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Understanding Weather Issues
Core Pesticide Update I
by Linda S. Wiles
Penn State Extension Educator
Predawn Summer Sky
Pest Control & Weather
Manage –
Water, Humidity, Temperature,
Light
To –
Kill, Disrupt Life Cycle, or Create
Unfavorable Conditions for Pest
Outdoor Pest Control
• Water control
• Humidity control
• Temperature control
• Light control
Weather & Pest Development
Pest life cycles can be predicted based
on weather data, including Growing
Degree Days.
Pest Life Cycles
• Time of year
• Number of generations per year
• Phenological plant indicators
• Relationship of pest to host plants
Insect Example
Argentine Ant
invades homes in rainy weather and drought
Multiple queens not controlled by pesticide applications
Behavior weather dependent
Example from: “Don’t bother trying to prevent ant infestations, scholar says,”
by Mark Shwartz, Stanford Report, April 25, 2001
Pest Weather Receptors
Insects adapt and sense changes in the
weather through receptors on their
antennae.
These are known to detect:
smells
wind
temperature
Weather Matters
First
Read the label
and follow all label instructions
See cautions regarding
specific weather conditions
Weather Matters
Favorable Conditions for Pesticide Applications
• Low - Moderate Air Temperatures – 81°F or below
• Average Humidity ~45-65%
• Light Air – early morning or early evening
– 2-6 mph
• Rain-free period (most chemicals require one)
Adapted from “Weather for Pesticide Spraying” Australian Government, Bureau of Meteorology
http://www.bom.gov.au/info/leaflets/Pesticide-Spraying.pdf
Weather Matters
Unfavorable Weather Conditions for Pesticide Applications
• High Temperatures –over 82°F or
• Low Humidity – below 45%
• Unfavorable Wind Conditions
• Air (temperature) Inversions - during
• Rain – before heavy rain
Adapted from “Weather for Pesticide Spraying” Australian Government, Bureau of Meteorology
http://www.bom.gov.au/info/leaflets/Pesticide-Spraying.pdf
Temperature Variations
• Height of measurements
• Hot days
• Height of applications –
hot day volatilization
Humidity Effects
Too Low
Too High
Droplets
evaporate quick
(esp. small ones)
Droplets
don’t evaporate
readily
BOTH ↑ DRIFT
Unfavorable Wind Conditions
• Too Much Wind – before or during - > 9 mph
• Too Calm < 2 mph – droplets stay suspended
• Wind Direction – towards sensitive areas
• Air Turbulence – variable or gusty winds
Temperature Inversions
• Air gets warmer with increased elevation
• Unpredictable air/spray movement
- could hold spray near ground
- could hold spray at a higher level
- could vary horizontally as well
Signs of Temperature Inversions
•
Smoke moves across the sky, not rising
•
Noises can be heard for miles
•
25-30 F or more between daytime high and nighttime low
•
Clear skies and calm winds at night
•
Most common in spring and fall, but can occur year-round
Pesticide Labels & Weather
Label recommendations- conditions when to delay use.

heavy or sustained rain

high temperatures

high winds

low RH
Label - Orthene
• Do NOT apply in drift conditions
• DO protect from excessive heat
• DO apply in early evening, temperature
60-80°F to dry foliage
Label - Astro
• Do NOT apply during temperature
inversions
• DO apply when wind favors target deposit
– about 3-10 mph.
• Do NOT apply when wind > 15 mph
Label - Segway
• Do NOT apply > 3 times per growing
season
Label - Bayleton
• Rainfall within ½ hour of application does
NOT decrease effectiveness
• LESS effective during drought conditions
Label - Captan
• REPEAT at 7 to 14 day intervals
as long as cool, wet weather continues
Label - Copper Fungicide
• DO apply in October prior to heavy fall
rains, again in January
• IF severe blight, apply in August
Label - Glypro Plus
• Do NOT spray during windy conditions
• IF low RH, increase droplet size
• Do NOT spray in temperature inversions
Label - Merit 5WSP
• Do NOT apply when turf is waterlogged or
soil saturated
• Turf and soil MUST allow for vertical
penetration of pesticide
Label - MACH 2
• IF drought conditions, water in
• Do NOT apply more than 3 lb. per 100 s.f.
per year, regardless of pests controlled
Pre-Application Weather Sensitivity
Post-emergent herbicides SENSITIVE to:
DRY conditions
prolonged COOL weather
Because – lack of chemical translocation
Manage – higher application rate may be needed –
note limits from pesticide label
Spray Equipment Selection
IF full-coverage is needed,
as for contact pesticides
THEN drift-resistant fan nozzles are not
suitable.
Granular Application & Weather
Granular products are also affected by
temperature & humidity –
Recalibrate under current conditions
for proper application rate.
Pesticide Weather Sensitivity
Soil applied chemicals NEED RAINFALL
to move in plants.
If insufficient soil moisture,
then probable low weed control.
Disease Weather Sensitivity
Fungi spread by
WIND
WATER
Bacteria spread by
WIND-DRIVEN RAIN
SPLASHING RAIN
Record Conditions
Weather conditions during application
should be listed
on the pesticide application records.
Disease Weather Sensitivity
Weather Conditions –
MOISTURE and TEMPERATURE
are critical to expression of disease.
Post-Application Weather
Sensitivity
RAIN – can wash off chemicals if soon after
application.
SUNLIGHT – can degrade or reduce
pesticide activity = Photodegradation
Remedy if rain post-application
• Immediate repeat application
• Scouting for need to reapply
• Dependent on maximum amount allowed
of the specific pesticide
Post-Application Weather
Sensitivity
Photodegradation is avoidable
at application by soil incorporation
where appropriate.
Warm temperature and moist soil increases
Microbial degradation
Chemical degradation
Environmental Contamination
Many processes are slowed at the extremes of
temperature and humidity.
Too hot, too cold, too wet or too dry

↑ probability of soil and/or groundwater
contamination
GOALS
1. Minimize pesticide in non-target areas
2. Minimize pesticide loss
3. Minimize exposure to operators or
bystanders
GOALS
1. Minimize pesticide in non-target areas

Reduce possible injury to wildlife
Reduce possible injury to sensitive crops
[from contaminated water]
GOALS
2. Minimize pesticide loss

To increase pest control
To lower costs
GOALS
3. Minimize exposure to operators or
bystanders

Decrease health problems
Decrease liability issues
Pesticide Application Penalties
• Lawn care not adjusted for 4+ in. rain
• Pesticide application in 17-19 mph winds
• Herbicide drift from farm to forest
• Herbicide drift from right-of-way to turf and
ornamentals
Examples from Maine Board of Pesticides Control
Wind & Spray Drift
Diverts chemical from target
- Reduces effectiveness
Deposits pesticide where not needed or wanted
- Injury to susceptible vegetation
- Harm to wildlife
- Deposition of illegal residues on crops
- Contamination of water supplies
Hot and Dry
• Moderate can result in Vapor Drift
• At extreme –
pesticides can crystallize on target
activate later when moist
= higher residue level
Vapor Drift
INVISIBLE!!
Can predict likelihood for specific pesticides
higher vapor pressure numbers
higher volatility
Vapor Drift
• Hot ground temperatures
• Break between the spray and ground
application
• Cloud of pesticide moves off-site
Vapor Drift Control
Use larger spray droplets
Apply to fine to medium soil
Have soil wet
Runoff and Leaching
Both affected by irrigation or rainfall
amount & timing
relative to pesticide application.
Avoidable by monitoring weather
Protect Water Resources
Photo by Alicia Wiles
Weather Monitoring
• PLAN pesticide applications based on
weather BEFORE application
• Record DURING application
• Record AFTER application
Predawn Summer Sky with Moon
Dawn Summer Sky
Weather Monitoring - Distance
Radio
http://www.findradio.us/displaystate-PA.htm
Television
http://www.globalcomputing.com/GetTV_Map1.cfm?stateid=PA
Web Site
www.weather.com
www.accuweather.com
Airport
http://www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/nemap.jsp
Weather Monitoring - Distance
Does not consider local topography
• Hills & Valleys
• Buildings
• Trees
Generally measured
at 10 meters above ground level
Weather Monitoring - Local
Hand-held Devices ($6 -$700)
↓
↓
↓
Sophisticated Computerized Logging
Devices ($160 - $1,500)
Order of Weather Measurements
1st - Wind Direction
• Use a compass
• Avoid steel objects while measuring
• Find magnetic direction
• Take reading in degrees
2nd - Wind Speed
Beaufort Wind Scale – visual estimates
Force
Knots
Class
Appearance
0
<1
Calm
Smoke rises vertically
1
1-3
Light Air
Smoke drift indicates
direction, still wind vane
2
4-6
Light Breeze
Wind felt on face, leaves rustle, vanes
begin moving
3
7-10
Gentle Breeze
Leaves & small twigs moving
4
11- 16
Moderate Breeze
Dust, leaves, loose paper moving;
small tree branches moving
5
17-21
Fresh Breeze
Small trees in leaf sway
6
22-27
Strong Breeze
Larger tree branches moving
http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/beaufort.html
Calm Air
Moderate Breeze
Wind Recording Tips –
hand-held devices
• Hold unit so that it faces the wind
• Measure for several seconds
• Record at estimated height of spray (if possible)
• Wind speeds increase with higher altitudes
Temperature
• Measure temperature at time of
application
• Avoid spraying in hot temperatures
Cold Temperature
Example:
Postemergence herbicides applied prior to frosts
• Possible longer time to weed death, or less
control
• Scout 2-3 weeks post-application under better
conditions
Herbicides and cold weather, by Bob Hartzler, extension weed scientist,
Department of Agronomy, Iowa State,
Integrated Crop Management, May 2, 2005
Humidity
• RH is relative humidity
• Dewpoint is absolute humidity
Combination Data
Wind Speed + Temperature + Humidity
=
Wind Chill, Heat Index, Dewpoint
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/pub/
Temperature + Humidity
Example:
Warm days + cool nights + high humidity
= good conditions for downy mildew
Improved air circulation can reduce infection
and make sprays more effective.
Downy mildew on Veronica , Jan Byrne, MSU Landscape Alert, Vol. 22, No. 11, June 22, 2007
Dew Point
Temperature at which air is saturated with
moisture
CONDENSATION = EVAPORATION
> 70° F, uncomfortable
Fog
Probable if either
• Air temperature = Dewpoint
• Previous night with light wind & clear sky
Atmospheric Stability
Higher Temp + Higher Altitude = Inversion
probable
When – late evening or early morning
What – Inversions look like fog
Why Important – damage time, direction,
amount unpredictable.
Inversions
• Unnaturally Stable Atmosphere
• Air is Not Mixing
• Greatest Potential for Spray Drift Damage
Weather - High & Low Pressure
Air, wind moves from
High Pressure
→
Low Pressure
Climate Change Increases
•
in temperature
•
in growing season
•
in extreme wet and extreme dry
•
in air inversions & other severe weather
Climate Change and U.S. Agriculture: The Impacts of Warming and Extreme Weather Events on Productivity,
Plant Diseases and Pests, by Cynthia Rosenzweig, et. al,
Harvard Medical School Center for Health and the Global Environment
Predicted Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture: A Comparison of Temperate and Tropical Regions,
by Cynthia Rosenzweig and Diane Liverman
Possible Changes
due to Climate Change
• Insects may move further north
• # insect generations per year may increase
• More rain can increase disease
• More droughts can increase plant stress
• INCREASE IN PESTICIDE USE
Climate Change and U.S. Agriculture: The Impacts of Warming and Extreme Weather Events on Productivity,
Plant Diseases and Pests, by Cynthia Rosenzweig, et. al,
Harvard Medical School Center for Health and the Global Environment
Predicted Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture: A Comparison of Temperate and Tropical Regions,
by Cynthia Rosenzweig and Diane Liverman
Changes since 1970
Pest damage and pesticide use increasing,
with 1/3 more loss in spite of new technology
Pest and disease cycles often relate to
extreme or anomalous weather
Recent climate trends,
including higher nighttime and winter temperatures
may be contributing to this.
Climate Change and U.S. Agriculture: The Impacts of Warming and Extreme Weather Events on Productivity,
Plant Diseases and Pests, by Cynthia Rosenzweig, et. al,
Harvard Medical School Center for Health and the Global Environment
Predicted Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture: A Comparison of Temperate and Tropical Regions,
by Cynthia Rosenzweig and Diane Liverman
Types of Severe Weather
Temperature
Unseasonably Cool
Unseasonably Warm
Unseasonably Hot
Extreme Heat/Heat Waves
Electrical Events
Thunderstorms & Wind
Lightning
Humidity/Precipitation
Unseasonably Dry
Drought
Hail
Flash Flood
Wind Events
Heavy Rain/Wind
Dust Devil
Tornado
Increasing Severe Weather
Patterns
5 Year Interval Comparison
2000-2004
Years
1990-1994
1980-1984
1970-1974
1960-1964
1950-1954
0
20
40
60
80
Incidents
Based on Data for Monroe Co., PA,
from NOAA National Climactic Data Center
Recent Severe Weather Events
Recent Single Year Comparison
2006
2005
Years
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
0
5
10
15
20
25
Incidents
Based on Data for Monroe Co., PA,
from NOAA National Climactic Data Center
Pesticides and Human Health
Pesticides can mimic
weather related ailments
Similarities for Heat Exhaustion &
Pesticide Poisoning
Sweating
Headache
Fatigue
Nausea
Central nervous system depression
Loss of coordination
Confusion
Reference: EPA “In Case of Pesticide Poisoning”
Differences for Heat Exhaustion vs.
Pesticide Poisoning
Heat Exhaustion
Pesticide Poisoning
Dry membranes
Dry mouth
No tears
No spit present
Dilated pupils
Moist membranes
Salivation
Tears
Spit present in mouth
Possibly small pupils
Reference: EPA “In Case of Pesticide Poisoning”
Pesticide Information Profiles
EXTOXNET
http://extoxnet.orst.edu/pips/ghindex.html
physical properties & guidelines
photostability
water solubility
volatility
temperature sensitivity
References
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Beneficial Management Practices: Environmental Manual for Crop Producers in Alberta - 2.7 Air Quality
Climate Change and U.S. Agriculture: The Impacts of Warming and Extreme Weather Events on Productivity, Plant Diseases and Pests, by Cynthia
Rosenzweig, et. al, Harvard Medical School Center for Health and the Global Environment
“Don’t bother trying to prevent ant infestations, scholar says,” by Mark Shwartz, Stanford Report, April 25, 2001
Downy mildew on Veronica , Jan Byrne, MSU Landscape Alert, Vol. 22, No. 11, June 22, 2007
Herbicides and cold weather, by Bob Hartzler, extension weed scientist, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State, Integrated Crop Management, May 2,
2005
Instrumentation to Document Environmental Conditions during Pesticide Applications, by Robert Wolf and Patricia A. Hipkins, Kansas State and Virginia
Tech
Maine Board of Pesticides Control Enforcement Notes March 26, 2007
Massachusetts Dept of Ag Resources, Pesticide Bureau Technical Information Bulletin, Thermal Inversions, May 2003 Version
Penn State Core Pesticide Manual
Pesticide Labels: Orthene, Astro, Segway, Bayleton, Captan, Copper Fungicide, Glypro Plus, Merit , MACH 2
Predicted Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture: A Comparison of Temperate and Tropical Regions, by Cynthia Rosenzweig and Diane Liverman
“Weather for Pesticide Spraying” Australian Government, Bureau of Meteorology http://www.bom.gov.au/info/leaflets/Pesticide-Spraying.pdf
“Weather-Wise Application” Cornell Pesticide Applicator Core Tutorial
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Airport http://www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/nemap.jsp
Beaufort Wind Scale http://www.spc.noaa.gov/faq/tornado/beaufort.html
EPA “In Case of Pesticide Poisoning” http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/safety/incaseof.htm
EXTOXNET
http://extoxnet.orst.edu/pips/ghindex.html
Growing Degree Days Discussion http://www.montana.edu/wwwpb/pubs/mt200103.pdf
NOAA http://www.noaa.gov/
NOAA National Climactic Data Center http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/ncdc.html
Predicting the Weather, United States Search and Rescue Task Force http://www.ussartf.org/predicting_weather.htm
Radio
http://www.findradio.us/displaystate-PA.htm
Television http://www.globalcomputing.com/GetTV_Map1.cfm?stateid=PA
Web Sites www.weather.com
www.accuweather.com
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Credits
Grant support for program development
from Penn State Pesticide Education
Assistance by Alicia Wiles and Michael Wiles,
and review by Karen Wilkins, Pat O’Connor & Jeanne Dunstane
Concept, PowerPoint text and design
by Linda Wiles, July 10, 2007
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equal opportunity, and the diversity
of its workforce.