Pesticide Safety Education Program in South Dakota

Project Director
Hadi, B.

Recipient Organization
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
PO BOX 2275A
BROOKINGS,SD 57007

Performing Department
Plant Science

Non Technical Summary
In collaboration with South Dakota Department of Agriculture, the Pesticide Safety Education Program in South Dakota State University (SDSU) conducts annual certification trainings and examinations that form the main instruments for commercial and private pesticide applicators to be certified to apply pesticides. SDSU Pesticide Safety Education Program actively coordinates trainings, provides training and educational materials, administers and updates certification examinations and explores new avenues to educate pesticide applicators on safe pesticide application.

Animal Health Component

(N/A)

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

20%

Developmental

80%

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
133	5220	3030	20%
216	5220	3030	40%
711	5220	3030	10%
723	5220	3030	30%

Knowledge Area
133 - Pollution Prevention and Mitigation; 711 - Ensure Food Products Free of Harmful Chemicals, Including Residues from Agricultural and Other Sources; 216 - Integrated Pest Management Systems; 723 - Hazards to Human Health and Safety;

Subject Of Investigation
5220 - Pesticides;

Field Of Science
3030 - Information and communication;

Keywords

pesticide safety

pesticide applicator

applicator certification

Goals / Objectives
1. Coordinate the existing state-wide commercial and private pesticide applicator training program. In South Dakota, this program is a gateway for pesticide applicators to be initially certified and one of the main instruments for re-certification. 2. Update at least two pesticide applicator certification examinations. 3. Develop and update at least two pesticide safety and management extension materials for South Dakota.

Project Methods
1. Coordination with South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) and South Dakota State University's (SDSU) state extension specialists to conduct 2013 commercial and private pesticide applicator re-certification training. Additionally, we will organize the logistic and public communication necessary for the training program. Pre- and post-training anonymous test will be conducted using Turning Point Technologies in a few random training location to gauge the impact of the training on the knowledge change among trainees. 2. Two pesticide applicator certification examinations used in South Dakota are in need of update: Category 1A (Agricultural pest- Insecticide) and Category 4 (Ornamental and Turf). In collaboration with SDDA we will update the questions on these two exams. 3. Two extension publications on pesticide safety and management are planned for 2013: an update on pesticide calibration publication and a publication on weather effects on pesticide application. 4. Working closely with SDDA to publicize pesticide safety related programs statewide (e.g. Pesticide container collection dates for recycle program). SDSU extension newsletter, website and news release service will be used to publicize this information as necessary.

Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Private and commercial pesticide applicators in the state of South Dakota. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? 74 commercial pesticide applicator training sessions (15 categories) and 36 private applicator training sessions across the state between January and March of 2013, certifying approximately 5000 people (~3000 private applicators and ~2000 commercial applicators). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Extension materials were published online at iGrow.org (SDSU's extension platform) and through SDSU Extension Pest and Crop Newsletter (http://igrow.org/agronomy/profit-tips/pest-crop-newsletter/). 2013 South Dakota Crop Protection Guide was printed and distributed at 2013 commercial pesticide trainings for Agricultural categories. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? For the training opportunities, see below. Commercial pesticide applicator exam in category 8 (public health) was revised. Exams in categories 5 (seed treatment), and 9 (industrial and structural pests) are under revision in collaboration with SD Department of Agriculture. Extension materials on Minimizing Toxic Effects of Pesticide on Pollinators and Disposal of Waste Pesticide and Empty Pesticide Containers were developed and published online. 2013 South Dakota Crop Protection Guide, comprising of IPM techniques and pesticide label summaries (highlighting pesticide rotation guide to manage resistance) of insecticides, fungicides and herbicides were published as handouts for commercial pesticide trainings. Slide set and demonstration sets on measuring pesticide was created and used for private pesticide applicator training

Publications