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Phil Sell - Shawnee County Extension Agent , Horticulture Retail Garden Center - Spring Training February 4 & 5 , 2003. Top 10 REASONS YOU MIGHT HEAR. “That Spray (Pesticide) You Sold Me (Recommended) Didn’t Work”. The proper product, used improperly, may not work
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Phil Sell - Shawnee County Extension Agent , Horticulture Retail Garden Center - Spring Training February 4 & 5 , 2003 Top 10 REASONS YOU MIGHT HEAR “That Spray (Pesticide) You Sold Me (Recommended) Didn’t Work”
The proper product, used improperly, may not work Reinforce the importance of label information Customer (Client) Expectations Don't set yourself up by creating unrealistic expectations Lawn care services are guilty of this - When they promise a “Perfect, weed-free lawn” Top 10 REASONS YOU MIGHT HEAR “That Spray (Pesticide) You Sold Me (Recommended) Didn’t Work”
Genetic adaptation - Natural selection Insecticide resistance known since early 1900's Resistance to fungicides since the 70's Benomyl and its relatives (thiophanate methyl/Cleary’s 3336)) Myclobutanil (Immunox) Herbicide resistance (triazines) Good to switch off Switch to a different family of pesticides Soaps and Oils - Physical/Mechanical Resistance is not an issue 10. PEST RESISTANCE WHY PESTICIDE DIDN’T WORK
Treating for grubs probably won’t control moles Most insecticides don’t kill earthworms None are labeled for that purpose Physiological problem Blossom-end rot (tomato, pepper, watermelon) Efficacy may not be supported by data Don’t be swayed by anecdotal testimonials Ask for convincing credible scientific evidence Based on legitimate replicated research 9. PRODUCT REALLY DOESN’T WORK (For the intended purpose) WHY PESTICIDE DIDN’T WORK
Shelf life expired Large containers - false economy Storage Conditions - locked; away from children WP, dusts, and granules should be kept cool and dry Liquid concentrates should be stored above 40 degrees May settle out or separate if frozen Some are living organisms (Bt), nematodes Water quality pH Dirty water (ie. glyphosate) Diluted spray left in sprayer for later use 8. PRODUCT DEGRADATION WHY PESTICIDE DIDN’T WORK
People expect immediate gratification Think white grubs should die overnight Think weeds should die overnight 7. PREMATURE EVALUATION WHY PESTICIDE DIDN’T WORK
Dilution too weak or too strong Inadequate dispersion in tank - agitation/WP “gravy” Phytotoxicity can compromise chemical activity Spreader calibration is important Explain to customers/clients Are pre-calibrated spreaders accurate? Walking speed of applicator Confirm/re-check during first pass 6. IMPROPER APPLICATION RATE WHY PESTICIDE DIDN’T WORK
Ask the right questions Checklist of pertinent information Thorough inspection Hand lens is useful Sharp pocket knife Secondary problems over-looked Primary problem may have been controlled A secondary problem could be unmasked (spider mites) Don’t hesitate to ask for a sample Explain what you need - what is a good sample? 5. MIS-DIAGNOSIS WHY PESTICIDE DIDN’T WORK
Ignor or mis-understand pest life cycle Target vulnerable stage “Present and actively feeding” Scale “crawlers”, small bagworms/caterpillars, pre-emergence Before squash bug “jail break” Too late after borers are in the plant Don’t recommend a spray if it’s too late Post infection of diseases Window of opportunity (pine tip blight, anthracnose) After borers are already in the plant Pheromone traps - spore traps 4. WRONG TIMING WHY PESTICIDE DIDN’T WORK
Failure to water in as required Soil insecticides for grubs Pre-emergence incorporation Subsequent treatments omitted Traditional crabgrass preventers A dormant spray doesn’t control everything - all season Re-treatment interval too long Multiple generations Several life stages present (spider mites, squash bugs ) Extended Infection Period Rose black spot, apple scab/rust, early blight 4A. FAILURE TO FOLLOW UP WHY PESTICIDE DIDNT WORK
Rain or premature irrigation after spraying Weed foliage mowed off before or after spraying Weeds under stress at time of spraying Temperature at time of application Weed foliage not wet when “weed & feed” applied Extended drought may defeat pre-emergent Dust on leaves of weeds 3. PRE/POST TREATMENT CONDITIONS WHY PESTICIDE DIDN’T WORK
A hurried or haphazard application Thorough coverage - all plant surfaces (under leaves) Spreader sticker, adjuvant/sufactant (consult product label) Prune fruit trees - Control thatch Spreader pattern Drop spreaders - overlap wheel tracks Rotary spreaders - pattern feathers out at the margin Improper equipment Shaker cans - Limitation of “hose-end” sprayers Enough pressure to reach top of trees - Trombone 2. APPLICATION TECHNIQUE WHY PESTICIDE DIDN’T WORK
They took it home and never put it on ... 1. W HY PESTICIDE DIDN’T WORK