PEP-Talk, March, 2007
Pesticide Education Program
Ohio State University Extension
Joanne Kick-Raack, State Coordinator
Cindy Folck, Communications
Vol. 11, Issue 3
IN THIS ISSUE
EPA PROPOSES RESTRICTED USE RODENTICIDES
Brodifacoum, bromadiolone and difethialone are three active ingredients for rodenticides that EPA is proposing to make restricted use. The proposal is currently open to public comment. Additionally, EPA would require all residential use rodenticides be sold in refillable tamper-resistant bait stations. There will be additional restrictions and label improvements to the nine currently registered rodenticides. More information is available at: http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/reregistration/rodenticides/
CALIFORNIA SEES INCREASE IN PESTICIDE USAGE
In 2005, total pesticides used in California rose nearly 8 percent. Half of the increase was attributed to sulfur, a low-toxicity material that is approved for organic use. The weather was wet in 2005, especially in the grape-growing region of San Joaquin County. The sulfur, and other funigicides, were used to stifle mold and mildew. (Source: Chemically Speaking, University of Florida Extension, January, 2007)
MALATHION MITIGATION MEASURES
Malathion, an organophosphate insecticide, is used on crops such as blueberries and cherries. Malathion is also used for mosquito control. In a recent re-registration eligibility decision for malathion, EPA has lowered maximum application rates and the number of applications allowed per year. Growers criticized the changes during a recent public comment period. The growers said the lower rates would not have adequate efficacy against the pests listed on the label.
Environmental groups criticized EPA for changing malathion from a likely carcinogen to a suggestive carcinogen. They also charge that EPA’s testing did not adequately consider the possibly neurotoxic mechanisms of malathion.
(Source: Pesticide and Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 35, No. 16)
FARM FINED FOR WORKER PROTECTION VIOLATIONS
EPA levied fines totaling $92,620 against a Puerto Rican farm for 170 violations of the Worker Protection Standard. The violations included not displaying specific pesticide application information for agricultural workers and pesticide handlers, failing to provide workers with decontamination materials and failing to provide handlers with personal protective equipment. More information is available at: http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/wpsenf.html#prwps
WAL-MART ACCUSED OF MISLABELING ORGANIC FOODS
The organic watch-group, Cornucopia Institute, has accused Wal-Mart of selling non-organic food as organic. The group visited Wal-Mart stores and found non-organic products stocked in displays of organic foods. The stores visited included the new, upscale-store in Plano, Texas and several Midwestern stores. The group claims that Wal- Mart did not change the displays even after letters were sent.
(Source: Chemically Speaking, University of Florida Extension, January 2007)
PESTICIDE CROP WATCH
INSECTICIDES
phosmet – this organophosphate pesticide is an alternative to azinphos-methyl, which is being phased out by 2018. EPA has issued the final decision on the restricted-entry intervals for nine uses of phosmet. The nine uses include: apples (including crabapples), apricots, highbush blueberries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums and prunes. Additional mitigation includes
- lower seasonal maximum application rates,
- protective buffer zones around occupied dwellings for applications
- prohibition of application after certain high-exposure activities
- health protective entry restrictions for pick-your own operations
More information is available at: http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/op/phosmet.htm
HERBICIDES
ethofumesate – a selective herbicide used during preplant, preemergence and post emergence for control of broadleaf and grass weeds for sugar beets, turf for sod and golf courses and grass for seed. EPA has proposed to modify risk mitigation measures and remove the 9-day reentry interval for maintenance on the sod. The harvest interval for sod will be reduced from 16 days to 3 days. More information is available at: http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/reregistration/ethofumesate/
FUNGICIDES
Bayleton (triadimefon) – Bayer Crop Science -- EPA has proposed to cancel apples, pears, grapes and raspberries from the label. The proposal would also remove residential turf usage from the label. The product would still be available for commercial turf and ornamentals.
Enable (fenbuconazole) – Dow AgroSciences has registered the product for use on sugar beets to control powdery mildew.
UPCOMING EVENTS
More information about these events at http://pested.osu.edu
TRAINED SERVICEPERSON AND CORE TRAINING
April 25, 2007
June 6, 2007
July 18, 2007
August 8, 2007
Taught at Ohio Department of Agriculture, Reynoldsburg
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