Pensacola News Journal

For: Saturday, July 14, 2001

By: Daniel E. Mullins

Extension Horticulture Agents

Santa Rosa County

Pesticide is not an Ugly Word!

Pesticides have received a bad rap over the past few years in some circles. These negative reactions have been justifiable in some cases, while other opinions and decisions about their use have been based upon emotion rather than science.

Someone once suggested to me that these sometimes negative feelings about pesticides began with the name. Instead of pesticides, he felt that “plant medicines” is more appropriate. Most of us have no qualms concerning the control of pests in humans, in or on our pets, or in our homes, yet sometimes we have a different view when it comes to controlling pests on our plants.

The term “pesticide” covers all products, man made or natural, that help to control pests. These include insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, nematicides, acaricides, rotenticides and mollusicides. Also included is the full range of products within each category, from the mildest to the most potentially toxic.

The labeling, purchase and use of pesticides is highly regulated, especially in Florida. Only the “general use” products are available to homeowners without a license. The “restricted use pesticides,” which are sometimes considered more toxic, can only be purchased by those who have received the required training and testing.

Pesticides can be valuable tools for the gardener if they are used properly. Proper use includes identifying the pest, determining if control measures are needed, choosing the right product and following the label instructions exactly.

In general, pesticides are much safer and shorter-lived than in the past. It has been said that years ago we took the “shotgun approach,” applying long lasting products that killed a wide range of organisms. Today the approach is different. It’s more like firing a rifle, using a product that controls a specific pest with less negative effect upon beneficial organisms.

Gardeners are aware that pesticide choices are becoming more limited. The recent loss of Dursban and Oftanol are two examples. Dupont recently announced that the fungicide Benlate will no longer be produced after the end of this year. Other commonly used products will soon be under review by the EPA, and the list of available products could become even shorter.

Even as some pesticides are phased out or their uses canceled, alternative products and practices are being developed.

_ Landscape pest scouting techniques are available that help in reducing pesticide use and choosing the right product, when necessary.

_ Insecticidal soaps are helpful in controlling soft bodied insects such as spider mites and aphids.

_ Horticultural oils are used for controlling scales, whiteflies and mites. There is now an ultra-fine oil spray that can be more safely used during the summer.

_ Advances are being made in the use of biological control agents. Presently B.t. (Bacillus thuriengensis) is used to control a wide range of caterpillar pests on vegetables and ornamental plants. This product is sold under several brand names including Dipel, Biotol and Thuricide.

_ Watch for some new natural pesticide products, including fungicides and insecticides. Many of these materials, since they are considered natural, often don’t go through the rigorous efficacy testing required of traditional pesticides. Results may vary with these products.

Question of the Week: My lawn is infested with nut grass. Is there a weed killer that will help to control it?

Answer: There are two relatively new products that can help in controlling nutgrass and other sedges in the lawn. The first step is determining which species of sedge that you have. There are several, including purple nutsedge, yellow nutsedge, globe sedge, Texas sedge and kyllinga.

A product sold as Image is recommended for the control of purple nutsedge, while Manage is for use on the other sedge species. Get help if you need positive identification and follow the selected product’s label directions carefully.