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Title: NON-TARGET DEPOSITION OF METHIOCARB APPLIED TO A FOLIAGE PLANT STAGING AREA

Author
item WILSON, CHRIS - UF-IFAS-IRREC
item STRIMPLE, PETER - UF-IFAS-IRREC
item WILSON, SANDRA - UF-IFAS-IRREC
item Albano, Joseph

Submitted to: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/9/2004
Publication Date: 1/1/2005
Citation: Wilson, C., Strimple, P., Wilson, S., Albano, J.P. 2005. Non-target deposition of methiocarb applied to a foliage plant staging area. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. v.74.p.509-517

Interpretive Summary: Foliage plant production is one of the fastest growing agricultural sectors in the US and parts of the world. Application of spray-applied pesticides is necessary in order to produce marketable crops. However, due to plant size and shape, container spacing, and environmental conditions at time of application, less than 100% of the applied pesticide is intercepted by the plant. The objectives of the study, therefore, were to determine the amount of pesticide, Methiocarb, that landed on the nursery bed (i.e., not intercepted by the plant) for two plant types, Lady Palm, and Ficus. Results indicated that from 15.9-29.7% of the applied pesticide may be deposited on non-target ground surfaces within typical foliage nursery situations. Deposition was generally greater in aisles that were not covered by foliage. Results also demonstrated significant differences in deposition due to differing plant forms, ranging from 15.9% for the loose, large-leaved Lad Palm to 28.1% for the small-leaved, tight canopied Ficus. While this study focused only on methiocarb, results may also be applicable for any pesticide that is spray-applied using an air cannon type of sprayer.

Technical Abstract: Foliage plant production is one of the fastest growing agricultural commodities in the US and parts of the world. Application of spray-applied pesticides is necessary in order to produce marketable crops. However, due to inefficiencies in spray application, significant amounts of active ingredient may land on surfaces other than the intended plant. This study characterized non-target deposition of a spray-applied pesticide, methiocarb, on ground surfaces associated with foliage plat production nursery. Methiocarb was applied to four different production scenarios within a commercial nursery using an air-cannon sprayer. Deposition on ground surfaces was measured using Teflon spray targets placed at intervals throughout the length on the rows and aisles. Results indicated that from 15.9-29.7% of the applied pesticidal active ingredient may be deposited on non-target ground surfaces within typical foliage nursery situations. Deposition was generally greater in aisles that were not covered by foliage. Results also demonstrated significant differences in deposition due to differing plant forms, ranging from 15.9% for the loose, large-leaved LP to 28.1% for the small-leaved, tight canopied SF. While this study focused only on methiocarb, results may also be applicable for any pesticide that is spray-applied using an air cannon type of sprayer.