Pesticide drift publication now available from Purdue Extension

Pesticide drift publication now available from Purdue Extension

A new Purdue Extension publication examines the causes and effects of pesticide drift, including information on how to recognize and report a drift incident.

Pesticide drift occurs when chemicals used to manage weeds or insects are blown or carried off target by wind during application, posing a potential risk to people, animals and plants on neighboring properties.

Pesticide drift can happen in both residential and agricultural settings and under all types of weather conditions, even if wind speeds are low, said Fred Whitford, director of the Purdue Pesticide Programs and one of the authors of Options for Dealing with a Pesticide Drift Incident.

"Whether it's a next-door neighbor or a farmer who owns the field adjacent to your property, they have the legal right to apply pesticides to their property," Whitford said. "However, pesticide applicators also have the legal obligation to keep those products on their side of the property line."

According to the publication, some crop damage attributed to drift might be the result of other factors, such as insect infestations, plant diseases or weather conditions. The authors say it is important to find out what actually caused the damage before reporting a possible drift incident.

"Purdue Extension educators can help you determine the cause of injury symptoms," the publication says. "The educators will look for any possible explanations for the damage, including nutrient deficiencies, insect, weed and disease problems, improper planting and cultivation practices and environmental conditions."

Readers will also learn about the steps for reporting a possible drift incident and what actions could be taken if a drift incident is confirmed.

Whitford's co-authors are Michael O'Donnell, an Extension educator in Delaware County; Roy Ballard, an Extension educator in Hancock County; and Joe Becovitz, an agent with the Purdue-based Office of the Indiana State Chemist.

The publication can be downloaded as a free PDF from Purdue's The Education Store at https://edustore.purdue.edu/item.asp?Item_Number=PPP-110. Single printed copies are also available at no charge.

 

Latest News

Sustainable California Initiative charts progress in ag sustainability and equity
Sustainable California Initiative charts progress in ag sustainability and equity

GrubMarket says its initiative made strides in 2023, including the planting of 100,000-plus trees and aiding farmers in organic transition.

Oppy hits the slopes with competitive skier partnership
Oppy hits the slopes with competitive skier partnership

Ski-cross athlete Emeline Bennett will share food tips, highlights and more through Oppy’s social media channels.

World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase
World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase

With more than 1,500 options among its offerings, World Variety Produce had plenty of options to highlight at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

AgroFresh bolsters postharvest solutions with Pace International purchase
AgroFresh bolsters postharvest solutions with Pace International purchase

The company says the acquisition will expand its postharvest portfolio and that it plans to collaborate with Valent BioSciences to develop future products to boost produce freshness.

Wonderful Citrus highlights Organic Halos, Seedless Lemons
Wonderful Citrus highlights Organic Halos, Seedless Lemons

Wonderful also promoted its No Shells pistachios, including its new Jalapeño Lime flavor, at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase.

NGA makes marketing hire, promotes government relations staffer
NGA makes marketing hire, promotes government relations staffer

The National Grocers Association has welcomed Caroline Sar as its manager of marketing and member engagement and promoted Max Wengroff to senior manager of government relations.