will provide fine, medium or coarse spray. Consider whether the nozzle
will allow you to keep the boom closer to the target.
Explain why two pesticides might be incompatible when Formulations may contain different solvents and additives that don't mix well
mixed together together. Liquids are particularly susceptible to this problem.
1. Physical incompatibly (results of this: crystalline precipitate, gelatinous mass, a
break in the emulsion where the different ingredients separate out; Agglomeration
(clumping of particles) can also happen.
2. Chemical incompatibility (the mix may look fine) Problems include: Activity of
product(s) may be reduced; Mixture may be phytotoxic, leave unsightly residue on
plants; Toxicity to the applicator or other organisms may be greater than that of the
individual components.
Adverse consequences of having physically incompatible 1. Spray Injury to crops (from one or both pesticides precipitating/falling out of the
spray mixture mixture)
2. Excessive residues after mixing
3. Mixture is unsprayable, plugging up nozzles and necessitating time to clean out
tank, screens, regulators and nozzles and then trying to find where to dispose of the
mixture.
4. Mix may be sprayable, but result in variable concentration, so that some parts of
the field get little protection and others excess residue and phytotoxicity.
, Right-of-Way (ROW) Pest Control 6B Exam Study
When mixing two or more pesticides together, how do you Labels from the two pesticides will differ with respect to their handling directions.
determine which label directions to follow? You want to follow the directions on the label that is MORE RESTRICTIVE for a
given requirement (i.e. restricted use, eyewear requirements, restricted-entry
interval time,etc.)
What is the procedure and sequence for adding pesticides 1. Fill tank with 1/4 water and get the agitation going until the water in the tank is
to a spray tank? rolling.
2. Add wettable powders and dry flowables/dispersible granules. Make a slurry
of wettable powder before adding it to the tank for better results.
3. Agitate until pesticides are uniformly dispersed, meanwhile adding water until
the tank is filled to 90% of spray volume.
4. Add flowable liquids.
5. When flowables are dispensed. add emulsifiable concentrates.
6. Add adjuvants and fertilizer solution (label may tell you to add nonionic
surfactant before adding pesticides)
7. Continue agitation and fill tank to total spray volume.
Describe the function of Adjuvants Also known as a spray additive. It is a chemical added to a pesticide mix to modify
its physical properties or help the active ingredient do a better job. They do NOT
have any pesticidal properties.
What are precautions and concerns when selecting and Use adjuvants at recommended rates. They are highly active. A very small quantity
using Adjuvants? will have a great effect. Too much is as bad as too little. It will result in pesticide
running off the foliage or form too thin a film. Too much can cause herbicide spray to
lose some of its selectivity and injure crop plants
What are 7 possible fates of a pesticide active ingredient 1. Lost to the atmosphere through volatilization
after it has been applied? 2. Broken down by sunlight (photolysis) or water (hydrolysis)
3. Taken up by plants
4. Degraded in the soil by natural biological processes
5. Adsorbed to the soil for future plant uptake or breakdown
6. Carried aaway from the surface by runoff water
7. Leached through the top layers of soil by recharge water after which
contamination of groundwater is possible
How does Volatilization act on a pesticide and affect its Volatilization is the process of a chemical converting into a vapor. Pesticides with
potential to contaminate ground water? higher vapor pressures are prone to volatilization. The faster it is lost to the
atmosphere, the less it is available for leaching. A high Henry's Law Constant
(Vapor Pressure divided by Solubility) means a reduced potential for leaching into
ground water.
How does Photolysis act on a pesticide and affect its Photolysis is the degradation of chemicals by light. Photolysis occurs on the plant,
potential to contaminate ground water? soil or any other surface sunlight reaches. The longer a pesticide takes to
breakdown, it has a longer time to act on weed/insect/plant. The downside is that
the pesticide can be available longer for leaching.
How does Hydrolysis act on a pesticide and affect its Hydrolysis is the action of water reacting with a pesticide to divide large molecules
potential to contaminate ground water? into smaller ones, breaking them down. This can occur on the soil surface and root
zone. It may be very active in warm water at or near the soil surface, but slows in
cooler depths of root zone or deep groundwater.
How does Absorption By Plants act on a pesticide and Plants absorb some pesticide active ingredients into their tissues; this removes
affect its potential to contaminate ground water? pesticide from the environment and prevents it from becoming a water contaminant
How does Microbial Degradation act on a pesticide and M.D. uses microorganisms to break down pesicides. Examples include bacteria,
affect its potential to contaminate ground water? viruses, fungi, algae, protozoa rotifers and crustaceans. Most live in the upper foot
of soil (warm, moist, organic matter-filled)This is where they do the most degrading
of pesticides. Below the root zone, M.D. decreases since it is less favorable for
microorganisms to live.
How does Soil Adsorption act on a pesticide and affect its Adsorption is the attraction between a pesticide and a soil particle. Adsorption binds
potential to contaminate ground water? the pesticide to soil particles so that it is not likely to leach. This will hold the
pesticide even if it is very soluble and its Henry's Law Constant is low. The more
organic matter in the soil, the more pesticide will be held by the soil.
What are proper methods for preventing back-siphoning of 1. Keep the end of the fill hose above the water level in the spray tank. (Make sure
pesticides into the water supply? the Filler Hose doesn't dip into the sprayer tank)
2. Use a separate pump with check-valves to prevent back-siphoning.
3. Be sure the sprayer doesn't overflow and drain pesticide contaminated water
back into that water source.
4. Anti-siphon devices include a reduced-pressure zone device or air gap between
the filler pipe and the tank.
What are features of a sprayer filling station that will 1. Don't use a water source used for domestic purposes or watering livestock.
minimize spills & contamination problems? 2. Use a tank truck to carry mixing water to the application site
3. Do not locate the station on a pond or stream banks; Locate an area that slopes
away from the water.
Identify who is responsible for cleaning up a pesticide spill 1. Under FEPCA, it is the applicator's legal responisibility to clean up any spills that
are a result of his/her pesticide application.
2. For major spills, contain the spill, isolate the area, call appropriate emergency
response agency (For Food: State/Federal FDA, city/county/state health officials; for
Water: Public health, regional/state/federal water quality or pollution authorities and
state fish & game agency
Describe methods of cleaning a spill & decontaminating 1. For herbicide spills, removing the upper layer of soil can prevent damage, if
the spill area immediately done. The longer you wait, the farther the penetration into the soil.
2. Root pruning can isolate the herbicide away from the root system.
3. Activated charcoal absorbs the herbicide from the soil, making it unavailable to
plants
Discuss the effects of pesticide, temperature and soil 1. Drift will increase as droplet size (of pesticide) decreases. Spray droplet size is
moisture on Vapor Drift the most important factor affecting potential for particle drift.
2. Drift is more likely during a Temperature Inversion (Warm air sandwiched
between layers of cold air). Volatility increases with temperature.
3. Wet soil increases rate of volatilization, increases risk of drift.
What is the first rule of Drift Management? Knowing when NOT to spray.
Under some conditions (e.g. high wind), there is nothing you can do except refrain
from spraying.
What are 2 main considerations for reducing drift if you 1. Use the lowest nozzle distance that provides uniform coverage
decide to spray 2. Apply the coarsest droplet size spectrum that provides sufficient coverage and
pest control
What is the procedure for selecting nozzles that will Focus on the droplet spectrum (a single nozzle may produce a different range of
provide adequate deposition with least risk of drift? droplet sizes at different pressures). Conduct a calibration procedure to find a
desired spray rate; use a nozzle that will deliver within 5% of the target application
and spray rates. Check the catalog to find whether the nozzle and pressure
combination will provide fine, medium or coarse spray. Consider whether the nozzle
will allow you to keep the boom closer to the target.
Explain why two pesticides might be incompatible when Formulations may contain different solvents and additives that don't mix well
mixed together together. Liquids are particularly susceptible to this problem.
1. Physical incompatibly (results of this: crystalline precipitate, gelatinous mass, a
break in the emulsion where the different ingredients separate out; Agglomeration
(clumping of particles) can also happen.
2. Chemical incompatibility (the mix may look fine) Problems include: Activity of
product(s) may be reduced; Mixture may be phytotoxic, leave unsightly residue on
plants; Toxicity to the applicator or other organisms may be greater than that of the
individual components.
Adverse consequences of having physically incompatible 1. Spray Injury to crops (from one or both pesticides precipitating/falling out of the
spray mixture mixture)
2. Excessive residues after mixing
3. Mixture is unsprayable, plugging up nozzles and necessitating time to clean out
tank, screens, regulators and nozzles and then trying to find where to dispose of the
mixture.
4. Mix may be sprayable, but result in variable concentration, so that some parts of
the field get little protection and others excess residue and phytotoxicity.
, Right-of-Way (ROW) Pest Control 6B Exam Study
When mixing two or more pesticides together, how do you Labels from the two pesticides will differ with respect to their handling directions.
determine which label directions to follow? You want to follow the directions on the label that is MORE RESTRICTIVE for a
given requirement (i.e. restricted use, eyewear requirements, restricted-entry
interval time,etc.)
What is the procedure and sequence for adding pesticides 1. Fill tank with 1/4 water and get the agitation going until the water in the tank is
to a spray tank? rolling.
2. Add wettable powders and dry flowables/dispersible granules. Make a slurry
of wettable powder before adding it to the tank for better results.
3. Agitate until pesticides are uniformly dispersed, meanwhile adding water until
the tank is filled to 90% of spray volume.
4. Add flowable liquids.
5. When flowables are dispensed. add emulsifiable concentrates.
6. Add adjuvants and fertilizer solution (label may tell you to add nonionic
surfactant before adding pesticides)
7. Continue agitation and fill tank to total spray volume.
Describe the function of Adjuvants Also known as a spray additive. It is a chemical added to a pesticide mix to modify
its physical properties or help the active ingredient do a better job. They do NOT
have any pesticidal properties.
What are precautions and concerns when selecting and Use adjuvants at recommended rates. They are highly active. A very small quantity
using Adjuvants? will have a great effect. Too much is as bad as too little. It will result in pesticide
running off the foliage or form too thin a film. Too much can cause herbicide spray to
lose some of its selectivity and injure crop plants
What are 7 possible fates of a pesticide active ingredient 1. Lost to the atmosphere through volatilization
after it has been applied? 2. Broken down by sunlight (photolysis) or water (hydrolysis)
3. Taken up by plants
4. Degraded in the soil by natural biological processes
5. Adsorbed to the soil for future plant uptake or breakdown
6. Carried aaway from the surface by runoff water
7. Leached through the top layers of soil by recharge water after which
contamination of groundwater is possible
How does Volatilization act on a pesticide and affect its Volatilization is the process of a chemical converting into a vapor. Pesticides with
potential to contaminate ground water? higher vapor pressures are prone to volatilization. The faster it is lost to the
atmosphere, the less it is available for leaching. A high Henry's Law Constant
(Vapor Pressure divided by Solubility) means a reduced potential for leaching into
ground water.
How does Photolysis act on a pesticide and affect its Photolysis is the degradation of chemicals by light. Photolysis occurs on the plant,
potential to contaminate ground water? soil or any other surface sunlight reaches. The longer a pesticide takes to
breakdown, it has a longer time to act on weed/insect/plant. The downside is that
the pesticide can be available longer for leaching.
How does Hydrolysis act on a pesticide and affect its Hydrolysis is the action of water reacting with a pesticide to divide large molecules
potential to contaminate ground water? into smaller ones, breaking them down. This can occur on the soil surface and root
zone. It may be very active in warm water at or near the soil surface, but slows in
cooler depths of root zone or deep groundwater.
How does Absorption By Plants act on a pesticide and Plants absorb some pesticide active ingredients into their tissues; this removes
affect its potential to contaminate ground water? pesticide from the environment and prevents it from becoming a water contaminant
How does Microbial Degradation act on a pesticide and M.D. uses microorganisms to break down pesicides. Examples include bacteria,
affect its potential to contaminate ground water? viruses, fungi, algae, protozoa rotifers and crustaceans. Most live in the upper foot
of soil (warm, moist, organic matter-filled)This is where they do the most degrading
of pesticides. Below the root zone, M.D. decreases since it is less favorable for
microorganisms to live.
How does Soil Adsorption act on a pesticide and affect its Adsorption is the attraction between a pesticide and a soil particle. Adsorption binds
potential to contaminate ground water? the pesticide to soil particles so that it is not likely to leach. This will hold the
pesticide even if it is very soluble and its Henry's Law Constant is low. The more
organic matter in the soil, the more pesticide will be held by the soil.
