North Carolina Pesticide Application Practice Test

What is a recommended practice to prevent nematodes from drifting into water bodies?

1. Use a fine mist spray

2. Apply pesticide broadly across the area

3. Use a coarse spray directed at the soil

4. Spray near the water's edge

The correct answer is: Use a coarse spray directed at the soil

Using a coarse spray directed at the soil is an effective practice to prevent nematodes from drifting into water bodies because it minimizes airborne drift and ensures that the pesticide is applied directly where it is needed—on the soil. A coarse spray produces larger droplets that fall to the ground more quickly, reducing the likelihood of them being carried away by wind or other environmental factors into nearby water sources. This method also helps to target the root zone of plants, where nematodes typically reside, while limiting the amount of pesticide that could potentially reach water bodies. By focusing the application on the soil, it enhances the efficiency of pest control while protecting aquatic ecosystems from contamination.