PEP-Talk, April, 2002

PEP-Talk, April, 2002

Pesticide Education Program
Ohio State University Extension
Joanne Kick-Raack, State Coordinator
Cindy Folck, Communications
Vol. 6, Issue 4

In This Issue

Ohio 24c Additions

Technology Update

Applicators Could Face Fines for Label Violations

Ohio Pesticide Law Changes Move to House

Methyl Bromide Alternatives Sought

Mosquito Insecticides Face Obstacles

Pesticide Estimates Deemed on Tract

Interactive Cockroach Activity Book

Pesticide Crop Watch

Ohio 24c Additions

The Ohio Department of Agriculture recently issued two new Special Local Need 24c registrations. The first registration is OH 02001 for Stratego, a wheat fungicide to control powdery mildew, stagonospora leaf and glume blotch and leaf rust. The second registration is OH 02002 for Sandea, a herbicide for control of broadleaf weeds on cucumbers, pumpkins, winter squash, cantalopes, honeydew melons and Crenshaw melons.

Any applicator using these pesticides for the special local need must have the Ohio 24c label. These labels can be downloaded from our website and click on the "General Information" tab for the list of Ohio 24c labels. The newest 24c labels issued are at the end of the list.

Technology Update

As we ready for another crop year, new technologies continue to emerge for agricultural and horticultural products. Following are a few of the newer technologies, and controversies, emerging this spring. The Scotts Co. is planning to ask the U.S.D.A. for permission to sell its first batch of low-maintenance grass. The genetically altered grass will require less cutting and withstand repeated doses of weed killers. Environmental groups have challenged Scotts, saying the new product will fundamentally alter nature. (Source: Chemically Speaking, University of Florida Extension, Feb. 2002)

Monsanto and Agriculture Canada are collaborating on the development and testing of Roundup Ready wheat. The projected date for certification would be 2003, with 2005 a more likely date. A group of prairie grain industry representatives are developing a plan for managing the genetically engineered wheat's introduction. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 17)

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a fibrous barrier to reduce insecticide usage in onions, cabbages and other crops. The fiber is seen by researchers as a major weapon against onion maggots, cabbage maggots, corn earworms and other pests. The fiber is placed on the plant to prevent insect invasion. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 18)

Last year, state legislatures produced 112 bills nationwide to regulate genetically modified (GM) crops and fish. Twenty-eight of these measures became law, 20 increased penalties against individuals who willfully destroy GM and other agricultural products and 8 imposed requirements on GM farms, manufacturers and seed dealers. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Jan. 14, 2002)

A new report by Charles Benbrook contends Bt corn has been a bad investment for American farms. He says the farmers have lost more than a dollar an acre over the past six years when using Bt corn. Leonard Gianessi along with the National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy contends that the report would have shown net gains if it had more reasonably estimated what farmers paid for the technology. Gianessi says farmers more likely paid about $6 an acre for Bt corn varieties over conventional corn hybrids. Benbrook based his estimates on farmers paying $9 an acre more for Bt technology. (Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 8)

The Associated Press reported that global planting of genetically engineered crops jumped nearly 20 percent last year. This was in spite of resistance of consumers in Europe and elsewhere, according to the International Service for Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA), a group that promotes the use of technology in poor countries. The ISAAA predicts a 10 percent increase in biotech acreage this year (Associated Press, January 10, 2002)

EPA has just completed several fact sheets about biotechnology. The fact sheets will be posted on their website sometime in the near future. EPA's website is http://www.epa.gov

Applicators Could Face Fines for Lable Violations

Failure to comply with labels that require applicators to wear personal protection equipment could result in fines as high as $5,000 if brought to the attention of a federal regulator, according to George Saxton, Office of the Indiana State Chemist, while speaking at the annual Pest Control Conference at Purdue University.

Saxton related a story of seeing a young woman applying herbicide while wearing a tank top and shorts. After talking with the woman and finding her supervisor, they read the product label which required the applicator to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and gloves. He reminds applicators to read the label thoroughly, even year to year as the label may change. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Jan. 14, 2002)

Ohio Pesticide Law Changes Move to House

Last week, the Ohio Senate approved the bill to change Ohio pesticide law. The bill has now moved onto the Ohio House of Representatives and will be on their docket after the spring recess.

If passed, the law would consolidate the custom operator, limited commercial applicator and public operator licenses into that of commercial applicator, with a standard fee for everyone. The proposed law would change the current licensing year to October 1 - September 30 for commercial applicators. Also, the proposed law would allow the Director of Agriculture to make changes to direct supervision through rulemaking in the future and not require the introduction of a bill into the House or the Senate.

Methyl Bromide Alternatives Sought

Methyl bromide, a widely used fumigant, is particularly important in minor-crop agriculture. All U.S. uses of methyl bromide will end on Jan. 1, 2005. EPA is allowing growers to apply for exemptions to the methyl bromide phase-out. Applicants for the exemptions must demonstrate that they have no technical or economical alternative to methyl bromide as of the phaseout date. Early next year, a notice is expected to be published in the Federal Register requesting applications for the exemptions.

There is a scramble as growers and manufacturers look for alternatives for methyl bromide. Although it's too early to tell, a fungus found growing on Central American cinnamon trees could eventually lead to a replacement for methyl bromide. The fungus, Muscodor albus, seems to protect the trees from blight, molds and pests.

Hoping to ease grower transition from methyl bromide, California's Department of Pesticide Regulation has agreed to allow greater use of 1,3-dichloropropene in some townships. The 1,3-D product is used as a replacement for methyl bromide, once the most widely used soil fumigant, to control nematodes and plant pathogens.

EPA has received an application from Arvesta Corporation to register the methyl bromide alternative, iodomethane. This compound has shown great promise in IR-4 efficacy trials as a "drop-in" replacement for methyl bromide. (Sources: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 18; Vol. 30, No. 14; Dec. 17, 2001 and Chemically Speaking, University of Florida Extension, Feb. 2002)

Mosquito Insecticides Face Obstacles

The pressing need for new adulticides will not be met unless registrants and regulatory agencies come up with novel approaches to the obstacles blocking their development, a National Institutes of Health scientist warned at a recent meeting of an EPA advisory panel.

Many of the old-line insecticides for such disease bearing vectors as adult mosquitoes are being phased out because of their risks to human health and the environment. Their main replacements, the synthetic pyrethroids, are less effective and easier for insects to resist over time.

In an unrelated story, South Africa has seen a decline in malaria cases, attributed to the use of DDT. The Persistent Organic Pollutants treaty signed last May in Stockholm allows nationals plagued by malaria to keep using DDT, although the negotiators originally wanted to impose an international ban. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Dec. 24, 2001)

Pesticide Estimates Deemed on Tract

In order to determine whether surveys such as National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) or Doane provide biased estimates of pesticide use, an analysis was performed to examine the reliability of pesticide usage statistics obtained from these data sources commonly used by EPA.

Average active ingredient rate and percent of crop treated from both Doane Market Research and NASS Agricultural Chemical Usage Reports were compared with pesticide census data reported to the California EPA. The U.S. EPA found no significant evidence to conclude that NASS or Doane routinely underestimate or overestimate actual pesticide use. (Source: Chemically Speaking, University of Florida Extension, Feb. 2002)

Interactive Cockroach Activity Book

EPA has launched an interactive pest prevention activity book for kids. Help! It's a Roach! is online. The activities focus on teaching kids to remove sources of food, water and shelter for pests such as cockroaches, ants and mice in the home.

Pesticide Crop Watch

Insecticides

Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is being phased out for residential and recreational use. Four chemical alternatives to CCA are available on the market. Ammoniacal cooper quat is the most environmentally popular. CCA will still be available for industrial uses such as utility poles and railroads.

Fenthion is a organophosphate insecticide which is used regularly as an adulticide in special local needs registrations in Florida and Louisiana. In early February, the American Bird Conservancy and other groups filed a notice of intent to sue EPA over the perils of avian exposure to fenthion. The chemical's registrant, Bayer Corp., has withdrawn support for flea and tick registrations, which is expected to lead to a steady-use reduction through 2002. The special local needs registrations for mosquitoes will remain in effect.

Misc.

Tributyltin (TBT) is used in formulating antifouling paints. EPA is intending to implement an international ban on TBT. Vessels with TBT on their hulls could be denied entry to ports in those countries beginning January 1, 2003.

(Source for Pesticide Crop Watch: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 15; Vol. 30, No. 16; Chemically Speaking, University of Florida Extension, Jan. 2002)

Upcoming Events

Pesticide Education Program Advisory Council
April 5, 9:30 a.m., Fawcett Center on OSU main campus

"Heads Up: Children's Health" - May 10
PBS broadcast on children's health and environmental pollutants

Top of Page

Return to Home




	PEP-Talk, April, 2002 Pesticide Education Program Ohio State University Extension Joanne Kick-Raack, State Coordinator Cindy Folck, Communications Vol. 6, Issue 4 In This Issue Ohio 24c Additions Technology Update Applicators Could Face Fines for Label Violations Ohio Pesticide Law Changes Move to House Methyl Bromide Alternatives Sought Mosquito Insecticides Face Obstacles Pesticide Estimates Deemed on Tract Interactive Cockroach Activity Book Pesticide Crop Watch Ohio 24c Additions The Ohio Department of Agriculture recently issued two new Special Local Need 24c registrations. The first registration is OH 02001 for Stratego, a wheat fungicide to control powdery mildew, stagonospora leaf and glume blotch and leaf rust. The second registration is OH 02002 for Sandea, a herbicide for control of broadleaf weeds on cucumbers, pumpkins, winter squash, cantalopes, honeydew melons and Crenshaw melons. Any applicator using these pesticides for the special local need must have the Ohio 24c label. These labels can be downloaded from our website and click on the "General Information" tab for the list of Ohio 24c labels. The newest 24c labels issued are at the end of the list. Technology Update As we ready for another crop year, new technologies continue to emerge for agricultural and horticultural products. Following are a few of the newer technologies, and controversies, emerging this spring. The Scotts Co. is planning to ask the U.S.D.A. for permission to sell its first batch of low-maintenance grass. The genetically altered grass will require less cutting and withstand repeated doses of weed killers. Environmental groups have challenged Scotts, saying the new product will fundamentally alter nature. (Source: Chemically Speaking, University of Florida Extension, Feb. 2002) Monsanto and Agriculture Canada are collaborating on the development and testing of Roundup Ready wheat. The projected date for certification would be 2003, with 2005 a more likely date. A group of prairie grain industry representatives are developing a plan for managing the genetically engineered wheat's introduction. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 17) Researchers at Cornell University have developed a fibrous barrier to reduce insecticide usage in onions, cabbages and other crops. The fiber is seen by researchers as a major weapon against onion maggots, cabbage maggots, corn earworms and other pests. The fiber is placed on the plant to prevent insect invasion. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 18) Last year, state legislatures produced 112 bills nationwide to regulate genetically modified (GM) crops and fish. Twenty-eight of these measures became law, 20 increased penalties against individuals who willfully destroy GM and other agricultural products and 8 imposed requirements on GM farms, manufacturers and seed dealers. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Jan. 14, 2002) A new report by Charles Benbrook contends Bt corn has been a bad investment for American farms. He says the farmers have lost more than a dollar an acre over the past six years when using Bt corn. Leonard Gianessi along with the National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy contends that the report would have shown net gains if it had more reasonably estimated what farmers paid for the technology. Gianessi says farmers more likely paid about $6 an acre for Bt corn varieties over conventional corn hybrids. Benbrook based his estimates on farmers paying $9 an acre more for Bt technology. (Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 8) The Associated Press reported that global planting of genetically engineered crops jumped nearly 20 percent last year. This was in spite of resistance of consumers in Europe and elsewhere, according to the International Service for Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA), a group that promotes the use of technology in poor countries. The ISAAA predicts a 10 percent increase in biotech acreage this year (Associated Press, January 10, 2002) EPA has just completed several fact sheets about biotechnology. The fact sheets will be posted on their website sometime in the near future. EPA's website is http://www.epa.gov Applicators Could Face Fines for Lable Violations Failure to comply with labels that require applicators to wear personal protection equipment could result in fines as high as $5,000 if brought to the attention of a federal regulator, according to George Saxton, Office of the Indiana State Chemist, while speaking at the annual Pest Control Conference at Purdue University. Saxton related a story of seeing a young woman applying herbicide while wearing a tank top and shorts. After talking with the woman and finding her supervisor, they read the product label which required the applicator to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and gloves. He reminds applicators to read the label thoroughly, even year to year as the label may change. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Jan. 14, 2002) Ohio Pesticide Law Changes Move to House Last week, the Ohio Senate approved the bill to change Ohio pesticide law. The bill has now moved onto the Ohio House of Representatives and will be on their docket after the spring recess. If passed, the law would consolidate the custom operator, limited commercial applicator and public operator licenses into that of commercial applicator, with a standard fee for everyone. The proposed law would change the current licensing year to October 1 - September 30 for commercial applicators. Also, the proposed law would allow the Director of Agriculture to make changes to direct supervision through rulemaking in the future and not require the introduction of a bill into the House or the Senate. Methyl Bromide Alternatives Sought Methyl bromide, a widely used fumigant, is particularly important in minor-crop agriculture. All U.S. uses of methyl bromide will end on Jan. 1, 2005. EPA is allowing growers to apply for exemptions to the methyl bromide phase-out. Applicants for the exemptions must demonstrate that they have no technical or economical alternative to methyl bromide as of the phaseout date. Early next year, a notice is expected to be published in the Federal Register requesting applications for the exemptions. There is a scramble as growers and manufacturers look for alternatives for methyl bromide. Although it's too early to tell, a fungus found growing on Central American cinnamon trees could eventually lead to a replacement for methyl bromide. The fungus, Muscodor albus, seems to protect the trees from blight, molds and pests. Hoping to ease grower transition from methyl bromide, California's Department of Pesticide Regulation has agreed to allow greater use of 1,3-dichloropropene in some townships. The 1,3-D product is used as a replacement for methyl bromide, once the most widely used soil fumigant, to control nematodes and plant pathogens. EPA has received an application from Arvesta Corporation to register the methyl bromide alternative, iodomethane. This compound has shown great promise in IR-4 efficacy trials as a "drop-in" replacement for methyl bromide. (Sources: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 18; Vol. 30, No. 14; Dec. 17, 2001 and Chemically Speaking, University of Florida Extension, Feb. 2002) Mosquito Insecticides Face Obstacles The pressing need for new adulticides will not be met unless registrants and regulatory agencies come up with novel approaches to the obstacles blocking their development, a National Institutes of Health scientist warned at a recent meeting of an EPA advisory panel. Many of the old-line insecticides for such disease bearing vectors as adult mosquitoes are being phased out because of their risks to human health and the environment. Their main replacements, the synthetic pyrethroids, are less effective and easier for insects to resist over time. In an unrelated story, South Africa has seen a decline in malaria cases, attributed to the use of DDT. The Persistent Organic Pollutants treaty signed last May in Stockholm allows nationals plagued by malaria to keep using DDT, although the negotiators originally wanted to impose an international ban. (Source: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Dec. 24, 2001) Pesticide Estimates Deemed on Tract In order to determine whether surveys such as National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) or Doane provide biased estimates of pesticide use, an analysis was performed to examine the reliability of pesticide usage statistics obtained from these data sources commonly used by EPA. Average active ingredient rate and percent of crop treated from both Doane Market Research and NASS Agricultural Chemical Usage Reports were compared with pesticide census data reported to the California EPA. The U.S. EPA found no significant evidence to conclude that NASS or Doane routinely underestimate or overestimate actual pesticide use. (Source: Chemically Speaking, University of Florida Extension, Feb. 2002) Interactive Cockroach Activity Book EPA has launched an interactive pest prevention activity book for kids. Help! It's a Roach! is online. The activities focus on teaching kids to remove sources of food, water and shelter for pests such as cockroaches, ants and mice in the home. Pesticide Crop Watch Insecticides Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is being phased out for residential and recreational use. Four chemical alternatives to CCA are available on the market. Ammoniacal cooper quat is the most environmentally popular. CCA will still be available for industrial uses such as utility poles and railroads. Fenthion is a organophosphate insecticide which is used regularly as an adulticide in special local needs registrations in Florida and Louisiana. In early February, the American Bird Conservancy and other groups filed a notice of intent to sue EPA over the perils of avian exposure to fenthion. The chemical's registrant, Bayer Corp., has withdrawn support for flea and tick registrations, which is expected to lead to a steady-use reduction through 2002. The special local needs registrations for mosquitoes will remain in effect. Misc. Tributyltin (TBT) is used in formulating antifouling paints. EPA is intending to implement an international ban on TBT. Vessels with TBT on their hulls could be denied entry to ports in those countries beginning January 1, 2003. (Source for Pesticide Crop Watch: Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, Vol. 30, No. 15; Vol. 30, No. 16; Chemically Speaking, University of Florida Extension, Jan. 2002) Upcoming Events Pesticide Education Program Advisory Council April 5, 9:30 a.m., Fawcett Center on OSU main campus "Heads Up: Children's Health" - May 10 PBS broadcast on children's health and environmental pollutants Top of Page Return to Home