BUTLER/CUNNINGHAM

This page gives what information is available about the environmental impacts of pesticides.

This site will change from time to time. Basic organization will remain constant.

click here to contact Mike Polioudakis, site developer

polioej@acesag.auburn.edu

Level 2

ENVIRONMENT FACTS:

PESTICIDES

  

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The statement was provided by Dr. Wheeler Fochee of Auburn University. He recommends that you visit the websites listed immediately below for further information.

http://www.aces.edu/department/ent

http://ace.orst.edu/info/nptn

http://ace.orst.edu/info/extoxnet

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides

Pesticide use in Alabama has been drastically reduced in many areas due to Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is the concept that combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks. IPM is based on the knowledge of pest, crop, and environmental conditions to select the best combination of management strategies.

In particular, this concept is best seen with cotton production in Alabama. Due to
IPM and the success of the Boll Weevil Eradication Program (BWEP), cotton farmers in Alabama have reduced insecticide use from an average of 12 to 15 applications per season to a single application in many instances.

Alabama agriculture has greatly benefited from IPM programs. Research and Extension efforts are underway to improve IPM tactics in rowcrops, forages, fruits and vegetable production.

The protection of the environment is taught to all farmers who apply restricted use pesticides (RUPs) as mandated by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Topics included in this training pertaining to the environment include the following: point-source pollution, non-point source pollution, drift control strategies, degradation processes, non-target effects and endangered species.

Homeowner use of pesticide continues to be a very big challenge for Extension. Pesticide training for these individuals is not mandated by EPA but is done through the very successful Master Gardener program.

There is always the potential for pollution, but if pesticides are used according to label, risk to the environment is greatly dimininished.