The term ‘crop dusting’ comes from agricultural aviation’s history. In 1921, the first aerial application was made spreading lead arsenate dust over catalpa trees in Ohio to kill sphinx moth larvae. Dust and powders haven’t been dropped from aircraft for decades, but the term crop dusting is still common. The industry has been completely transformed with innovation in aircraft and technological advancements for precision applications of wet and dry products.
Over the last few decades the industry has focused on increased training, professionalism and safety. The old image of a barnstorming “crop dusters and crop dusting” has gone away and most pilots in the industry prefer to call themselves ag pilots or aerial applicators.