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Survey of Pesticide Application Practices and Technologies in Georgia Agricultural Crops
S. S. Virk, E. P. Prostko
University of Georgia

Georgia is a leading producer of numerous crops including cotton, peanut, blueberries, pecans, bell peppers, cabbage, watermelons, and peaches in the United States. Pesticide applications are critical for the successful production of these crops. Pesticide regulations and application technologies are changing rapidly due to growing concerns around off-target movement and increased focus on improving the efficiency and efficacy of pesticide applications. In order to provide suitable recommendations and develop appropriate extension education programs and outreach efforts, a thorough understanding of common pesticide application practices and technologies utilized by the growers across the state is needed. An online survey, using Qualtrics, to assess pesticide application practices and technologies in Georgia was created in 2021. Both online and printed survey copies were distributed to the county Extension agents in all 159 counties. County Extension agents directly e-mailed and texted online survey links to growers as well as distributed printed survey copies at other face-to-face meetings.  A total of 186 responses – approximately 50/50 split between online and printed surveys – from 65 counties were received and analyzed for results. Top 10 highlights from the survey responses were as follows: 1) 71% of respondents produced ≥ 500 acres of crops annually; 2) 29% of respondents received their information from University Extension; 3) 42% of respondents used a separate sprayer for applying dicamba, 2,4-D, or 2,4-DB; 4) 46% of respondents used sprayers with boom lengths ≥ 18.3 m; 5) 65% of respondents  used ≥ 121 L/ha to apply pesticides; 6) 53% of respondents used 3 or more different nozzles on their spray booms throughout the season; 7) 68% of respondents used TeeJet® nozzles; 8) 65% of respondents used GPS and rate controllers on their application equipment; 9) 66% of respondents recorded their pesticide application records on a notepad or diary; and 10) 39% of respondents reported that accuracy is the biggest advantage of new spray technologies.  Respondents also reported that weather, timing, and pesticide drift/regulations were their biggest application challenges and would like to see more research conducted on topics such as product rates, carrier volumes, pest control (weeds/insects/disease), chemicals and adjuvants (type and mixing order). Information from this survey provided useful insights into the current application practices, technologies, and research needs of Georgia growers. These findings will be very useful for the development of future research and extension programs to address aforementioned needs as well as to improve adoption and utilization of application technologies among growers. 

Keyword: Pesticides, Application Practices, Technologies, Georgia, Extension