Those who take a restrained point of view, such as the U. S. Weather Bureau. say:

• There must be suitable moisture bearing clouds available for cloud seeding. Obviously then cloud seeding is not a cure for drought.
• It has been possible to say definitely that cloud seeding has increased precipitation only under very favorable circumstances, such as where moist air currents are forced to rise and produce persistent clouds. These circumstances usually occur over mountain ranges in the West. Under these favorable circumstances an increase in precipitation is only 10 to 15%.
• More research is necessary to learn how clouds release their moisture naturally before the effectiveness of artificial methods can be definitely known. One point of view holds that conditions under which it appears possible that cloud seeding might cause an increase in precipitation are almost exactly the same as those required for natural release.

On the other hand, Dr. Irving P. Krick, whose Water Resources Development Corp. conducted cloud seeding work for almost a decade, says:

• Unlike other natural resources such as iron ore, the world supplies of water cannot be depleted. Our water supply is continuously moving through the hydrological cycle, from the atmosphere to earth as precipitation and by evaporation back to the atmosphere. It is an astounding fact that we are using the same water that prehistoric man used. The problem is to adjust and modify the water supply through precipitation to best fit our needs.
• It is true that cloud seeding cannot produce rain but it can assist the natural processes and thereby obtain greater yields in desired areas.
• In the wheatlands of eastern Washington, live successive years of cloud seeding obtained from 6 to 14 more inches of rainfall than adjacent areas. On a cost basis spent on weather modification added $40 in income to farmers through increased yields.
• Hail cannot be eliminated but it is possible through cloud seeding to suppress it and minimize potential damage. Hail suppression programs will increase precipitation and at the same time suppress lightning, thus saving timberlands from fire.

Meanwhile it is interesting to note that cherry growers in Yakima, Wash, recently went on record favoring a bill which would provide regulation of weather modification. They are worried that the attempts to increase rain on adjacent dry land wheat farms will ruin their cherry crops.

The interesting part of this article is the original publication date - April 1957. Fifty years later the same topic continues to be discussed - can man control the weather. Only the future will tell us for sure.

These “weeds” do not not seem to have any problems with the fusarium fungi but like to “share it” with other plants. The tall morning glory and the ivyleaf morning glory appear to be 2 of the fusarium carriers.

True or False?
Answer: True

Exposure to pesticides and heat stress share these common symptoms: Tiredness or dizziness. Headaches or blurred vision. Excessive sweating. Chest pains or trouble breathing. Nausea, stomach cramps or diarrhea.

Skin rashes and eye irritation are more typical of contact with pesticides, (especially from herbicides,. fungicides and EC’s - Emulsifiable Concentrates).

In warm weather and especially in closed areas such as greenhouses and shadehouses, heat stress is more probable than pesticide poisoning.

In any event, if the worker does not feel well, if something is not right, get him/her our of the work area, into the shade or cool area and, if symptoms persist, get medical help. (don’t forget to take a copy of the label to the first aid provider).

True or False?
Answer: False

While the use of eyewash solutions are preferred, the decontamination of eyes can be done safely and effectively with clean water.

Since WPS (worker protection standards) so states that eyes should be flushed with water for at least 15 minutes, the quantities of eyewash solutions to enable a 15 minute flush would be considerable greater that what is supplied in the so-called decontamination kits that many safety supply houses and chemical dealers are offering to growers.

In fact, one of the EPA approved WPS Worker Training Tapes (“Following the Sun”) shows the characters actually flushing eyes out with water from an Igloo Cooler placed on the roof of a camper top.

Eyewash Solutions

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True or False?
Answer: False

Even though goggles or glasses will prevent splashes from getting in your eyes and on your face, you must also wear the PPE specified by the label for the particular materials you are mixing and loading. Even if the materials are mild, such as nutritionals, oils, etc, you must protect your face, eyes and body from splashes and handle all materials with gloves, waterproof or chemical resistant.

Safety Eyewear

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True or False?
Answer: False

Warning signs should only be posted when indicated by the label of the product being applied. Remember, "The Label Is The Law" as set forth in FIFRA and pesticide manufacturers are required to include posting instructions on the label However, when posting of warning signs is not required, all personnel should be informed as to where the spraying or application will take place and told to stay away until the REI period is over.

In addition, warning signs should be removed after the REI expires. It is technically against the Worker Protection Standard to leave the warning signs up. Fold-over signs have been developed so that the sign does not have to physically removed - the top part folds down over the lower half and covers the sign up until the next time it is needed.

True or False?
Answer: TRUE

Empty pesticide containers, even though rinsed out, can still have residue of the pesticide in them and the EPA has seen it necessary to include this prohibition in the text of the Worker Protection Standard.

In addition, all pesticide containers should be perforated or cut so that they cannot be reused under any circumstances. Most states with container recycling programs will only accept the containers if they have been cut or perforated.

True or False?
Answer: False

During drenching operations and until the expiration of the REI, workers and other persons must stay out of the treated area. (Only the treated area.)

The 100 foot restriction is for pesticides being applied:

• Aerially, or in an upward direction
• Using spray pressures greater than 150 psi
• Applying fumigants, smoke, mist, fog or aerosol

There is also a 25 foot restriction when pesticides are being applied:

• Downward, from a height of more than 12 inches above the medium
• Using a fine spray
• At pressures greater than 40 psi and less than 150 psi
• Or other circumstances not listed in both sections above and yet the label of the product requires use of a respirator.

NOTE: The Special Greenhouse Restrictions apply to fumigants, fogs, etc and other situations where the labeling requires use of a respirator and generally encompass the entire enclosed area.

True or False?
Answer: False

Yellow Latex gloves are water resistant, not chemical resistant. The correct gloves for spraying carbamates and organophosphates are the green nitrile chemical resistant gloves.

Disposable Gloves

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There can also be nicks and cracks caused by picked-up debris and fatigue, which can throw the propeller out of balance and produce vibrations. These vibrations usually affect the chassis and the tank to the extent that I have seen steel tanks crack and break or pumps break loose because of those vibrations.

So, when you’re cleaning out filters, inspecting hoses and checking nozzles, take a good look at the blower: clean the blades (you may have to scrape them), tighten the bearings, lubricate the moving parts and check for loose bolts and broken brackets.