Forest Health > Insects and Diseases publication
Pesticides
Specific pesticide recommendations are not included in this book for a variety of reasons including the following:
(1) Most pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, miticides) are toxic or poisonous to people and other organisms — pets, livestock, fish, birds, beneficial insects, wildlife — as well as the pests they're designed to kill. To protect the environment, pesticides and their uses are monitored by federal and state agencies. Regular and timely reviews are conducted to examine a pesticide's effectiveness and the potential or actual risks associated with its use. Sufficient negative evidence may result in a pesticide's cancellation or suspension; often at short notice. In other cases, the legal uses (rate, sites, target pests) may be altered.
(2) Pesticide manufacturers generally attempt to increase the market of a pesticide by expanding the label uses. Often a new pesticide has a limited applicability. As research continues, new and effective uses are documented, and presented to the appropriate regulatory agencies. If these are approved, the label is expanded to include the new pests, sites of application, method of application, or some combination.
To address the specifics of pesticide use, we recommend the following publications.
"Florida Disease Control Guide"
"Florida Insect Control Guide"
"Florida Weed Control Guide"
"Fungicides for Use on Ornamentals"—ircular No. 484
All four are compiled and distributed by the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville. Copies can be obtained, at a cost for certain volumes, through your local county extension agent.
These publications are the best means of obtaining currently recommended and legal (Florida only) pesticides for specifically identified pest problems. If the control guides are acquired, revisions or updates are automatically forwarded to the control guide owner (a current address is necessary). There is a cost for this system, but it is minimal and worthwhile.
Other sources of information:
BACK Bulletin No. 196-A | Printed October, 1983 | Contact the Forest Health Section |
