Protecting Pesticide-Sensitive Crops

Pesticide-sensitive crops are common in Nebraska's landscape. Examples include fruits, vegetables, and ornamental crops grown on organic or traditional commercial farms. Consumer demand has created markets for these products, and sales of these crops have contributed to Nebraska's agricultural economic diversity. While any crop can be injured by off-target pesticide movement, specialty crops are especially sensitive to pesticides, and injuries to these commodities have the potential to cause significant economic losses. For example, grapes have an annual fruit value of $4,000 to $5,000 per acre, and their processed value can be up to 10 times higher. Because of the high value and sensitivity of these crops, it is essential for pesticide applicators to be aware of their surroundings and use all appropriate safety measures before, during, and after each application.

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