MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

What does Act 451 mandate regarding commercial pesticide applicators?

1. They must provide ongoing training

2. They must be either a commercially certified applicator or a registered technician

3. They must use only organic pesticides

4. They must operate under supervision

The correct answer is: They must be either a commercially certified applicator or a registered technician

Act 451 establishes specific regulatory standards for pesticide applicators to ensure safety and compliance within the industry. One of the key provisions is that commercial pesticide applicators must be either commercially certified applicators or registered technicians. This requirement ensures that individuals applying pesticides have received appropriate training and education in the safe use and handling of these chemicals, as well as an understanding of the regulatory framework governing their use. Certification and registration help maintain high standards of practice, ensuring that applicators are knowledgeable about the various types of pesticides, their correct application methods, potential environmental impacts, and safety precautions. This provision is crucial for protecting public health, the environment, and the integrity of agricultural practices. In contrast, while ongoing training, supervision, and the exclusive use of organic pesticides are important considerations in the broader context of pesticide management, they are not mandated by Act 451 in the way that certification and technician registration are. Therefore, the requirement for commercial pesticide applicators to hold the appropriate certification or registration is central to the act's purpose of ensuring competency and safety in pesticide application.