PEP-Talk, December, 2007
Pesticide Education Program
Ohio State University Extension
Joanne Kick-Raack, State Coordinator
Cindy Folck, Communications
Vol. 11, Issue 8
IN THIS ISSUE
CONTAINER LABELING REQUIREMENTS FOR PESTICIDES
EPA has released guidance for labeling requirements. This is in response to the 2006 pesticide container and containment rule. Pesticides labels must have a statement identifying the container as refillable or non refillable. There must be instructions that facilitate the removal of pesticides from containers before disposing or recycling. For non-refillable containers there must be instructions for managing the container.
More information about the rule and labeling requirements is available at: http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/cb/csb_page/updates/2007/labeling-revisions.htm
(Source: EPA Office of Pesticide Programs, http://www.epa.gov/pesticides )
STUDY LOOKS AT Bt RUNOFF
A recent study looked at the effects of Bt corn crops on freshwater ecosystems. The study focused on pollen and detritus entering the stream system from genetically engineered corn. Laboratory feeding trials looked at the effects of these Bt corn byproducts on non-target stream insects. The trials showed reduced growth and increased mortality in the invertebrates.
The study was published in the October 9 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science and can be accessed at http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/104/41/16204
The researchers were from Southern Illinois University, Indiana University, University of Notre Dame and Loyola Chicago University.
(Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 36, No. 1)
EPA CONCLUDES NO EFFECTS ON AMPHIBIANS FROM ATRAZINE
EPA has concluded that atrazine does not adversely affect gonadal development in amphibians after reviewing 19 studies. The review was in response to some studies that claimed that atrazine was affecting amphibians’ development. The FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel agreed with EPA’s conclusions. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical news, Vol. 35, No. 49)
AMMONIUM NITRATE SECURITY
A move is on in Congress to regulate the production, sale and purchase of the fertilizer ingredient ammonium nitrate. The proposals vary between the House and Senate, but mainly require anyone who buys or sells ammonium nitrate to be registered with the Department of Homeland Security. (Source: Ohio Agribusiness Association News & Notes, December 17, 2007)
TRAINED SERVICEPERSON AND NEW APPLICATOR TRAINING FOR COMMERCIAL APPLICATORS
Public agencies, school districts, companies and businesses who apply pesticides are required to have a licensed, commercial pesticide applicator. Employees who are not licensed are able to work under the supervision of the licensed applicator as a trained serviceperson. The trained serviceperson must receive training on pesticide safety before applying or handling pesticides. The training must be noted and recorded in the employee’s personnel file.
The Pesticide Education Program will begin offering classes on a regular basis to train the unlicensed employees to meet the trained serviceperson requirements. These classes will be held at the Ohio Department of Agriculture in Reynoldsburg.
The classes will also be a review of the Core material for commercial pesticide applicators preparing to take their exam. There will also be sessions for applicators preparing to take the turf (category 8), industrial vegetation (category 5) and ornamental weed (category 6c) exams.
The classes will be held on: February 6, March 26, April 16, May 14, August 27 and September 24. For more information, visit the Pesticide Education Program website at: http://pested.osu.edu or call (614) 292-4070.
PESTICIDE CROP WATCH
INSECTICIDES
Endosulfan – EPA has updated the human health and ecological risk assessments for the organochlorine pesticide endosulfan. Endosulfan is registered for use on a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, cereal grains, vines, trees and ornamentals. This assessment was updated from 2002 because a developmental neurotoxicity study was recently submitted for the active ingredient. The dermal exposure for occupational handlers exceeded EPA’s level of concern. There is also concern with new evidence of the ecological effects of endosulfan. The concern is the compound bioconcentrates in aquatic organisms and bioaccumulates in terrestrial systems and terrestrial food webs. For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/cb/csb_page/updates/2007/endosulfan-update.htm
Dichlorvos (DDVP) – EPA has proposed to terminate the special review of this organophosphate insecticide and fumigant. The review was initiated in 1988 on concerns for cancer, cholinesterase inhibition and liver effects. Since then, the registrant has voluntarily canceled certain uses and application methods. Some of the cancelled uses include pet collar and bait registration, total release foggers, lawn application and residential crack and crevice applications. DDVP will be available for agricultural uses such as postharvest in storage areas, animal premises and applications to cattle, poultry and swine. For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2007/September/Day-26/p18861.htm
MISC.
The Canadian based Agrium, Inc., has entered into agreement to acquire UAP. The acquisition would create the largest North American retailer of crop inputs and services. More information is available at: http://www.agrium.com/5784_8473.jsp (Source: Agrium, Inc.)
(Source for Pesticide Crop Watch: EPA Office of Pesticide Programs)
UPCOMING EVENTS
More information about these events at http://pested.osu.edu
COMMERCIAL PESTICIDE APPLICATOR RECERTIFICATION CONFERENCES
General Conferences
January 15, 2008 – Dayton Convention Center
February 19, 2008 – Holiday Inn French Quarter, Perrysburg
February 26, 2008 – Columbus Convention Center
Field Crop Conferences
December 12, 2007 – Ohio State University, Lima Campus
March 5, 2008 – OSU Fawcett Center, Columbus
WOOD-DESTROYING INSECT INSPECTION
April 2, 2008
Taught at Ohio Department of Agriculture, Reynoldsburg
TRAINED SERVICEPERSON AND NEW APPLICATOR SCHOOLS
February 6, 2008
March 26, 2008
April 16, 2008
May 14, 2008
August 27, 2008
September 24, 2008
Taught at Ohio Department of Agriculture, Reynoldsburg
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OSU Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, age, gender identity or expression, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or veteran status. Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Agricultural Administration and Director, OSU Extension TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868
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