Pesticide Applicator Series: Pesticide Formulations, Equipment, and Calibration

One of the most challenging aspects of application is the math involved. We’ve got you covered with this course!

Math Made Easy

In this online course, you'll learn about:

pesticide formulations
how to calibrate application equipment
the importance of examining the label for application rate restrictions.

Remember, safely applying pesticides requires understanding of how much product is being used. The amount of pesticide to 'add to the tank' depends on the output of the equipment, the size of the application area, and the label-listed rate.

Course Overview

In this course, we review the basic math principles involved in converting between units and calculating. Been a while since you reviewed fractions and geometry? That's ok! With this course, we start at the beginning, and offer plenty of opportunity to practice.

By the end of this course you will be able to:

Distinguish between active and inert ingredients.
State the meaning of abbreviations used for common types of formulations (e.g., WP).
List the factors to consider when choosing a formulation for a specific site or situation.
Name several different application procedures and types of equipment
Identify the factors (eg nozzles, volumes, pressures and speeds) that affect calibration explain the importance of calibrating equipment
Calculate the size of an application area
Understand how the amount of product used relates to rate and spray area
Determine the amount of pesticide concentrate and diluent to use

Earning Oregon Applicator CEU's

To earn pesticide recertification credits, this ODA-approved course must be completed in the following order:

Statement of Identity
Lesson
Final Review

This course is self-paced and does not have an instructor.

Pesticide Recertification Credit

The following courses are currently approved by Oregon Department of Agriculture for Pesticide Certification and license renewal:

The following courses are currently approved by Idaho State Department of Agriculture:

At this time our online courses are not approved for Washington state recertification.

Interested in on-site pesticide recertification courses? Click here for details.

IMPORTANT: Final grade reporting to the state will include grades released as of December 31. Our system takes 24 hours for grades to release, to ensure your grade will be counted toward the calendar year, you need to complete the final quiz no later than December 30.

Each of our courses in the Pesticide Applicator series can also count as Continuing Education Hours for the Oregon State Landscape Contractors Board.

On demand. Access any time.

1 hour

Online

$35

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Additional Information:
1 CORE ODA pesticide credit.

Instructors

Kaci Buhl

Kaci Buhl is an Associate Professor of Practice at Oregon State University (OSU). She coordinates the Statewide Pesticide Safety Education Program, working to educate professional pesticide applicators. On the national level, Ms. Buhl is the Deputy Director of the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative, which creates pesticide manuals, exams, and other resources for professionals. She studied integrated pest management (IPM) at Michigan State University and previously coordinated the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC).

Jessica Green

Jessica Green is the outreach coordinator for PSEP, and has worked in agricultural pest management at Oregon State since 2012. She has designed and conducted many pesticide trials and is a contributing author and editor for the PNW Insect and Weed Management Handbooks. Ms. Green has specific training in adult education and how to make learning accessible to diverse audiences. She worked on the development team to finalize these training materials and format them into an easy, self-paced, e-learning format.

Past Students' Work

Take a look at some recent projects our students have created.

Pesticide Applicator: Pesticide Formulations, Equipment, and Calibration - The One With All the Math