Reference Lists for Pesticide and Pollinator BMPs

The MDA, in cooperation with external partners, developed a range of pesticide and pollinator habitat best management practices (BMPs). These BMPs include both voluntary practices and mandatory pesticide label requirements designed to reduce water contamination, minimize off-target impacts, and guide pesticide use while supporting the needs of agricultural and non-agricultural operations. To develop these resources, the MDA consults a wide range of scientific and technical literature and requests feedback from external experts.

This page provides a compiled list of references and resource links included in the MDA’s Pesticide BMPs, Pollinator Habitat BMPs, and other outreach documents. Readers are encouraged to explore these references for additional information on topics of interest.

Pesticide Best Management Practices

The MDA’s pesticide BMPs include both general (generic) and pesticide-specific practices designed to protect Minnesota’s water resources. These BMPs are intended to support proper pesticide use and should be adopted when applying pesticides in Minnesota. The MDA’s general and pesticide-specific BMPs, including BMPs for homeowners, residential users, and lawn and turfgrass management, are available at Pesticide Best Management Practices.

Reference Lists

Document: Water Quality BMPs for all Agricultural Herbicides (PDF)

References:

Weed and pesticide management information - University of Minnesota Applied Weed Science Research
Herbicide Resistance Management - University of Minnesota Applied Weed Science Research
Herbicide Resistant Weeds - Site of Action Information - Take Action, Herbicide Resistance Management (GROW)
Herbicide Classification Chart - Take Action, Herbicide Resistance Management (GROW)
How To Effectively Use the Corn and Soybean Herbicide Site of Action Charts - Purdue University (YouTube video)
How To Use Herbicide Site of Action Charts - Ohio State University (YouTube video)
International Herbicide-Resistant Weed Database - WeedScience.org
Pesticide Best Management Practices - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Integrated Pest Management - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Pesticide Sales and Use - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
University of Minnesota Extension Local Offices by County
- Assistance with integrated weed management plan development
- Assistance with soil and water information and development of irrigation plans
Assistance with Integrated Weed Management Plan development - County List - University of Minnesota Extension
Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education - University of Minnesota Extension
Iowa, Corn And Soybean Production (2025 Herbicide Guide) – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
North Dakota Field Crops- Weeds – North Dakota State University Extension
South Dakota Pest Management Guides - South Dakota State University Extension
Wisconsin, Pest Management In Field Crops – University of Wisconsin – Extension
How To Calculate Herbicide Rates and Calibrate Herbicide Applicators – University of Minnesota Extension
Assistance with water table information and soil, groundwater, and surface water maps – Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Assistance with water table Information, identification of vulnerable soils and sensitive areas, soil maps, and pest and weed management planning - Minnesota Office-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA
Find Your Local Service Center - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA
Web Soil Survey - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA
Minnesota Hydrogeology Atlas (MHA) - Water table depth and groundwater pollution sensitivity, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Soil Management And Health - University of Minnesota Extension
Irrigation Management Strategies - University of Minnesota Extension
Agricultural Chemical Monitoring and Assessment - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Ag Weather and Irrigation Management Resources - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Herbicide Properties Tool – National Pesticide Information Center

Document: Water Quality BMPs for all Agricultural Insecticides (PDF)

References:

Integrated Pest Management - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Waste Pesticide Collection Program - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Pesticide Best Management Practices - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Chemical Monitoring and Assessment - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Pesticide Applicator Certification - University of Minnesota Extension
Crop Production - University of Minnesota Extension
Extension IPM Program - University of Minnesota Extension
Locate Extension office - University of Minnesota Extension
Pesticides and the Environment - University of Missouri
Managing Pesticide Drift - University of Florida.
Spray Drift of Pesticides - University of Nebraska
Selecting Spray Nozzles with Drift-Reducing Technology – North Dakota State University Extension
A User’s Guide To Spray Technology – Teejet Technologies
Label Database -Crop Data Management System – Telus Agriculture, CDMS Applied Intelligence
Information on Soybean Pest Management (Insects) and Soybean Disease Management. North Central Soybean Research Program - Soybean Research & Information Network
University of Minnesota, Department of Entomology
North Dakota State University, Department of Entomology
Iowa State University, Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Mircobiology
University of Wisconsin, Integrated Pest and Crop Management
Insecticide Mode of Action Classification - Insecticide Resistance Action Committee
Northern Plains IPM Guide
University of Minnesota Soybean Pest Management
University of Wisconsin IPM Field Scouting Manual
Water table information and soil, groundwater, and surface water maps - Find Your Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) - MASWCD.org
SWCD Local Offices - Local Soil And Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) Offices
Assistance with Soil And Water Conservation Plans or Contact The Local Service Centers - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA
NRCS Web Soil Survey Information - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA
Information on water table depth, groundwater pollution sensitivity, and karst features - Water Resources Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Office Locator - Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Document: Water Quality BMPs for Atrazine (PDF)

References:

Agricultural Chemical Monitoring and Assessment - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Pesticide Product Search Tool – NPIRS (Select Minnesota and search for Active Ingredient)
Herbicide Best Management Practices To Protect Water Quality – Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Document: Water Quality Best Management Practices for Acetochlor (PDF)

References:

Agricultural Chemical Monitoring and Assessment - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Herbicide BMPs to Protect Water Quality - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Minnesota's Impaired Waters List - Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Pesticide Product Search Tool – NPIRS (Select Minnesota and search for Active Ingredient

Document: Water Quality Best Management Practices for Metolachlor (PDF)

References:

Pesticide Product Search Tool – NPIRS (Select Minnesota and search for Active Ingredient
Agricultural Chemical Monitoring and Assessment - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Herbicide BMPs to Protect Water Quality - Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Document: Water Quality Best Management Practices for Metribuzin (PDF)

References:

Pesticide Product Search Tool – NPIRS (Select Minnesota and search for Active Ingredient
Agricultural Chemical Monitoring and Assessment - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Herbicide BMPs to Protect Water Quality - Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Document: Water Quality BMPs for Agricultural Use of Clothianidin and Imidacloprid (PDF)

References:

Pesticide Management Plan - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Pesticide Best Management Practices - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
AgBMP Loan Program - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Chemical Monitoring and Assessment - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Registered Pesticide Product Search Tool- Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Aquatic Life Benchmarks & Ecological Risk Assessments – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
How to Practice IPM – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Crop Production - University of Minnesota Extension
Aphid-resistant Soybean Varieties for Minnesota - University of Minnesota Extension
Pest Management Tips & Resources - University of Minnesota Extension
AgWeather Thermal Models – University of Wisconsin, Weather-based forecasting models for different pests
North Dakota Field Crop Insect Management Guide – North Dakota State University Extension
Safe Handling of Treated Seed - University of Minnesota Extension
The Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship – American Seed Trade Association and Crop Life America
Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship – Canadian Seed Trade Association
Disposal of Treated Seed – Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN) - North Dakota State University
AgWeather – University of Wisconsin Extension
Understanding Air Temperature Inversions Relating to Pesticide Drift - North Dakota State University
Are Inversions Really That Common? - University of Minnesota Extension
Nozzles: Selection and Sizing – Virginia Cooperative Extension
Adjuvants and the Power of the Spray Droplet – Purdue Extension
Managing Pesticide Drift – University of Florida Extension
Spray Drift of Pesticides – University of Nebraska Extension
Mode of Action Classification – Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC)
Preparing for a Spill (Incident Response Plan) – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Waste Pesticide Collection Program – Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Document: Water Quality BMPs for Chlopyrifos (PDF)

References:

Mode of Action Classification – Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC)
Northern Plains Integrated Pest Management Guide
Agricultural Chemical Monitoring and Assessment - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Pesticide Best Management Practices - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Water Quality BMPs for All Agricultural Insecticides (PDF)
Pesticide Product Search Tool – NPIRS (Select Minnesota and search for Active Ingredient

Document: Stewardship Guidelines and Best Management Practices for Soil and Foliar-applied Neonicotinoid (PDF)

References:

Neonicotinoid Insecticides - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
How Neonicotinoids Can Kill Bees – Xerces Society
BMPs for Pollinators and their Habitat – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Buffer Strips: Common Sense Conservation (Arkansas) (PDF) – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA
Introduction to Pesticide Resistance– Pesticide Environmental Stewardship
50 Ways to Treat Your Pesticide – Aerial Application Edition (PDF) – National Agricultural Aviation Association
Aerial Application Technology Research Atomization (Spray Nozzle) Models – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), USDA
Suspect Pesticide Drift? What to do and how to prevent it from occurring – University of Minnesota Extension
Pesticide investigation into honeybee death, Bee Kills – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Mode of Action Classification – Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC)
Transportation of Pesticides– Pesticide Environmental Stewardship
North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN) - North Dakota State University
Fieldwatch
Waste Pesticide Collection Program – Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Document: Stewardship Guidelines and Best Management Practices for Home and Residential Use of Neonicotinoid Insecticides (PDF)

References:

Review of neonicotinoid use, registration, and insect pollinator impacts in Minnesota. Neonicotinoid Insecticides - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Turfgrass BMPs - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Nursery Label/Pollinator Statute - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Pollinator BMPs for Yards and Gardens (PDF) - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Warning Signs for Applying Pesticides to Turf - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Pesticide investigation into honeybee death, Bee Kills - Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Document: Stewardship Guidelines and BMPs for Neonicotinoid Insecticide - Treated Seed (PDF)

References:

The Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship - American Seed Trade Association
Guide to Treated Seed Stewardship (PDF) - Canadian Seed Trade Association
Safe Handling of Treated Seed (PDF) - University of Minnesota Extension
Stewardship Guidelines for Managing Treated Seed Spill - American Seed Trade Association
Special registration review of Neonicotinoid Insecticides – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Review of Neonicotinoid Use, Registration, and Insect Pollinator Impacts in Minnesota (PDF)– Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Pollinator Report: Pollinator Bank, Habitat Protection, and Pesticide Special Review (PDF) – Minnesota Legislative Reference Library
Pollinator Protection: Reducing Risk from Treated Seed – Government of Canada
Protecting Pollinators When Using Treated Seed - BMPs – Government of Canada
BMPs for Pollinators – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Best Management Practices for Farmers Using Seeds Treated With Neonicotinoid Insecticides (PDF) - State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Minnesota Pesticide Sales Information – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Pesticide investigation into honeybee death, Bee Kills - Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Welcome to BeeCheck – Fieldwatch
Planter Preparation, Maintenance, and Calibration (PDF) – University of Arkansas Research And Extension
Planter Clean-Out Procedures For Corn & Soybeans (YouTube video) – Iowa State University Extension And Outreach
Growers and Beekeepers Role – Honeybee Health Coalition
Promote Pollinator in Agricultural Landscapes (PDF) – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Pesticide and Fertilizer Misuse Complaint Form – Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Document: Pesticide Safety Guide for Homeowners (PDF)

References:

Waste Pesticide Collection Program – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Yard and Garden – University of Minnesota Extension
Turfgrass BMPs for Pesticides and Fertilizers – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Stewardship Guidelines and Best Management Practices for Home and Residential Use of Neonicotinoid Insecticides (PDF) – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Safe Use Practices for Pesticides – National Pesticide Information Center
Keep Safe: Read the Label First – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Tips for Proper Pesticide Application (YouTube video) – The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance
Pesticide Best Management Practices – Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Document: BMPs for Turfgrass Pesticides (PDF)

References:

Spray Drift of Pesticides– University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
Warning Signs for Applying Pesticides to Turf – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
The Calibration of Turfgrass Boom Sprayers and Spreaders – North Carolina State University Extension
Take Action Against Herbicide-Resistance Weeds – Take Action, Herbicide Resistance Management (GROW)
Turfgrass Integrated Pest Management – Kansas State University Extension
Reduce the Need of Pesticides and Herbicides (PDF) – Wallingford Connecticut / Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Waste Pesticide Collection Program – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Pesticide Containers: Management & Disposal – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Pesticide Best Management Practices – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
BMPs for Pollinators and their Habitat– Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program – University of Florida Extension
Water Quality and Professional Lawncare – North Carolina State University Extension
Best Management Practices for the Enhancement of Environment Quality on Florida Golf Courses – University of Florida, the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, and the Florida Department of Environment Protection
Information on water table depth, groundwater pollution sensitivity, and karst features - Water Resources Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Lawns and Landscapes in Minnesota– University of Minnesota Extension
Herbicide Properties Tool – National Information Pesticide Center
FieldWatch

Document: BMPs for Pesticide Use for Homeowners and Commercial Lawn Care (PDF)

References:

Lawn and Landscapes in Minnesota – University of Minnesota Extension
Yard and Garden Related Resources – University of Minnesota Extension
Warning Signs for Applying Pesticide to Turf – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Turfgrass BMPs for Pesticides and Fertilizers – Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Document: Potato Fungicide BMPs to Prevent Drift and Minimize Volatilization (PDF)

References:

Potato Integrated Pest Management – University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Minnesota/North Dakota Late Blight Alert - North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN)
North Dakota Agriculture Weather Network Potato Blight App – North Dakota State University
FieldWatch and FieldWatch map
Pesticide and Fertilizer Misuse Complaint Form– Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Spray Application Technology: Selecting Spray Nozzles with Drift-Reducing Technology – North Dakota State University Extension
Cleaning Pesticide Application Equipment – University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
Managing Pesticide Drift – University of Florida
Nozzles: Selection and Sizing – Virginia Cooperative Extension
Aerial Application – Pesticide Environmental Stewardship
Operation Self-Regulating Application And Flight Efficiency (S.A.F.E.) – National Agricultural Aviation Association
Aerial Applicators Recertification Webinar – Minnesota Agricultural Aviation Association
Droplet Spectrum: Aerial Application Technology Research Atomization Models (USDA) and smartphone apps (App Store)
Pesticide safety and certification information – University of Minnesota Extension
Introduction to pesticide drift – U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Selecting the Best Nozzle for the Job – Ohio State University Extension
Nozzles and Droplets: What Do the Colors Mean? – Arizona Coop Extension
Potato Pest management Guidelines – Crop Rotation – University of California Davis
2019 Michigan Potato Research Report– Michigan State University
Selecting, Cutting, and Handling Potato Seed – University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Potato Inspection – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Cleaning and Disinfecting Potato Equipment and Storage Facilities – University of Idaho Extension
Potato Fertilization on Irrigated Soils – University of Minnesota Extension
Potato Late Blight Recommendations for 2015 – Michigan State University Extension
Late Blight in Potatoes – North Dakota State University Extension
Soil Compaction – University of Minnesota Extension
Integrated Pest Management Strategic Plan for Potatoes in Oregon, Washington and Idaho (PDF) – Oregon State University Extension
Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC)

Document: Herbicide Drift Management (PDF)

References:

Avoiding Herbicide Drift – University of Minnesota Extension
Pesticide and Fertilizer Misuse Complaint Form– Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Document: Label Setback or Buffer Requirements for Certain Herbicides (PDF)

References:

Pesticide Best Management Practices – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Herbicide Classification Chart - Take Action, Herbicide Resistance Management (GROW)

Document: Recommended Integrated Pest Management Approach and Treatment Threshold for Soybean Aphid Control in Soybean (PDF)

References:

Insecticide Resistance Management in Soybean – University of Minnesota Extension
Fact-based soybean aphid insecticide recommendations – University of Minnesota Extension
Registered Pesticide Product Search Tool – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Soybean aphid in Minnesota soybean– University of Minnesota Extension
Scouting for soybean aphid– University of Minnesota Extension
Insecticide resistance management in soybean – University of Minnesota Extension
Aphid-resistant soybean varieties for Minnesota – University of Minnesota Extension
Soybean Research Laboratory– Iowa Department of Entomology
Illinois Soybean Disease Research – University of Illinois Urban-Champaign
Soybean Aphid Scouting and Management – University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Insecticide options for resistant soybean aphid – University of Minnesota Extension
D.W. Ragsdale, B. P. McCornack, R. C. Venette, B. D. Potter, I. V. MacRae, E. W. Hodgson, M. E O'Neal, K. D. Johnson, R. J. O’Neil, C. D. Difonzo, T. E. Hunt, P. A. Glogoza, and E. M. Cullen. 2007. Economic threshold for soybean aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae). J. Econ. Entomol. 100(4) 1258-1267.
E.W. Hodgson, B.P. McCornack, K. Tilmon, and J.J. Knodel (2012). Management Recommendations for Soybean Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the United States. Journal of Integrated Pest Management. 3 (1): E1-E10.
E.W. Hodgson, B.P. McCornack K.A. Koch, D.W. Ragsdale, K.D. Johnson, M.E. O’Neal, E.M. Cullen, H.J. Kraiss, C.D DiFonzo, L.M. Behnken (2007). Field validation of Speed Scouting for soybean aphid. Crop Management. doi:10.1094/CM-2007–0511-01-RS.
E.W Hodgson, E.C. Burkness, W.D. Hutchison, and D.W. Ragsdale (2004). Enumerative and binomial sequential sampling plans for soybean aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) in soybean. Journal of Economic Entomology 97: 2127–2136.
R.C. Venette and D.W. Ragsdale (2004). Assessing the invasion by soybean aphid (Homoptera Aphididae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 97 (2): 219–226.
R.L. Koch, B.D. Potter, P.A. Glogoza, E.W. Hodgson, C.H. Krupke, J.F. Tooker, C.D. DiFonzo, A.P. Michel, K.J. Tilmon, T.J. Prochaska, J.J. Knodel, R.J. Wright, T.E. Hunt, B. Jensen, A.J. Varenhorst, B.P. McCornack, K.A. Estes and J.L. Spencer (2016). Biology and economics of recommendations for insecticide-based management of soybean aphid. Plant Health Progress 17(4): 265–269.

Program website: Wase Pesticide Disposal Program

References:

Waste Pesticide Collection Schedule - Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Document: Emerald Ash Borer Insecticides: Label Guidance for Use Limits (PDF)

References:

Emerald Ash Borer – University of Minnesota Extension
Emerald Ash Borer Homeowner Guide to Insecticide Selection, Use, and Environmental Protection (PDF) – Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Document: Emerald Ash Borer - Homeowner Guide to Insecticide Selection, Use, and Environmental Protection (PDF)

References:

Interactive Emerald Ash Borer Status Map – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Registered Pesticide Product Search Tool – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Insect Pollinator Best Management Practices for Minnesota Yards and Gardens (PDF) – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Emerald Ash Borer – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Emerald Ash Borer – University of Minnesota Extension
Emerald Ash Borer – Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Emerald Ash Borer – Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
How to hire a tree care professional – University of Minnesota Extension
Waste Pesticide Collection Schedule – Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Document: Bed Bugs and Insecticides: What You Should Know (PDF)

References:

Bed bugs – University of Minnesota Extension
Pesticide and Fertilizer Misuse Complaint Form – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Waste Pesticide Collection Program – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Bed Bug Control for Pest Management Professionals – University of Minnesota Extension
EPA-Registered Bed Bug Product Search Tool – U. S. Environmental Protection Agency

Program website: Bee Kills

References:

Pesticide and Fertilizer Misuse Complaint Form – Minnesota Department of Agriculture
FieldWatch

Pollinator Habitat BMPs

The MDA’s pollinator BMPs are developed to protect both wild and managed insect pollinators by supporting the habitat they need for survival and reproduction. These BMPs offer voluntary practices that help reduce negative impacts on pollinator habitat from current land‑management activities, improve existing habitat, and create new habitat across agricultural landscapes, roadsides and rights‑of‑way, and yards and gardens. These BMP documents are available at Best Management Practices for Pollinators and their Habitat.