Iowa Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which practice can decrease pesticide drift during application?

1. Use smaller nozzle sizes.

2. Apply during high wind conditions.

3. Spray during low wind speeds.

4. Use any spray adjuvant available.

The correct answer is: Spray during low wind speeds.

Applying pesticides during low wind speeds is an effective practice to decrease pesticide drift during application. Wind can carry pesticide particles away from the target area, potentially leading to unintended application on non-target areas. By choosing low wind conditions, applicators can significantly minimize the risk of drift, ensuring that the pesticides remain concentrated in the intended treatment area. In contrast, applying pesticides during high wind conditions can exacerbate drift, as gusts will carry the product off-course. Utilizing smaller nozzle sizes may result in finer atomization, which can also lead to increased drift rather than reducing it. While certain adjuvants can improve spray performance, simply using any available adjuvant without understanding its compatibility or effect on drift may not be effective. Therefore, the timing of pesticide application in relation to wind conditions is crucial for effective pest management and environmental protection.