Pesticide Application Methods Flashcards
6 cards from real GROWSAFE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Pesticide Application Methods flashcards as text
What is 'inversion' weather and why is it a concern for agrichemical applicators?
Answer: A temperature inversion where cold air is trapped near the ground, causing spray droplets to hang in the air and drift unpredictably
Temperature inversions trap fine spray droplets near the ground surface, preventing normal air mixing. This greatly increases the risk of spray drift as droplets can travel long distances unpredictably.
What sprayer cleaning step is most critical after using a herbicide before switching to applying a different product?
Answer: Thorough triple-rinsing of the tank, boom, and nozzles to remove all herbicide residue
Herbicide residues are particularly dangerous to subsequent sensitive crops. Thorough triple-rinsing ensures all residue is removed before the sprayer is used with another product or on different crops.
What does 'coverage' mean in the context of agrichemical application?
Answer: The extent to which the spray is distributed evenly across the target surface, measured as droplets per square centimetre
Coverage refers to how well the spray droplets are distributed across the target surface. Good coverage means sufficient droplets per square centimetre to deliver effective rates of active ingredient to the target.
What is the purpose of adding a marker dye to a spray solution?
Answer: To indicate which areas have already been sprayed, preventing overlaps or missed strips
Marker dyes added to spray solutions allow the operator to visually identify treated areas, reducing the risk of over-application through accidental overlap or missed strips.
What is 'directed spraying' and when would it be used?
Answer: Applying product specifically to the target — such as a weed base — while avoiding contact with nearby desirable plants
Directed spraying aims the nozzle specifically at the target to avoid contact with non-target plants nearby. It is used in orchards, vineyards, and row crops where precision is important.
What must an applicator check before beginning a spray application near waterways?
Answer: The product label and regional council rules for buffer zones, and weather conditions including wind direction
Near waterways, applicators must check label buffer zone requirements, regional council rules (which may be stricter than the label), and conditions such as wind direction that could cause drift into the water.