There continues to be changes regarding pesticide application in Iowa. A recent article in Iowa State University's online Integrated Crop Management newsletter (April 5) discussed changes in pesticide recordkeeping requirements and the new Iowa Bee Rule. There is an additional requirement concerning aerial application of pesticides, notes Kristine Schaefer, an ISU Extension specialist who works with the pesticide applicator training program at ISU. The program is called Pest Management and Environment.

All of these changes were initiated by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and went through a public comment period before becoming part of the Iowa Administrative Code, explains Schaefer. IDALS is responsible for writing and enforcing all amendments to the Iowa Administrative Code. The role of the Pest Management and the Environment program at Iowa State University is to communicate changes and updates to pesticide applicators throughout the state. The new aerial applicator changes are described below.

New rules for aerial applicators in Iowa

An aerial applicator, applying pesticides to agricultural land, can now only operate in Iowa in cooperation with an "aerial applicator consultant." An aerial applicator consultant coordinates the commercial application of pesticides by aerial applicators. The consultant must be a resident of Iowa; hold a certification in Category 11, Aerial Application; and either a valid commercial applicator license or pesticide dealer license.

An aerial applicator consultant has a variety of responsibilities and requirements they must comply with. A partial list of the responsibilities includes:

• Meet with aerial applicators prior to pesticide applications to verify compliance with Iowa's pesticide rules, the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Iowa department of transportation
• Provide detailed aerial maps of application location
• Maintain daily communication with aerial applicator during pesticide applications and daily oversight of pesticide handlers' activities
• Provide information regarding sensitive areas and apiaries
• Provide instructions for proper emergency response procedures in the case of a pesticide spill or accident

This change is part of amendments to Chapter 45, "Pesticides," of the Iowa Administrative Code. The amendments, effective Feb. 1, 2009, outline the requirements, qualifications and duties of the aerial applicator consultant; the procedures for aerial application; and the license, certification, and continuing instruction requirements for aerial applicators operating in Iowa.

A full description of the amendments can be found in Chapter 45, pages 13-15, of the Iowa Administrative Code. IDALS has prepared checklists for aerial applicator consultants and for aerial application jobs. Copies of the checklists are available at the IDALS Web site. Contact the Pesticide Bureau at IDALS at 515- 281-8591 for additional information.