Horticulture Principles and Practices

In a competitive industry, a variety of pesticides abound for the same problem.
Some are more effective than others; some are safer than others. Pesticides also vary in
their ease of use and formulation. Some pesticide formulations are suited for outdoor use
only. In fact, the utmost care should be taken when using pesticides in the home. When
you purchase a pesticide, be sure—at the very least—to read the label and understand the
recommendations for its safe use. You may also let the seller know whether the problem is
indoors or outdoors.
In sum, the chemical selected should be
1. Legally approved for use in the area.
2. Effective against the pest.
3. Appropriate for the conditions under which it will be used.
4. Accompanied by detailed instructions about its proper use.
5. Relatively safe (to humans, the environment, and the economic parts of the
plant). Certain chemicals can be applied only by certified personnel.
6. One that the grower can apply safely (based on available equipment, location of a
problem, and other factors).
8.4.3 IMPORTANCE OF PESTICIDE LABELS
A label, the piece of paper (or other suitable material) affixed by the manufacturer to the
container of a product, provides certain specific information about the product (Figure 8–2).
The information is not arbitrary and must meet specific governmental guidelines. A label is
much more than an advertisement. Several categories of information are provided on a label,
including the following:
1. Name of the product, which may include a trademark name and chemical name
2. Company name, address, and logo (where applicable)
3. Type of pesticide (e.g., fungicide or insecticide)
4. Product chemical analysis and characteristics: active ingredients and proportions
(common and/or chemical names of ingredients) and formulation of substances
(e.g., dust, emulsion, and wettable powder)
5. Pests it controls
6. Directions for proper use and any restrictions
7. Hazard statements (appearing as caution, warning, danger, or poison)
8. Storage and disposal directions
9. Governmental administrative stipulations (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency
[EPA] approval and EPA number)
10. Net content
HAZARD
INFORMATION
PRODUCT NAME
CROP
INFORMATION
A typical pesti-
FIGURE 8–2
cide label.
INGREDIENTS
Directions for
use
CAUTION
Classification
Practical treatment
statement
STORAGE/
DISPOSAL
MANUFACTURER’S
PARTICULARS
Net contents
WARRANTY
8.4 Choosing a Pesticide 249