Home Pesticide Options and Safety M A R I O N M U R R A Y, U S U I P M P R O G R A M

Using pesticides in an IPM setting Understanding the pesticide label Types of pesticides and how they work Applying pesticides safely

Integrated Pest Management

Repeat Spray Not quite sure what this is???? Choose pesticide labeled for many different pests

Conventional Pest Management sole reliance on chemical control strategy treatment at first sign of pest, without efforts to set injury levels regular sprays on a calendar date no system-wide perspective

What is the Problem? Resurgence pesticides may kill natural enemies, leading to increase in population Secondary pest outbreak some pesticides promote pest activity: carbaryl is known to increase spider mite reproduction

Determine threshold Reduced-risk chemical controls (last resort) Monitor pest Mechanical, cultural controls Design new garden/landscape to prevent pest I have correctly ID ed this pest Learn pest biology Record results

Using Pesticides in IPM Integrated Pest Management a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks Can be used in Conventional or Organic systems

Components of an IPM Program 1. Knowledge of pest biology and behavior as well as knowledge of host plant 2. Monitoring for insect or disease occurrence 3. Determine IF and WHEN to treat

Powdery Mildew: Treat when 10-20% of the foliage has symptoms of powdery mildew.

If and When to Treat?

Don t apply when you can t hit a susceptible target

Components of an IPM Program 1. Knowledge of pest biology and behavior as well as knowledge of host plant 2. Monitoring for insect or disease occurrence 3. Determine IF and WHEN to treat 4. Using an integrated approach to pest management and prevention

Use resistant cultivars

Cultural Control

Promote Biological Control

Chemicals Use least toxic option first Reduced risk pesticides Biopesticides

The key to proper use: Read the Label!

Understanding the Pesticide Label

On the Front

Label Details/Front and Back and Inside Brand Name Company Where and How it can be Applied Storage Disposal Precautions First Aid Hazards Contact Info Target Pests Signal Word Chemical Name EPA Number

Site of application

Types of Pesticides and How They Work

Pesticide Groups Insect Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) and Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) developed MODE OF ACTION classification schemes for insecticides and fungicides Purpose is to provide a guide to selection of pesticides for an effective and sustainable resistance management program

Prevent Pesticide Resistance

Cell Wall

Alternate Classes to Prevent Resistance INSECTICIDES Use one chemical class within the same insect generation Switch to another class in each insect generation Otherwise, alternate class with each application FUNGICIDES Follow the 3-2 Rule do not apply one group more than 3 times in one season, AND do not apply more than 2 consecutive sprays from one group

Insecticide Activity Contact: causes injury or death by touching outside of insect if the material has a residual, the insect is affected by walking through it pyrethroids If there is no residual, the spray must land on the insect insecticidal soap; oils Ingestion: insect must ingest toxin to be killed spinosad

Insecticide Groups Pyrethroids, Group 3 pyrethrin = organic version derived from chrysanthemum pyrethroids (permethrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, beta-cyfluthrin, bifenthrin) = synthetic Works by contact Broad spectrum (kill natural enemies) Not systemic Moderate residual Mode of action: continual nerve impulse transmission, tremors, death Highly toxic to natural enemies and bees skin, eye, and respiratory irritant to humans

Insecticide Groups Pyrethroids, Group 3 Borers True bugs: squash bugs, stink bugs, boxelder bugs Grubs

Insecticide Groups Neonicotinoids, Group 4 acetamiprid dinotefuran imidacloprid Works by contact or ingestion Somewhat selective Systemic Long residual Mode of action: over-stimulation and blockage of the nicotine acetylcholine receptors. Toxic to bees

Insecticide Groups Acetamiprid, Group 4 Codling moth Western cherry fruit fly Walnut husk fly Peach twig borer Leafhoppers Beet leafminer Aphids Scale

Insecticide Group Spinosyns, Group 5 spinosad Works by ingestion Moderately selective Not systemic Moderate residual Mode of action: cessation of feeding and paralysis of exposed insects within minutes Soft on natural enemies, but toxic to bees on contact

Insecticide Group Spinosyns, Group 5 thrips earwigs caterpillars (codling moth, peach twig borer, tomato hornworm, corn earworm, greater peachtree borer, cabbage caterpillars, sod webworm) Colorado potato beetle fruit flies (western cherry fruit fly, walnut husk fly)

Insecticide Groups Bioinsectides, Group 11 and UN Group 11 Microbial disruptors of insect mid gut membranes Bacillus thuringiensis toxins produced by the bacterium cause feeding to stop used on caterpillars works best when larvae are at early stages (instars) Group UN unknown mode of action azadirachtin: Azatin, Ecozin derivative of neem oil acts as a feeding deterrent and a growth regulator

Insecticide Groups Bioinsectides, Group 11 Bacillus thuringiensis caterpillars (cabbage caterpillars, corn earworm) fungus gnats mosquito larvae only works while caterpillars are small (less than ½ inch) store in cool, dry area dry formulations last 5 years liquid last 2 years

Insecticides with No Codes Ungrouped insecticides do not have risk for resistance Nosema locustae a type of protozoa, for grasshopper control insecticidal soap aromatic oils (thyme, eucalyptus, eugenol, rosemary, clove, peppermint, etc.) petroleum oils neem oil

Horticultural Oil Product Percent of Total Lubricants 0.9% Other Refined Products 1.5% Asphalt & Road Oil 1.7% Residual Fuel Oil 3.3% Still Gas 5.0% Jet Fuel 12.6% Distillate Fuel Oil 15.3% Gasoline 51.4%

Horticultural Oil Mineral Oil Paraffinic Petroleum Oil Paraffinic Oil

Using Horticultural Oil Dormant Aphids Blister mites Soft scales Peach twig borer Summer Aphids Spider mites Soft scales Thrips

Using Horticultural Oil Dormant application (bud swell to ½ green): 2-3% rate Caution: Do not apply below 40 F Summer application: 1% rate Cautions: Do not apply when temperature will reach 85 F within 4 hours of application Do not spray water-stressed plants

Neem Oil

Applying Pesticides Safely

All pesticides have risks Organic Safe Synthetic Highly toxic Natural Safe

One way to quickly assess the risk? Signal Words Danger Warning Caution

One way to quickly assess the risk? Signal Words Bonide Captan Danger Warning Caution Neem Oil Bonide Fungonil Pyrethrin Spectracide Triazicide Insecticidal Soap

Essential Oils Have no Signal Word Exempt from toxicity tests by EPA Peppermint and Wintergreen oils irritant to nostril linings/dermatitis not recommended for children, infants or during pregnancy or breast feeding Clove oil allergic reactions not good for people with liver or kidney disorders Cinnamon oil powerful irritant and even worse sensitizer

Reducing Human Risk Wear protective clothing Wash clothing separately Clean yourself and your equipment Be aware of days to harvest

Reducing Risk to Pollinators Many studies show that bees collect the majority of their pollen from non-crop plants, and that pollen is consistently contaminated with primarily urban pesticides. Neonicotinoids (imidacloprid) can be found in ornamental plant pollen at levels higher than in agricultural uses

Toxicity of Common Organic-Approved Pesticides to Pollinators Soaps and Oils, only when directly sprayed upon the pollinator Spinosad, only when wet

Reducing Risk to Pollinators Read the Environmental Hazards section of the label. Use the lowest effective pesticide application rate on the label. Do not spray during bloom; be cognizant of weeds in flower at application site. Spray at dawn or dusk. Reduce spray drift: spray under calm conditions. Use liquid sprays or granules instead of dusts. Dispose rinse water according to label instructions.

Other Risks: Drift Check for sensitive areas first! Remove bird feeders Watch the wind speed Keep the spray low Spray with the breeze Don t apply when temperatures are over 85 F

Other Risks: Runoff USGS National Water Quality Assessment sampled urban streams Insecticides occurred more frequently in urban streams than they did in agricultural area streams Herbicides detected in 99% of Urban stream samples Locate & stay away from wells Stay away from wetlands & water Do not apply before heavy rains

Other Risks: Storage Buy only what you need Keep them out of reach of children & lock them up Never store indoors Keep in original containers

Other Risks: Disposal Follow label Rinse containers Apply extra mix to labeled site Call UDAF about obsolete pesticides

Apply Properly & Be Cautious Spot treatments conserve beneficial organisms Avoid broadcast treatments Keep the plant s condition in mind Check coverage & monitor control Only repeat application if the label allows

MARION.MURRAY@USU.EDU 435-797-0776