The Growing Matters coalition is reminding farmers and applicators of best management practices when spraying pesticides to protect the applicator, pollinators and other wildlife in the area.

When spraying pesticides, BeSure! to follow best practices to keep yourself, pollinators and nearby wildlife safe while effectively managing pests. Start with the label – before every use – to learn how to properly store, use and dispose of products. Labels are living documents and can frequently change, so BeSure! to read with every new purchase.

Applicators should also check out the product labels for necessary precautions and use recommendations to keep themselves safe. Follow these tips to ensure you’re covered when spraying this season:

• Cover exposed skin.
• Wear closed-toed shoes.
• Wear goggles.
• Use non-absorbent gloves.
• Clean your protective equipment after use to avoid accidental exposure.

Listen as Agronomy Sales Representative Garrett Gilcrease discusses label requirements with AgNet West.

Labels are also your go-to source for application conditions. They list any application requirements such as wind speed, wind direction, temperature and relative humidity. For example, a label may prohibit applications to blooming crops or weeds when bees are foraging in or near the treatment area. To avoid accidental exposure to insect pollinators and other non-target pests, strictly observe the application timing on the label.

Cooperation and communication among farmers, landowners, applicators, beekeepers, crop advisors and local officials in the pesticide application area also helps protect pollinators, their hives and habitats. You may be advised to take precautions to avoid affecting non-target areas and keep the product in the field, such as establishing appropriate buffers between treated areas and insect pollinator habitats. Ensuring that sprays are directed away from any flowering plants and calibrating equipment to minimize spray drift are also key to successful and safe applications.

BeSure! to check out more best practices from the Growing Matters coalition. For additional information about foliar application best practices, please visit www.growingmatters.org/besure.

Sign up for the Know More, Grow More Digest to receive twice-monthly agronomic e-mail updates pertinent to your area.

All photos are either the property of Syngenta or are used with permission.

Syngenta hereby disclaims any liability for Third Party websites referenced herein.