Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Once a sprayer is calibrated, what is true about its delivery rate?

1. It will always remain constant

2. It will increase over time

3. It must be checked regularly

4. It may change with different conditions

The correct answer is: It may change with different conditions

The correct answer is that the delivery rate of a sprayer may change with different conditions. Calibration of a sprayer is a critical process that ensures it dispenses the correct amount of pesticide. However, several factors can affect the delivery rate after calibration has been completed. Environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed, can influence how the sprayer performs. For instance, high temperatures might cause the solution to evaporate more quickly, potentially altering the effective delivery rate. Furthermore, variations in the viscosity of the spraying solution can also lead to changes in how the sprayer operates. Soil conditions, the type of area being sprayed (e.g., uneven terrain), and changes in pressure within the equipment can all contribute to differences in the actual delivery rate. Regular checks after calibration are essential to ensure that the sprayer continues to function as intended, but it is not guaranteed to remain constant due to these varying conditions. Addressing delivery rate changes allows the operator to maintain effective pest control while minimizing the risks of overapplication or underapplication of pesticides.