What are they?
Pesticides are an umbrella term, also known as 'plant protection products' (PPP). Pesticides are used to control pests, weeds and diseases. Examples include insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, molluscicides, and plant growth regulators.
How are they used?
Applications can be made preventatively, curatively or as a control. Pesticides are often in liquid form but also sometimes found as powder/granular products.
Timing:
This varies depending on the intended application, always refer to the product label and seek expert advice. Those selling and/or advising on the use of professional pesticides should be appropriately trained and qualified so if you are looking for advice and guidance on product choice, application timings etc contact a consumables supplier and ask to speak to a staff member with a BASIS Field sales and Technical Staff Certificate covering sports turf and amenity.
Effects of incorrect procedure:
It is essential pesticides are applied sustainably, accurately and only in line with best practice guidance and relevant legislation, potential incorrect application can lead to environmental pollution, turf damage, turf loss and may pose a risk to the user or wider public.
Equipment selection:
Pedestrian and tractor mounted sprayers and granular spreaders.
Practical tips:
It is a legal requirement for those applying Amenity Professional Pesticides to be trained and hold the appropriate certification, this applies to everyone, there are no exclusions irrespective of whether it is on private ground etc. Plant protection products can be identified by having a MAPP number which is a unique product authorisation number for the purpose of use as a PPP.
Useful links...
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pesticides/
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pesticides/using-pesticides/index.htm
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