Growsafe Pesticide Application Methods 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'knapsack sprayer' refer to in agrichemical application?
- A hand-carried backpack sprayer used for small-area or spot applications (Correct answer)
- A large tractor-mounted boom sprayer
- An aerial application device
- A motorised UTV-mounted sprayer for rough terrain
Correct answer: A hand-carried backpack sprayer used for small-area or spot applications
A knapsack sprayer is a manually operated, hand-carried spray unit worn on the back, used for small-area treatments, spot spraying, and in situations where larger equipment cannot access.
Question 2: What is 'spot spraying' and when is it most appropriate?
- Applying product to individual target weeds or pest locations rather than the whole area, reducing product use (Correct answer)
- Applying product in spots along rows with gaps in between
- Applying product only on sunny days when absorption is highest
- A method of applying product only to the soil surface, avoiding foliage contact
Correct answer: Applying product to individual target weeds or pest locations rather than the whole area, reducing product use
Spot spraying targets individual weeds or pest sites, reducing product use, cost, and environmental exposure compared to blanket treatment of the whole area.
Question 3: What does 'tank mixing' of agrichemicals involve?
- Combining two or more products in the same spray tank for a single application pass (Correct answer)
- Mixing products in separate tanks and applying them sequentially
- Diluting a concentrated product before transferring it to the spray tank
- A method of pre-mixing products at the retailer before purchase
Correct answer: Combining two or more products in the same spray tank for a single application pass
Tank mixing combines multiple products in the spray tank to treat multiple pests or diseases in a single pass, saving time and reducing the number of applications needed.
Question 4: What should be checked on a spray nozzle before each application?
- That it is not blocked, worn, or damaged, and that it delivers the correct flow rate (Correct answer)
- Only that it is clean and free of visible deposits
- Only the spray angle, not the flow rate
- Only whether the nozzle cap is tightly secured
Correct answer: That it is not blocked, worn, or damaged, and that it delivers the correct flow rate
Blocked or worn nozzles produce uneven application rates or patterns. Checking flow rate, pattern, and condition ensures the spray is applied correctly and at the intended rate.
Question 5: What is the significance of 're-entry intervals' (REIs) for agrichemical application?
- The minimum time workers must wait after application before entering a treated area (Correct answer)
- The time between successive applications of the same product
- The interval between mixing and application of the product
- The time the product takes to become effective after application
Correct answer: The minimum time workers must wait after application before entering a treated area
Re-entry intervals (REIs) protect workers from exposure to recently applied agrichemicals. Workers must not enter a treated area until the REI specified on the label has elapsed.
Question 6: What does 'adjuvant' mean in the context of agrichemical application?
- A substance added to the spray mixture to improve the effectiveness or handling characteristics of the active ingredient (Correct answer)
- An alternative brand name for the same active ingredient
- A product applied after the main agrichemical to lock it into the soil
- A tool used to spread granular agrichemicals
Correct answer: A substance added to the spray mixture to improve the effectiveness or handling characteristics of the active ingredient
Adjuvants are additives such as surfactants, spreaders, or stickers that improve the performance or handling of agrichemicals in the spray mixture. They must be compatible with the active ingredient.
Growsafe Pesticide Application Methods 2
What does 'knapsack sprayer' refer to in agrichemical application?