HARD WATER TESTING
GENERAL INFORMATION
M-Pede Insecticide is an effective contact insecticide-miticide with a formulation based on potassium salts of naturally derived fatty acids. When fatty acid-based insecticides are mixed with hard water containing metal ions (Ca, Fe, Mg, etc.), the ions can bind to the fatty acid molecule causing a precipitate to form. The insecticidal fatty acids in M-Pede become tied up within the precipitate causing reductions in the insecticide's effectiveness and sprayability while increasing the potential for phytotoxicity.
RECOMMENDATION
Mycogen strongly recommends that you determine if your water hardness level will affect the performance of M-Pede. Water hardness levels are expressed as either parts-per-million (ppm) or grains hardness.
If water hardness exceeds 300 ppm or 17.5 grains condition water prior to adding M-Pede.
If you do not know the exact hardness of your water, a simple jar test (see instructions on back of page) can help you determine whether or not a water conditioner is required for use with M-Pede.
CONDITIONING SPRAY WATER
If conditioning is necessary, begin by adding ½ pint (8 fluid ounces) of an anionic buffering and conditioning agent per 100 gallons of water prior to mixing pesticide. Conditioning agents that may be available in your area include: RNA's Tri-Ad® 73, Helena's Blendex®, Miller Chemical's Spray-AideTM, or Rohm and Haas' Latron® AG-44M®.
Perform a second jar test on the treated water. If there is excessive cloudiness or curd formation, add additional buffer, if allowed on the product label, in increments of about 4 fluid ounces per 100 gallons until desirable water condition is achieved. Do not exceed 2 pints (32 fluid ounces) of conditioning agent per 100 gallons of spray solution or phytotoxicity may result. Always follow directions on conditioning agent label.
HARD WATER TESTING
JAR TEST PROCEDURE
To perform a jar test you need:
2/3 ounce of M-Pede
Sample of the water to be used in the spray mixture
1 quart, wide-mouth glass jar with a lid
Small measuring cup or measuring spoons
Follow these instructions:
1. Pour 1 quart of the water sample into the quart jar.
2. Add 2/3 ounce or 20 milliliters (about 4 teaspoons) of M-Pede to the
water.
3. Close lid on jar, shake vigorously then allow jar to stand for 15 minutes.
4. Examine the surface and body of the solution. If a scum (white
precipitate)
develops on the surface of the mixture, or curd forms in the
mixture,
conditioning is necessary. However, if the rest results in a
uniform, light
milky mixture, NO CONDITIONING IS NECESSARY.
Always read and carefully follow all product labels.
M-Pede EPA Reg. No. 53219-6 MYC.JJ#1003 5/92
HARD WATER TESTING
CALIFORNIA
HARD WATER TESTING
GENERAL INFORMATION
M-Pede Insecticide is an effective contact insecticide-miticide with a formulation based on potassium salts of naturally derived fatty acids. (In California, it is marketed as Safer® Insecticide Concentrate.) When fatty acid-based insecticides are mixed with hard water containing metal ions (Ca, Fe, Mg, etc.), the ions can bind to the fatty acid molecule causing a precipitate to form. The insecticidal fatty acids in M-Pede become tied up within the precipitate causing reductions in the insecticide's effectiveness and sprayability while increasing the potential for phytotoxicity.
RECOMMENDATION
Mycogen strongly recommends that you determine if your water hardness level will affect the performance of M-Pede. Water hardness levels are expressed as either parts-per-million (ppm) or grains hardness.
If water hardness exceeds 300 ppm or 17.5 grains condition water prior to adding M-Pede.
If you do not know the exact hardness of your water, a simple jar test (see instructions on back of page) can help you determine whether or not a water conditioner is required for use with M-Pede.
CONDITIONING SPRAY WATER
If conditioning is necessary, begin by adding ½ pint (8 fluid ounces) of an anionic buffering and conditioning agent per 100 gallons of water prior to mixing pesticide. Conditioning agents that may be available in your area include: RNA's Tri-Ad® 73, Miller Chemical's Spray-AideTM, or Rohm and Haas' Latron® AG-44M®.
Perform a second jar test on the treated water. If there is excessive cloudiness or curd formation, add additional buffer, if allowed on the product label, in increments of about 4 fluid ounces per 100 gallons until desirable water condition is achieved. Do not exceed 2 pints (32 fluid ounces) of conditioning agent per 100 gallons of spray solution or phytotoxicity may result. Always follow directions on conditioning agent.
HARD WATER TESTING
JAR TEST PROCEDURE
To perform a jar test you need:
2/3 ounce of M-Pede
Sample of the water to be used in the spray mixture
1 quart, wide-mouth glass jar with a lid
Small measuring cup or measuring spoons
Follow these instructions:
1. Pour 1 quart of the water sample into the quart jar.
2. Add 2/3 ounce or 20 milliliters (about 4 teaspoons) of M-Pede to the
water.
3. Close lid on jar, shake vigorously then allow jar to stand for 15 minutes.
4. Examine the surface and body of the solution. If a scum (white
precipitate) develops on the surface of the mixture, or curd forms in the
mixture, conditioning is necessary. However, if the test results in a
uniform, light
milky mixture, NO CONDITIONING IS NECESSARY.
Always read and carefully follow all product labels.
M-Pede EPA Reg. No. 42697-1-53219 MYC.JJ#1003CA 12/91