Labels and regulations change and new products are introduced routinely. Therefore, the pesticide selection process should be conducted just prior to each growing season. The selection of a pesticide requires planning and knowledge of the alternatives. Begin by developing a comprehensive pesticide list for specific crop, turf, or home garden pest. After developing a pesticide list, the user should obtain labels of all products under consideration so that their strengths and weaknesses can be analyzed on a product profile worksheet.
Labels generally are available locally from retail outlets or their suppliers.
The completed product profile worksheet becomes a ready reference to information shown on the product label. Compile information for the product profile worksheet by reviewing the label and asking pertinent questions of various experts. Prepare a product profile worksheet for each product under consideration, and attach the labels to the corresponding worksheets when finished.