We are well into the new year. That means that 1/3rd of the farmers in the state of Illinois had their pesticide license expire on 12/31/25, and they must renew their 3-year license to apply certain restricted use pesticides, (RUP). This is not my year for renewal, but with too many senior moments occurring in my life, I thought that it would be a good refresher to run my article from several years ago about this topic. Hopefully, I still know all the answers to these questions.
Did you know that an insect has 6 legs, 4 wings, 2 antennae and 3 body parts? Did you know that spiders and mites have 8 legs, 0 wings and antennae and only 2 body parts. Do you know the difference between a complete and incomplete life cycle? What is the definition of a pest? Do you think that scouting is the first and most important step before applying a pesticide? What is the difference between particle and vapor drift and how do you prevent both?
What is the difference between L, DF, WP, G, WDG, suspension or liquid? Do wet formulations use pounds of a.i. per gallon or a % by weight? What is a.i.? What determines the persistence of pesticide in the soil, its LD-50 or half-life? What is the most likely way for bees or humans to be contaminated with pesticide?
What are the 3 major sections of a pesticide label? Is the label the law, like a legal document you must follow? Since many pesticides are expensive, should you transport them inside your vehicle? What is FIFRA? What is the EPA and what are the two major classifications of pesticides. Did you know you must obtain a permit from the IDNR before using piscicides and avicides? Did you also know that starlings, house sparrows and feral pigeons are about the only birds not protected by conservation laws?
What is the difference between a private or commercial pesticide applicator and commercial not for hire? Did you know farmers need to pass a test and obtain a license to use restricted-use pesticides and anybody who uses pesticides at a job also must pass at least one test to apply pesticides. Do you know these applicator categories: aquatic, demonstration and research, field crops, grain facility, mosquito, ornamental, plant management, right-of-way, seed treatment, turf, forest, fruit crop, livestock, sewer root, soil fumigation, vegetable crops? Is that enough questions?
I wrote the bulk of this article 4 years ago, and I see I asked what a.i. is. I wonder if they still use that reference since a.i. in chemical terms means active ingredient, and today some think AI, artificial intelligence, is a monster spawned by the devil.
I guess that previous statement is proof of how important continuing education and reviewing what we know, or think we know, is important. That is until the computer starts to do all the work for me. Is it possible for me to live long enough to see such a miracle happen where a computer can make my fields weed, insect and disease free?
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