Now that the commercial production season is well underway, growers may be dusting off old pesticide containers to use these chemistries to control pests. Before you do so, make sure you aren’t posing problems for your plants and your pocket book.
Stored pesticides will lose their effectiveness over time. They may break down (change chemical composition) into products that may no longer have pesticidal properties or change form. like producing flakes, crystals or caking, that make it difficult if not impossible to mix and use in sprayers. If an aged product breaks down and you spray it on your crop, you may see phytotoxicity symptoms. So, not only may the product be ineffective, but it can directly damage your crop, impacting your profitability.
The shelf life of a pesticide is the timeframe that the pesticide can be stored and still be effective. Nearly all pesticides have a limited shelf life, which is affected by how the product is stored, the chemistry formulation and container integrity. For details on proper storage of chemicals, see the Michigan State University Extension article “Michigan pesticide storage and handling guidelines for greenhouses.”
In general, pesticides should be stored in their original, tightly sealed containers and should be kept in a dry (40-50 percent relative humidity) and moderately temperate (55-65 degrees Fahrenheit) room year-round that is not exposed to direct sunlight. Always read the pesticide label for additional storage information.
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