PEP-Talk, November, 2002

PEP-Talk, November, 2002

Pesticide Education Program
Ohio State University Extension
Joanne Kick-Raack, State Coordinator
Cindy Folck, Communications
Vol. 6, Issue 11

In This Issue

PAT Agent Inservice

Efficacy Legal Case

Streamlining Section 18s Proposed

Drift Labeling Proposal Postponed

States Reject Termiticide Registration

USDA Conducts Extension Agent Survey

Fewer Pesticide Poisonings in California

CCA-Treated Wood Update

Legislation Introduced Against Invasive Species

Pesticide Crop Watch

Upcoming Events

PAT Agent Inservice

Mark your calendars for the Pesticide Applicator Training Agent Inservice on January 8 & 9, 2003. The event will move this year to the Ag. Auditorium in the Agriculture Administration Building on OSU main campus. Registration information will be coming out soon.

Efficacy Legal Case

The Texas Supreme Court said farmers could bring a crop damage case to court in spite of the fact FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act) does not require target efficacy testing by EPA for pesticide regulation. The ruling was in response to a case brought by a group of farmers who claimed the mixture of Pursuit and Prowl reduced their peanut yield by an average of 3,000 pounds per acre, even though the labels stated the mixture was safe for use on peanuts. The court stated that since Congress has allowed the EPA to choose not to regulate product labeling with respect to how well a product works, there is no preemption under FIFRA for this type of claim so the farmers are able to pursue their case. (Source: Chemically Speaking, University of Florida, Aug. 2002)

Streamlining Section 18s Proposed

EPA has proposed streamlining revisions for emergency registration exemptions (Section 18s). FIFRA Section 18 allows emergency pesticide use without applying full, Section 3 registration requirements. Proponents of streamlining would like the application process to go faster because any delay in EPA review increases the potential for crop losses. Opponents argue that many Section 18s are unnecessary.

EPA will limit the streamlining to reduced-risk pesticides. There is also provision for multi-year renewals. Section 18 exemptions will be allowed for "select" uses for three years. The state agencies will have to certify a continuing emergency for these multi-year exemptions. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 48)

Drift Labeling Proposal Postponed

EPA has announced that the Agency will not issue a revised spray drift proposal in the near future. The revisions, issued last year, had drawn a massive number of public comments. Talks continue with stakeholders and others concerning the proposed label language. The USDA, grower organizations and association trade groups have begun discussions about developing an agricultural community position regarding spray drift label language. (Source: Chemically Speaking, University of Florida, Sept. 2002; Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 48)

States Reject Termiticide Registration

Two states have refused to register Termiticide T/C, a chlorpyrifos-based pesticide registered by the Arizona Chemical Group, in their state. South Carolina and Tennessee contend that the 0.25% level of chlorpyrifos in the product is insufficient for termite control. The company says a higher level of chlorpyrifos would exceed the 0.5% solution limit imposed by EPA as part of the phase-out of chlorpyrifos for residential termiticide use. The 0.5% solution limit was part of an agreement reached between EPA and manufacturers of chlorpyrifos products.

Several states are concerned that termiticides with 0.5% solution of chlorpyrifos or less are not effective for long-term termite control. Studies conducted by the U.S. Forest Service have shown that there is limited control at 0.5% solution of chlorpyrifos. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, Nos. 49 & 50)

USDA Conducts Extension Agent Survey

More than 85% of U.S. extension agents believe an agricultural, food or water bioterrorist attack will take place somewhere in the country, according to a USDA-sponsored survey on the educational needs of extension agents. The survey results showed only slightly more than half of the extension agents know what county agency is in charge of emergency response planning and who to contact in case of a strike.

The survey was administered by the Extension Disaster Education Network (an affiliation of land grant university professionals who deal with disaster education. The survey included 1,120 responders in 30 states from extension educators in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer science and community development.

Seventy-eight percent of the survey respondents believe a terrorist strike is unlikely in their county. Drinking water security was seen as the most "urgent" homeland security topic followed by food security. The agents in the survey recommended more educational efforts about on-farm pesticide security, the farm labor force and increasing public understanding about the release of invasive weeds or animals in the U.S. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 43)

Fewer Pesticide Poisonings in California

A recent report on pesticide poisonings showed a decline in the number of agriculture-related pesticide poisonings in California. The numbers were based on data from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. The report, released by a group called Californians for Pesticide Reform, declared that safety violations still exist on farms and that tougher laws and better enforcement are needed. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 48)

CCA-Treated Wood Update

An environmental group is pushing EPA to require arsenic-treated wood to be disposed of in lined landfills designed to prevent leaching. The group contends that wood products treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) should be treated as hazardous waste. EPA maintains that CCA-treated wood can still be disposed in a municipal solid waste landfill as the landfills are already required to have a liner and leachate collection system. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 40)

Legislation Introduced Against Invasive Species

The Aquatic Invasive Species Research Act has been introduced in the senate to help stem the tide of invasive species entering the U.S. water systems. The targeted species in the act include zebra mussels, European green crab, sea lamprey and other invaders in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway and Mississippi River. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 48)

Pesticide Crop Watch

Insecticides

Fenamiphos - According to EPA, Bayer has voluntarily cancelled all uses for the organophosphate fenamiphos, a broad spectrum insecticide-nematicide registered for use on several crops including apples, ornamentals and turfgrass. All sales and distribution will end May 31, 2007; end users can continue to use purchased product. Click here for details.

Methamidophos - EPA has released an interim risk management decision for the organophosphate methamidophos, an insecticide used mainly on potatoes. The details of the decision is available.

Sevin (carbaryl) - EPA has announced the availability of the human health and environmental fate and effect risk assessment. Information is available.

Herbicides

Chlorpropham - EPA has announced the availability of the tolerance reassessment decision, human health risk assessment and related documents. Chlorpropham is a herbicide and plant growth regulator used mainly on potatoes. Click here for more information.

Diquat dibromide - EPA has issued an intention to modify certain occupational and residential risk mitigation measures on the label. Diquat dibromide is used on potatoes, alfalfa, clover, sorghum, soybean grain and as an aquatic herbicide. More information is available.

Misc.

Pylon (chlorfenapyr) - Added to label use against foliar nematodes.

(Sources for Pesticide Crop Watch: EPA Office of Pesticide Program Updates, 10-16-02, 10-21-02, ; Chemically Speaking, University of Florida, Aug. & Sept. 2002; Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, Nos. 48 & 49)

Upcoming Events

Agent Inservice
January 8 & 9, 2003, Ag. Auditorium, Ag. Admin. Bldg., OSU main campus

Commercial Recertification Conference
General Conference (turf, ornamental, industrial vegetation, general pest, termite) November 26, 2002 - Cleveland, Holiday Inn Independence
December 17, 2002 - Dayton Columbus Center
January 15, 2003 - Perrysburg, Holiday Day Inn French Quarters
February 6, 2003 - Columbus Convention Center

Commercial Recertification Conference
Field Crop Conference (agricultural pest, agronomic weed)
January 29, 2003 - Columbus, OSU Fawcett Center
February 12, 2003 - Lima Holiday Inn

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	PEP-Talk, November, 2002 Pesticide Education Program Ohio State University Extension Joanne Kick-Raack, State Coordinator Cindy Folck, Communications Vol. 6, Issue 11 In This Issue PAT Agent Inservice Efficacy Legal Case Streamlining Section 18s Proposed Drift Labeling Proposal Postponed States Reject Termiticide Registration USDA Conducts Extension Agent Survey Fewer Pesticide Poisonings in California CCA-Treated Wood Update Legislation Introduced Against Invasive Species Pesticide Crop Watch Upcoming Events PAT Agent Inservice Mark your calendars for the Pesticide Applicator Training Agent Inservice on January 8 & 9, 2003. The event will move this year to the Ag. Auditorium in the Agriculture Administration Building on OSU main campus. Registration information will be coming out soon. Efficacy Legal Case The Texas Supreme Court said farmers could bring a crop damage case to court in spite of the fact FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act) does not require target efficacy testing by EPA for pesticide regulation. The ruling was in response to a case brought by a group of farmers who claimed the mixture of Pursuit and Prowl reduced their peanut yield by an average of 3,000 pounds per acre, even though the labels stated the mixture was safe for use on peanuts. The court stated that since Congress has allowed the EPA to choose not to regulate product labeling with respect to how well a product works, there is no preemption under FIFRA for this type of claim so the farmers are able to pursue their case. (Source: Chemically Speaking, University of Florida, Aug. 2002) Streamlining Section 18s Proposed EPA has proposed streamlining revisions for emergency registration exemptions (Section 18s). FIFRA Section 18 allows emergency pesticide use without applying full, Section 3 registration requirements. Proponents of streamlining would like the application process to go faster because any delay in EPA review increases the potential for crop losses. Opponents argue that many Section 18s are unnecessary. EPA will limit the streamlining to reduced-risk pesticides. There is also provision for multi-year renewals. Section 18 exemptions will be allowed for "select" uses for three years. The state agencies will have to certify a continuing emergency for these multi-year exemptions. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 48) Drift Labeling Proposal Postponed EPA has announced that the Agency will not issue a revised spray drift proposal in the near future. The revisions, issued last year, had drawn a massive number of public comments. Talks continue with stakeholders and others concerning the proposed label language. The USDA, grower organizations and association trade groups have begun discussions about developing an agricultural community position regarding spray drift label language. (Source: Chemically Speaking, University of Florida, Sept. 2002; Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 48) States Reject Termiticide Registration Two states have refused to register Termiticide T/C, a chlorpyrifos-based pesticide registered by the Arizona Chemical Group, in their state. South Carolina and Tennessee contend that the 0.25% level of chlorpyrifos in the product is insufficient for termite control. The company says a higher level of chlorpyrifos would exceed the 0.5% solution limit imposed by EPA as part of the phase-out of chlorpyrifos for residential termiticide use. The 0.5% solution limit was part of an agreement reached between EPA and manufacturers of chlorpyrifos products. Several states are concerned that termiticides with 0.5% solution of chlorpyrifos or less are not effective for long-term termite control. Studies conducted by the U.S. Forest Service have shown that there is limited control at 0.5% solution of chlorpyrifos. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, Nos. 49 & 50) USDA Conducts Extension Agent Survey More than 85% of U.S. extension agents believe an agricultural, food or water bioterrorist attack will take place somewhere in the country, according to a USDA-sponsored survey on the educational needs of extension agents. The survey results showed only slightly more than half of the extension agents know what county agency is in charge of emergency response planning and who to contact in case of a strike. The survey was administered by the Extension Disaster Education Network (an affiliation of land grant university professionals who deal with disaster education. The survey included 1,120 responders in 30 states from extension educators in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer science and community development. Seventy-eight percent of the survey respondents believe a terrorist strike is unlikely in their county. Drinking water security was seen as the most "urgent" homeland security topic followed by food security. The agents in the survey recommended more educational efforts about on-farm pesticide security, the farm labor force and increasing public understanding about the release of invasive weeds or animals in the U.S. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 43) Fewer Pesticide Poisonings in California A recent report on pesticide poisonings showed a decline in the number of agriculture-related pesticide poisonings in California. The numbers were based on data from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. The report, released by a group called Californians for Pesticide Reform, declared that safety violations still exist on farms and that tougher laws and better enforcement are needed. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 48) CCA-Treated Wood Update An environmental group is pushing EPA to require arsenic-treated wood to be disposed of in lined landfills designed to prevent leaching. The group contends that wood products treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) should be treated as hazardous waste. EPA maintains that CCA-treated wood can still be disposed in a municipal solid waste landfill as the landfills are already required to have a liner and leachate collection system. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 40) Legislation Introduced Against Invasive Species The Aquatic Invasive Species Research Act has been introduced in the senate to help stem the tide of invasive species entering the U.S. water systems. The targeted species in the act include zebra mussels, European green crab, sea lamprey and other invaders in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway and Mississippi River. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 48) Pesticide Crop Watch Insecticides Fenamiphos - According to EPA, Bayer has voluntarily cancelled all uses for the organophosphate fenamiphos, a broad spectrum insecticide-nematicide registered for use on several crops including apples, ornamentals and turfgrass. All sales and distribution will end May 31, 2007; end users can continue to use purchased product. Click here for details. Methamidophos - EPA has released an interim risk management decision for the organophosphate methamidophos, an insecticide used mainly on potatoes. The details of the decision is available. Sevin (carbaryl) - EPA has announced the availability of the human health and environmental fate and effect risk assessment. Information is available. Herbicides Chlorpropham - EPA has announced the availability of the tolerance reassessment decision, human health risk assessment and related documents. Chlorpropham is a herbicide and plant growth regulator used mainly on potatoes. Click here for more information. Diquat dibromide - EPA has issued an intention to modify certain occupational and residential risk mitigation measures on the label. Diquat dibromide is used on potatoes, alfalfa, clover, sorghum, soybean grain and as an aquatic herbicide. More information is available. Misc. Pylon (chlorfenapyr) - Added to label use against foliar nematodes. (Sources for Pesticide Crop Watch: EPA Office of Pesticide Program Updates, 10-16-02, 10-21-02, ; Chemically Speaking, University of Florida, Aug. & Sept. 2002; Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, Nos. 48 & 49) Upcoming Events Agent Inservice January 8 & 9, 2003, Ag. Auditorium, Ag. Admin. Bldg., OSU main campus Commercial Recertification Conference General Conference (turf, ornamental, industrial vegetation, general pest, termite) November 26, 2002 - Cleveland, Holiday Inn Independence December 17, 2002 - Dayton Columbus Center January 15, 2003 - Perrysburg, Holiday Day Inn French Quarters February 6, 2003 - Columbus Convention Center Commercial Recertification Conference Field Crop Conference (agricultural pest, agronomic weed) January 29, 2003 - Columbus, OSU Fawcett Center February 12, 2003 - Lima Holiday Inn Top of Page Return to Home