AGA 284 - Pesticide Application Cert.

1. Summarize the current industry issues
   1. Explain the economic impact on the state, nation, and world
   2. Identify industry production trends
   3. Define issues that impact the future of the industry
   4. List career opportunities
2. Assess the legal aspects of pesticide use in agriculture
   1. Describe the certification and recertification requirements for Iowa pesticide applicators
   2. Differentiate between federal laws
   3. Identify state pesticide laws specific to Iowa
   4. Describe the penalties for violations of state and federal pesticide laws
   5. Pass the Iowa Core commercial pesticide applicator certification exam
3. Create an integrated pest management plan
   1. Define integrated pest management
   2. List the five main components of integrated pest management
   3. Identify the biological pest harmful and beneficial to stored grain and growing crops
   4. Describe the concepts of economic thresholds and economic injury
   5. Identify biological and chemical practices used in an integrated pest management programs
   6. Describe the practices to use to minimize the development of pesticide resistance
4. Explain how to handle pesticide and pesticide waste
   1. Identify why it is important to read and understand the a pesticide label
   2. Identify common abbreviations used to describe pesticide formulations
   3. Identify factors to consider when choosing a formulation
   4. List the primary safety precautions to follow to safely transport pesticides from purchase site to storage and use site.
   5. Explain handling procedures for applying plant protection materials safely
   6. Describe proper storage and disposal of pesticides and containers
   7. Identify state storage and secondary containment requirements and regulations
   8. Describe how to dispose of pesticide wastes and containers according to label directions
5. Evaluate the human health concerns when working with pesticides in agriculture
   1. Explain the relationship between toxicity, exposure and hazard
   2. Describe the four common exposure routes for pesticides into the human body
   3. Interpret LD₅₀ and LC₅₀ values
   4. Differentiate between acute and chronic toxicity
   5. Describe some general signs and symptoms of pesticide poisoning
   6. Describe appropriate first aid for pesticide exposure
   7. Define what PPEs are (Personal Protective Equipment)
   8. Explain how to select and properly wear personal protective equipment for protection from exposure when working with pesticides
   9. Explain how to clean, maintain, store and dispose of PPEs properly
6. Develop an emergency response plan for a pesticide spill or fire
   1. ​​​​​​​Identify the steps to implement an emergence response
   2. Identify several ways fires can be reduced
   3. Explain the three C’s (Control, Contain, Clean-up) of spill management and steps to take in each step
   4. Identify what should be in a spill kit and when it should be on hand
   5. Identify a list of local and state authorities to contact in the event of a pesticide spill or fire
7. Distinguish the fate of pesticides in the environment
   1. Explain how the physical characteristics of a pesticide influence its movement in the environment
   2. Explain how soil type affects the movement of pesticide
   3. Name factors that determine whether pesticides will reach surface or ground water
   4. Define point-source and non-point-source pollution
   5. Differentiate between spray drift, vapor drift, and particle drift
   6. Identify environmental factors that influence drift
   7. Identify strategies to reduce pesticide drift
   8. Describe actions you can take to prevent pesticide effects to sensitive areas and non-target organism
8. Assess pesticide application equipment used in agriculture
   1. Select the application method and equipment appropriate for pesticide application
   2. Compare the relationships between application equipment components
   3. Demonstrate ability to adjust, repair and maintain agricultural equipment used for pesticide application
   4. Calculate how to convert active ingredients to formulated pesticide products
   5. Calculate area or volume of pesticide to be treated
   6. Calibrate liquid and dry pesticide applicators
   7. Describe how to properly clean and winterize pesticide application equipment