Pests, diseases and weeds must be closely monitored to ensure any pesticide treatment is applied to maximum effect with minimal dose. In certain circumstances it may be possible to apply reduced doses of herbicides, if local conditions allow and control will still be achieved. Consideration of dose should also factor in the likely risk of any resistance to the herbicide developing.

The method for application must be chosen to limit the environmental impact of pesticide usage. Wherever possible, approved seed treatments, module drenches and directed or spot applications should be used in preference to whole field treatments. When whole fields are treated, care should be taken to avoid spraying near field boundaries. When applying pesticides in areas close to a watercourse, reference must be made to the Local Environmental Risk Assessment for Pesticides (LERAP) to determine the correct buffer zone, around any fields to be treated . Please note, that the Green Code expects consideration of approximate air speed at boom height, when setting up spraying parameters. (This should be calculated and quantified using the Beaufort scale. Note, recording of this data should be carried out at boom height, which is not typically where weather stations are located).

There is now robust work, in the public arena, that demonstrates increases in performance of pesticides from adjustments in droplet size and ballistic properties of spraying liquids, with respect to leaf area index (volume) and weather conditions. This knowledge and use of techniques should be used when agronomists consider the application rate of pesticides. Thus, we should expect to observe reductions in the amounts of active ingredients used for control processes, over time.

There is increasing concern surrounding the use of anti cholinesterase compounds (Organophosphate and Carbamate pesticides) (see DEFRA programme). These pesticides should only be used, when no other viable alternative is available. If used, there should be sufficient documentary evidence to support their need. Please refer to the Co-operative Retail prohibited list before selecting an Organophosphate or Carbamate pesticide.

The appropriate use of Nematicides requires considerable care. If it has been established that such pesticides are required and the appropriate dose has been established, careful consideration should then be given to; application machinery, its appropriateness for purpose and calibration and maintenance, operator training and incorporation mechanisms. Where possible, nematicides should be used within closed system transfer.

The nematicide manufacturers provide operator-training workshops, aimed at full stewardship of product in use, usually, on an annual basis. Ideally, nematicides should be incorporated in the same pass/operation as application. If this is not possible, incorporation must follow immediately. Consideration should be given to the appropriate disposal of used nematicide containers. Returnable containers are a good option. Otherwise, please operate under best practice regimes, e.g. as available from NFU or CPA. (are they covered by new waste regs?)