Harrells Logo

PEOPLE

MARKETS

RESOURCES

Be Careful with Old Pesticides

12/17/2014 - By Dr. Raymond Snyder

Here's a great article from Zac Reicher, Professor of Turfgrass Science at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, with advice on pesticide storage.

You can download the full PDF from this link, and be sure to visit the UNL Turfgrass web site.

Original publication date: June 8, 2013
 
We often get questions about how long pesticides can be stored without negative effects on activity, turf safety, or mixing ability. Though this varies with product, they normally can be stored for two or more years as long as they are kept from freezing or kept dry in the case of a granular product.
 
The longer pesticides are stored, the higher the risk is for adverse effects. Additionally, freezing of liquid formulations can change the efficacy or mixing characteristics without changing the overall appearance. There is virtually no available data on this subject, so it is up to the discretion and good judgment of the applicator.
 
In a recent case of an Omaha golf course, a normally very turf-safe growth regulator was applied to creeping bentgrass approaches and Kentucky bluegrass/tall fescue surrounds. The jugs were labeled with “2006” or 2009”, but personnel had changed so no one was totally confident of the long-term storage conditions.
 
The rates applied were on the low side of recommended and are normally extremely safe on these species, but yet the application resulted in surprisingly significant phytotoxicity to all of the species.
 
Thankfully no long term damage resulted, but it still reinforces the message that if you’re in doubt about the age or past storage of a product, it’s better not to apply or apply to a test area.
 


Tenga Cuidado con Pesticidas Viejas

Adjunto hay un gran artículo de Zac Reicher, Profesor de Ciencia de Césped de la Universidad de Nebraska, Lincoln, con consejos sobre el almacenamiento de pesticidas.

Puede bajarlo en PDF completo de este  this link, y este seguro visitar el UNL Turfgrass web sita.

Copia original de publicación: 8 de Junio, 2013

Con frecuencia se nos pregunta a cerca

We often get questions about how long pesticides can be stored without negative effects on activity, turf safety, or mixing ability. Though this varies with product, they normally can be stored for two or more years as long as they are kept from freezing or kept dry in the case of a granular product.

Entre más largo son almacenado los pesticidas, mas alto el riesgo para efectos adversos.  Adicionalmente, el congelar formulaciones liquidas puede cambiar la eficacia o la características de mezcla sin cambiar la apariencia completa. No hay casi ningunos datos disponible sobre este tópico, así que está a la disposición del aplicador utilizar discreción y buen juicio.

En un caso reciente de un campo de golf en Omaha,  un regulador muy normal y seguro de césped fue aplicado a césped arrastrada bentgrass se acercó a la césped Kentucky bluegrass/alta fescue alrededor. Los envases con etiqueta con “2006” o “2009”, pero el personal había cambiado que nadie estaba confiadamente de la condición de largo plazo.

La cantidad aplicada fue en el lado más bajo de lo recomendado y son normalmente extremadamente seguro en estas especies, pero aun la aplicación resulto en citotoxicidad a todas las especies.

Agradecidamente ningún daño resulto, pero aun refuerza el mensaje que si están en duda acerca de la edad o almacenamientos pasados del producto, es mejor no aplicar o aplicar a un área como prueba. 

Related Resources

In addition to being the nation’s largest distributor of branded fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides, Harrell’s produces custom-blended fertilizers, specialty liquids, and wetting agents. Additionally, Harrell’s is the exclusive US owner, formulator, and distributor of all POLYON® branded products.

TEAM HARRELL'S

STAY EQUIPPED

Never stop learning. Access FREE continuing education courses from Harrell’s.
LET'S GROW

PRESS RELEASES

PRESS RELEASES

STAY EQUIPPED

Never stop learning. Access FREE continuing education courses from Harrell’s.
LET'S GROW
youtube iconfacebook iconinstagram icontwitter iconlinkedin icon
© Harrell's, LLC 2025