Bio:
Frederick “Fred” Whitford, Clinical Engagement Professor, Botany and Plant Pathology and Director of Purdue Pesticide Programs. Fred received his bachelor’s degree in wildlife management from Louisiana Tech. He received his master’s and doctorate degrees in entomology from Iowa State University. He has served as the Coordinator of the Purdue Pesticide Program since 1991. Fred is the author of The Grand Old Man of Purdue University and Indiana Agriculture: A Biography of William Carroll Latta, The Queen of American Agriculture: A Biography of Virginia Claypool Meredith, and For The Good of the Farmer: A Biography of John Harrison Skinner, Dean of Purdue Agriculture as well as two other books on pesticide management. He has authored more than 300 publications and become a popular speaker with more than 5,000 presentations given throughout Indiana and the United States. In recognition of his significant contributions to Extension outreach efforts, he has received numerous awards, including the Frederick L. Hovde Award of Excellence in Educational Service to Rural People of Indiana, the Outstanding Extension Faculty/Specialist Award from Purdue Extension, and an Excellence in Extension Award from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. In addition, Fred was recently named an Honorary Master Farmer by Indiana Prairie Farmer and the Purdue University College of Agriculture.
Presentation: There’s more to measuring pesticides than you realize
Abstract:
The often-used adage, “read and follow label instructions” has new meaning. While often looking at the BIG picture in spray technology, we now realize that the subtleties of measuring the product or carrier is often neglected and may be the difference between application success and failure. A long-used measuring cup, trusting marks on tanks, failure to differentiate between liquid vs. dry ounces, and using incorrect or inaccurate measuring devices potentially lessens control of the target pest. The purpose of this talk is to urge you to investigate, and correct if necessary, this often overlooked first step in the pesticide application process.
Presentation: Cleaning right-of-way spray equipment: lessons learned from the agricultural industry
Abstract:
Crop damage can be prevented by taking the time to clean and flush the entire sprayer system—tank, hoses, screens, booms, and nozzles. The most common mistake made is when the applicator arbitrarily decides to short-change a few of the steps in cleaning the sprayer tank, screens, hoses, and booms. Saving a few minutes by taking short cuts during the cleanout process can almost guarantee that more time will be spent in the long run resolving contamination issues. It is usually much smarter to spend the time to do it right the first time. This presentation discusses and describes the proper procedures to remove unwanted residues and prevent the unintentional introduction of herbicides to sensitive or non-labeled crops.
Presentation: Adjuvants and the power of the spray droplet
Abstract:
Think of the pest as the bull's-eye on a target. The basic premise is that the application will get the highest scores when the right rate of the pesticide is delivered directly to the center of the bulls-eye. Not understanding the relationships between water, the leaf surface, pesticide, and poor application equipment can result in the application hitting one of the concentric circles surrounding the bulls-eye. Adjuvants can improve the biological performance of the pesticide by modifying the spray pattern, droplet, or deposit properties (spray quality) up to and including the rate of movement of the pesticide into the plant (uptake and penetration).The results of the application may be marginally acceptable, but adding the right adjuvant might have redirected the spray droplets back to the center target. Running interference for the spray droplet, adjuvants can help the spray mixture to score the winning touchdown every time.
