The Laboratory for Pest Control Application Technology (LPCAT): A New Interdisciplinary Approach for Solving a Difficult Problem

Improvement of pesticide delivery appears necessary because of environmental concerns, integrated pest management (IPM) programs, economics, and increasing efficacy of new pest control agents. LPCAT research efforts in dose targeting include development of an intermittent sprayer, pesticide/target placement studies, and observations on pesticide formulation and droplet density effects on mite behavior. Significant savings in pesticide usage can result from correct pesticide targeting. However, further savings will require additional cooperative research efforts on basic mechanisms of pesticide delivery, impingement, and dose responses of pests.