Max Gallaway
DUNCAN — Producers who use restricted use pesticides in their farm and ranch operations must have a current private applicators license. This license must be renewed every five years.
The time has come to recertify, or if an individual wants to apply, this is a good time to test. The Stephens County Extension Office will hold two classes for this. The first class will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 17 in Comanche at the Walton Building.
The second will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 19 in Marlow at the Lion’s Den.
Test packet can be purchased the evening of the program or here at the office. Packets cost $15, which includes an “Applying Pesticides Correctly” manual, as well as the actual test, which is open book.
Once the test is completed, it is sent to the Department of Agriculture by the individual for grading with an additional $20, and if passed a new license is sent back to the producer.
These classes cover information in the manual and help individuals prepare to complete the testing phase for the private applicators license.
CONTROL OF PEACH LEAF CURL NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED NOW
Peach leaf curl is a problem that can easily be controlled each year through a simple fungicide application, but timing is important. Peach leaf curl cannot be controlled after the plant’s buds begin to swell, so we are getting close.
You can achieve 98 percent control if applications can be made before bud swell. The fungicide may be applied anytime after the trees have gone dormant in the fall and before the buds begin to swell in the spring, but most applications are made in late February or early March.
Peach leaf curl, which results in severe defoliation, weakened trees and reduces fruit quality yield, can be prevented with spray application of Bordeaux mixture or lime-sulfur, according to label instructions. Sprays should cover the limbs and twigs thoroughly and be applied when temperatures are above 40 degrees. This is the first step toward quality fruit and healthier trees.
— Max Gallaway is the Oklahoma State Extension educator for agriculture for Stephens County. He can be reached by calling 580-255-0510.
