Recent Issues
Illinois Pesticide Review
July 1999
In This Issue
- Bt Corn and Monarch Butterflies
- Quick Note: Methyl Bromide Phase-Out
- Biotech: What Does Your Crystal Ball Reveal?
- Regulatory Oversight in Biotechnology
- Pesticide Updates - Agronomic
- Pesticide Updates - Many
- Pesticide Updates - Other
- Pesticide Updates - Turf/Ornamental
- Pesticide Updates - Vegetable/Fruit
- Pesticide Updates - Structures/Indoors/Animals
Bt Corn and Monarch Butterflies
A recent study conducted at Cornell University in New York focused on the effects of pollen from Bt corn on monarch butterfly caterpillars. The article, published in the scientific journal Nature, was widely reported in newspapers and other mass media in late May and early June 1999. This article attempts to present various views associated with this topic now that sufficient time has passed for different opinions to be expressed. This article relies heavily on information presented by Marlin Rice, Extension entomologist, Iowa State University at the following website: http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/icm/1999/6-14-1999/monarchbt.html
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacteria that occurs naturally in the soil. It produces an endotoxin crystal that attacks the gut membrane and creates pores, which cause leakage and swelling. The swelling continues until cells burst, which allows the gut contents to leak into the insect's blood, disrupting the blood pH and resulting in paralysis and death within 24 to 72 hours. In Bt corn, the genes in the bacteria that code for the production of this endotoxin crystal are inserted through genetic engineering into the corn plant. The resulting corn plants produce the endotoxin crystal, causing the death of caterpillars that feed on them. This toxin is produced in many locations of the corn plant, including the pollen.
The caterpillar, or larval stage, of the monarch butterfly feeds on milkweed. Because some milkweed grows next to corn, there is the potential that Bt corn pollen may drift onto milkweed and affect monarch larvae. The Cornell experiment was conducted in the laboratory with milkweed leaves that were dusted with Bt corn pollen, dusted with nonBt corn pollen, and not dusted at all. Three-day-old monarch caterpillars were then placed on the leaves and allowed to feed. After 4 days, the experiment was terminated and milkweed leaf consumption, caterpillar survival, and larval weight were recorded. The results of the study were that 44 percent of the monarch larvae died that fed on the Bt-pollen-coated leaves, and that surving larvae were less than half the size of larvae that fed on pollen-free leaves. No caterpillars died that ate leaves dusted with regular corn pollen or the control leaves.
Concerns about the study are that the amount of pollen put on the milkweed leaves is not reported, so one cannot determine how close the amount of pollen is to that occurring on milkweeds growing near cornfields. Monarch butterflies lay eggs on plants in open areas and are thus unlikely to lay eggs on milkweeds growing within cornfields.
In a study conducted at Iowa State University, potted milkweeds were placed within and at various distances from fields of Bt and nonBt corn. After 48 hours, 19 percent of the newly hatched monarch larvae in the area of Bt corn pollen died, compared to zero percent in the nonBt corn pollen treatment, and 3 percent on plants that were not placed near cornfields. This ongoing study will continue throughout this year.
Both studies suggest that some monarch caterpillars are killed when they eat Bt corn pollen. It is not known whether monarch larvae can avoid eating pollen on a milkweed in a natural environment or whether corn pollen is evenly distributed on all leaves on a milkweed. No studies have been conducted to determine the actual mortality of monarchs on milkweed near cornfields. Also, not all acres of corn are planted to Bt hybrids; estimates for 1999 suggest that 30 percent of the acres in the Corn Belt will be planted with Bt corn.
Not all Bt corn pollen may be harmful to monarchs. Fact sheets from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency show the concentration of Bt protein in various varieties of genetically engineered Bt corn, ranging from 7.1 micrograms per gram of pollen to presumably zero (as no protein could be detected).
Monarch butterflies locate milkweed by sight and prefer to lay their eggs on small milkweed plants 3 to 18 inches in height. The female butterfly most easily finds these small plants in fencerows, ditches, and pastures, as well as on rough ground. Because corn pollen is relatively heavy, only about 30 percent of it drifts farther than 26 feet. The question that remains is how much corn pollen does it take to kill monarch caterpillars?
Previous studies have shown that the twelvespotted lady beetle, green lacewing, and insidious flower bug are not affected by corn pollen known to contain Bt. These three species of insects eat both European corn borer eggs and corn pollen. However, none are caterpillars, and the type of Bt used in Bt corn is primarily effective against caterpillars. However, a different study found that green lacewing larvae had increased mortality when they ate European corn borers that died after eating Bt corn, compared with borers that fed on nonBt corn.
If Bt corn is not used, recent studies have shown that 30.6 percent of growers use insecticides for first-generation and 15.3 percent for second-generation European corn borer. The insecticides used are either broad-spectrum ones (that kill both monarch caterpillars and many beneficial insects) or Bt (as a spray or granule that also kills monarch caterpillars whose milkweeds are hit by the insecticide). How far the insecticide extends past the cornfield when it is applied varies.
When Bt corn is planted, nonBt corn is planted nearby so that any European corn borers surviving the Bt corn and developing into moths are likely to mate with nonresistant moths. This practice greatly reduces the likelihood that the resistance will be passed on and maintained. By planting these nonBt corn refuge areas as end rows and border rows, the movement of Bt corn pollen out of fields onto nearby milkweeds would be reduced.
The monarch butterfly is not an endangered or threatened species. Its numbers are probably threatened most through loss of habitat due to increased urbanization. However, a few gardeners plant some of the more attractive milkweed species, which returns a small percent of this habitat. The other threat is the elimination areas where the butterfly overwinters. Small percentages of monarchs spend the winter in central California and in Florida. Most monarchs winter in Mexican mountain passes that are threatened with development of various types-perhaps even ecotourists that come to look at the large numbers of butterflies. Loss of wintering sites in Mexico would result in major reductions, to even total elimination of monarchs in the Midwest.
What is the bottom line? If 30 percent of growers plant Bt corn (which is likely to affect monarchs and other caterpillars near the field), but 30 percent spray nonBt corn with insecticide toxic to monarchs, other caterpillars, and other insects near the field, the situation appears to be close to a draw. Even if border and end rows are planted with nonBt corn, surveys say that 30 percent are still likely to treat those rows with an insecticide that kills caterpillars.
Additional research is needed to determine how severe the Bt corn pollen mortality is to monarchs in actual field situations. The use of Bt corn reduces insecticide use and thus reduces impact on other insects and other parts of the environment. In the meantime, it is probably possible to develop additional Bt corn varieties that do not contain Bt in the pollen, creating a better situation for monarchs and other caterpillars.
(Phil Nixon)
Quick Note: Methyl Bromide Phase-Out
The United States will no longer be phasing out methyl bromide, an ozone depleter, in 2001. Methyl bromide production and importation will be reduced from 1991 levels as follows:Globally, about 76,000 tons of methyl bromide are used each year, with North American use the highest proportion (43 percent), followed by Europe (24 percent), Asia (24 percent, includes Israel and the Mideast), with South America and Africa combined using the least (9 percent). For a detailed discussion about methyl bromide alternatives and the current science linking methyl bromide to ozone depletion, see EPA's website, http://www.epa.gov/ozone/mbr/, or call the Ozone Hot Line at 1-800-296-1996.
(Bruce E. Paulsrud)
Biotech: What Does Your Crystal Ball Reveal?
Agricultural chemical use is expected to decrease dramatically in the coming decade, as crops genetically engineered for resistance to herbicides and insect pests garner even larger shares of the U.S. market. "We project . . . that chemical use would go down dramatically, especially herbicides," says Randy Thompson, manager of market analysis and development for Doane marketing research.
Doane recently released a third and final volume of the report, Biotech 2007: Business Analysis, which forecasts the impact of genetically engineered seed types on the market for individual chemicals used on three row crops-soybeans, corn, and cotton. In the report, line-item forecasts are made through 2007 and include 26 seed types and 128 active ingredients representing all three crops, the company said. The forecasts are based on the actual use of the pesticides on genetically enhanced seeds in 1996 and 1997, as well as on nearly 13,000 interviews with growers and 85 interviews with experts in crop biotechnology, Thompson said.
According to the report, raw total crop acres in the United States planted to soybeans, corn, and cotton are projected to increase from 165 million in 1997 to 170 million in 2007. Of these, genetically enhanced acres are projected to increase from 12 to 83 percent of the total acres planted to the three crops. Conversely, conventional acreage is projected to decline from 145 million acres in 1997 to 20 million acres in 2007, a fivefold drop. (Adapted from the University of Arizona Extension, June 1999, and P&TCN, vol. 27, no. 12.)
There is no doubt this impressive and relatively young technology will continue to change the face of agriculture. However, will over 80 percent of the U.S. corn, soybean, and cotton acres for 2007 be planted using genetically enhanced seed? That question can only be answered by domestic and foreign consumers during the intervening years. As with any new technology, plenty of concerns have been raised. The cautious and the critical commonly focus on four main issues when debating the merits of genetically modified crops.
1. Markets. If the technology substantially limits prospects for commodity exportation, or burdens the distribution system with the cost of dual marketing channels, what is the real financial gain?
2. Contamination. The potential for contamination of traditional crops through pollination and during seed and commodity transport threatens the integrity of any group marketing GMO-free commodities. Although the use of Bt corn substantially reduced the use of conventional insecticides, researchers recently raised a concern about non-pest insects that may eat the pollen produced by these plants. The use of nonselective herbicides on genetically modified crops greatly simplifies weed management but creates significant problems when misapplied, either due to poor planting records or through drift. Finally, there is concern that this technology will enable the transfer of known or unknown genes producing compounds that cause allergic reactions in some consumers.
3. Pest resistance. History tells us that any pesticide (conventional or plant-produced) or source of insect or disease resistance that is continuously overused will eventually fail. Organic growers are particularly worried that Bt crops will speed the development of insect resistance and cause Bt sprays, a valuable organic insect management tool, to become ineffective. Although many different nonselective herbicides and types of Bt endotoxins may be waiting in the wings, the extent of this diversity does have limits. No one wants to accelerate the loss of any crop protection option.
4. Agronomics. Will the use of this technology cause additional reductions in the use of other pest management practices, such as crop rotation and tillage? If so, we may have to deal with weed, insect, and disease pests that have not presented a problem in the past. On the other hand, reduced tillage may save significant amounts of topsoil.
Finally, to comply with the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996, the EPA, grower groups, and universities are working hard to get a handle on actual pesticide use, particularly for the many organophosphate (OP) insecticides. Depending on the final numbers, many OP uses may be eliminated or substantially limited in some agricultural and horticultural areas. Will biotechnology reduce the use of OPs enough to reduce the loss of OP uses? It certainly won't hurt, but I don't think anyone's crystal ball is this clear! There will be no easy answers as everyone-growers, industry, educators, consumers, and regulators-adjusts to the complexity of 21st-century crop production.
(Bruce E. Paulsrud)
Regulatory Oversight in Biotechnology
In just the past few years, biotechnology has given growers many new and effective pest management options for European corn borer, Colorado potato beetle, cotton boll weevil, and other important plant pests. In addition, the development of herbicide-tolerant crops greatly simplifies weed management by allowing the use of nonselective herbicides such as RoundUp. Most experts believe these products are just the tip of the iceberg.While some of the pros and cons of this relatively new technology are addressed elsewhere in this newsletter, many of us "outsiders" have a poor understanding of how biotechnology is regulated. Whether you advocate or oppose the use of biotechnology in crop production, it is a good idea to have some basic understanding of the regulatory side of things. A great place to start is the "Regulatory Oversight in Biotechnology" website (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/biotech/OECD/usregs.htm), summarized below.
Before commercialization, genetically engineered plants/organisms must conform to standards set by state and federal marketing statutes, such as state seed certification laws; the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA); the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); and the Federal Plant Pest Act. Depending on the new trait or organism and its end use, there may be up to three federal agencies involved in the regulation process (Table 1): the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Table 1
New Trait/Organism |
Regulated by: |
Reviewed for: |
Insect or Viral Resistance in food crop |
USDA EPA FDA |
Safe to grow Safe for the environment Safe to eat |
Herbicide Tolerance in food crop |
USDA EPA FDA |
Safe to grow New use of companion herbicide Safe to eat |
Herbicide Tolerance in ornamental crop |
USDA EPA |
Safe to grow New use of companion herbicide |
Modified Oil content in food crop |
USDA FDA |
Safe to grow Safe to eat |
Modified flower color ornamental crop |
USDA |
Safe to grow |
Modified soil bacteria degrades pollutants |
EPA |
Safe for the environment |
USDA
Within USDA, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is responsible for protecting U.S. agriculture from pests and diseases. Under the authority of the Federal Plant Pest Act, APHIS regulations provide procedures for obtaining a permit or for providing notification, prior to "introducing" a regulated article in the United States. Regulated articles are considered to be organisms and products (altered or produced through genetic engineering) that are plant pests or for which there is reason to believe they are plant pests. The regulations also provide for a petition process for the determination of nonregulated status. Once a determination of nonregulated status has been made, the product (as well as its offspring) no longer requires APHIS review for movement or release in the United States.
FDA
As a part of the Department of Health and Human Services, FDA (under the authority of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act) regulates foods and feed derived from new plant varieties. FDA policy is based on existing food law and requires that genetically engineered foods meet the same rigorous safety standards as required of all other foods. FDA's biotechnology policy treats substances intentionally added to food through genetic engineering as food additives if they are significantly different in structure, function, or amount from substances currently found in food. Many of the food crops currently being developed using biotechnology do not contain substances that are significantly different from those already in the diet and thus do not require premarket approval. Consistent with its 1992 policy, FDA expects developers to consult with the agency on safety and regulatory questions.
EPA
EPA ensures the safety of pesticides, both chemical and those produced biologically. EPA's Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division was created in 1994 to deal with biopesticides. Biopesticides (also known as biological pesticides) are certain types of pesticides derived from such natural materials as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. At the end of 1998, there were about 175 registered biopesticide active ingredients and 700 products. Biopesticides fall into three major classes:
Ever since it was developed, EPA's "plant-pesticide" class has been subject to debate. In late April, the U.S. EPA requested suggestions to replace the term "plant-pesticide." In response, the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) submitted the following statement on May 21.
"CAST finds the term 'plant-expressed protectant' acceptable to replace the 'plant-pesticide' term. There may be alternative terms suggested that would be acceptable as well; however, our members would strongly object to any term that includes the word 'pesticides' in the title. Plants through their natural evolution and selection processes contain many genes for resistance to pests. In addition, plant breeders have long assisted plant survival to specific pests by crossing plants to find varieties with increased resistance. These two selection approaches are not referred to as plant-pesticides. Neither should the technology that utilizes genetic engineering result in the designation 'plant-pesticides.' The term 'plant-expressed protectant' more accurately describes the actual situation."
This statement, along with CAST's October 1998 issue paper The Proposed EPA Plant Pesticide Rule can be viewed at (http://www.cast-science.org9905epar.htm). You can order these documents by writing to Kayleen A. Niyo, Ph.D., Managing Scientific Editor, Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, 4420 W. Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014-3447. Phone, (515)292-2125; fax, (515)292-4512; Internet: cast@cast-science.org.
(Bruce E. Paulsrud, adapted from "Regulatory Oversight in Biotechnology" website, http://www.aphis.usda.gov/biotech/OECD/usregs.htm)
Pesticide Updates - Agronomic
ACHIEVE 40 DG/80 DG (tralkoxydim)-Zeneca-EPA has approved an application to register conditionally this new active ingredient. (FR, vol. 64, 3-24-99) [herbicide]ACTION (fluthiacet-methyl)-Novartis-Registration in the United States is expected later this year on corn and soybeans to control velvetleaf. Also, it is being developed as a cotton defoliant.
KARATE Z (lambda cyhalothrin)-Zeneca-A new encapsulated formulation of this granular insecticide.
MAXIM 4FS (fludioxonil)-Novartis-Added to their label the use on canola, cotton, peanuts, and sunflower. [fungicide]
PARAMOUNT (quinclorac)-BASF-Registration is expected this year for use on sorghum and wheat for postemergence control of broadleaf weeds and grasses.
PUMA 1EC (fenoxaprop-p-ethyl)-AgrEvo-Received EPA registration to use on winter and spring wheat (including durum) and barley to control annual grasses, such as wild oats, foxtails, millets, and others. Apply when weeds are from the 2-leaf to the 2-tiller stage.
PURSUIT (imazethapyr)-American Cyanamid-Added to the label aerial application on alfalfa. [herbicide]
STRATEGO (trifloxystrobin/propiconazole)-Novartis-A new combination fungicide being developed for use on cereals and grasses.
TURBOCIDE GOLD (pyrethrin/piperonyl butoxide)-AgrEvo-A new formulation to control insects in agricultural crops.
(Michelle Buesinger, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, May and June 1999.)
Pesticide Updates - Many
AZA 3% EC (azadirachtin)-Amvac-A new formulation used to control various insects and some diseases in ornamental and food crops.ACETAMIPRID-Rhone-Poulenc-Being developed in the United States for use on cotton, citrus, grapes, apples, and vegetables to control whiteflies, codling moth, leaf miners, thrips, scales, and other insects.
AZINPHOS-METHYL (guthion/azinphos)-Bayer/Gowan-EPA has received a request to delete from their label the use on apricots, pasture grasses, tobacco, artichokes, peas, wheat, barley, kiwi, rye, dry beans, oats, soybeans, safflower, and vetch. Unless withdrawn, this change will become effective on 10-12-99. (FR, vol. 64, 4-14-99) [insecticide]
CONTANS (Coniothyrium minitans)-Prophyta-This biofungicide is expected to be available for use on vegetables later this year. It is being developed in the United States for use on peanuts and in Canada for use on canola.
ELITE (tebuconazole)-Bayer-Added to their label the application by air. [fungicide]
ENDEAVOR (pymetrozine)-Novartis-A new insecticide being developed for use in landscape ornamentals and nonbearing fruit and nut nurseries to control aphids and whiteflies.
EPA-The agency announced it plans to revoke tolerances for the herbicides dalapon, fluchloralin, metobromuron, and sesone; the fungicides zinc sulfate, glyoden, and nabam; the insecticides coumaphos, hydrogen cyanide, and fonofos; and the food additive ethyl formate. Also, to revoke the food additive tolerance of paraformaldehyde in maple syrup. Comments must be received by 6-7-99. (FR, vol. 64, 4-7-99)
FLIGHT CONTROL (9, 10-anthraquinone)-Environmental Bio Control-EPA approved the application to register this product to repel geese in terrestrial areas at airports, commercial, industrial, and municipal sites, dump sites, land fills, golf courses, and ornamental and conifer nurseries. (FR, vol. 64, 3-31-99)
FINALE (glufosinate-ammonium)-AgrEvo-A mistake was made on this product listing in the May 1999 issue of Illinois Pesticide Review. The company is not deleting from their label the use on rights-of-way, industrial sites, and ornamental and Christmas tree plantings. They are simply moving the use from one label to another. [herbicide]
FLINT (trifloxystrobin)-Novartis-Registration is expected this year on grapes, pome fruits, cucurbits, vegetables, and peanuts. [fungicide]
MORESTAN (oxythioquinox)-Bayer-EPA received a request by the manufacturer to cancel voluntarily the use of this product. Unless withdrawn, the change will become effective on 10-12-99. (FR, vol. 64, 4-14-99) [insecticide]
NYLAR (pyriproxyfen)-MGK Inc.-Added to their label the outdoor use to control various insects.
NYLAR FIRE ANT BAIT 26291 (pyriproxyfen)-MGK Inc.-A new formulation for the control of fire ants in field-grown ornamentals, commercial nurseries, nonbearing orchards, rangelands, and pastures.
PROPER/HOGGAR (spiroxamine)-Bayer-A new fungicide being introduced in Europe to control powdery mildew on grapes. Also, on wheat and barley for the control of powdery mildew.
QUADRIS (azoxystrobin)-Zeneca-Added to their label the control of sclerotinia, blackleg, and alternaria black spot on canola. Additional label changes include a reentry interval of 4 hours; the preharvest interval has been reduced from 7 days to day of harvest. Also added to the label were the use on cucurbits, which include cucumbers, cantaloupe, gourd, honeydew, musk melon, watermelon, pumpkins, and squash.
SIEGE PRO (hydramethylnon)-American Cyanamid-Label changes to control fire ants in the use in lawns and landscaped areas, as well as around nonbearing nursery stock. Also, indoor usage as a crack and crevice treatment.
TOUCHDOWN (sulfosate)-Zeneca-Added to their label the use on the stone fruits, apples, crabapples, loquats, mayhaws, oriental pears, pears, and quince-both bearing and nonbearing. Also, it is labeled for use in wheat for burn down weed control and postemergence spot treatments.
(Michelle Buesinger, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, May and June 1999.)
Pesticide Updates - Other
AGREVO-Up to 10 million acres of Liberty Link corn could be planted in the United States this year. Also, 1/2 to 1 million acres of Star Link Bt corn could be planted, which is corn borer resistant. Liberty Link rice has been removed from USDA list of regulated crops, enabling it to be pursued for commercial production, with a projected introduction in 2001 in the United States.ASTRA ZENECA-This is the new name for the merger of Astra of Sweden and Zeneca of England, for their pharmaceutical and agrochemical businesses.
BAYER-The company plans to spend $2.5 million to reregister Guthion (azinphosmethyl). Several obsolete formulations will be dropped, but the 2L and Solupak formulations will be re-registered.
BAYER BEE STRIPS (coumaphos)-Bayer-A new product for use by beekeepers to protect their bees from varroa mites. The plastic strips are placed in the brood chamber of the hives.
DOW AGROSCIENCES-The company has entered into a 50/50 joint venture with Danisco Seed of Denmark to develop new canola varieties through conventional breeding and genetic engineering.
FARMLAND INDUSTRIES-This agricultural co-op is in talks with Cenex Harvest States Cooperative to merge the two into a $20-billion corporation that would handle the business of half of America's farmers.
HERBICIDE-TOLERANT CROPS-It is predicted for 2000 that up to 75 million acres of RoundUp Ready crops and 24 million acres of Liberty Link crops will be planted worldwide.
MONSANTO-Up to 4 million acres of RoundUp Ready corn could be planted in the United States this year. Also, the company has sold its tomato-growing company, Gargiulo Inc. (headquarters in Naples, Florida), to an anonymous group of investors called Nature Link, Inc. The company will form a joint venture with forestry and paper companies International Paper, Westvaco, and Fletcher Challenge Forest to produce and market genetically modified trees. Genetic improvements include herbicide tolerance, faster-growing trees, and high-fiber-quality trees. Each company will put $60 million into the joint venture over the next 5 years.
NATIONAL CORN GROWERS ASSN.-Companies selling Bt corn have submitted plans to prevent insect resistance in field corn. EPA is expected to approve it by the 2000 season. Refuge requirements will be imposed on all corn-growing regions. Growers will have to plant a minimum of 20 percent nonBt corn in the Corn Belt and northern states. A minimum of 50 percent will be required in the southern region. It encourages growers to plant nonBt corn within 1/4 mile of Bt corn where feasible. Companies participating are Monsanto, Mycogen/Dow, Novartis Seeds, and Pioneer HiBred Int'l.
PIONEER HIBRED-The seed company announced it will have genetically engineered corn seed that is corn rootworm resistant by 2002.
RHONE-POULENC-The company plans to market bromoxynil-tolerant (BXN) canola in Canada next year under the Navigator trade name.
SEDAGRI-The company has added acephate to their line of insecticides, formulated as a 90 SP on cotton and as a 75 SP on other crops.
SOSTRAM CORP.-The company has changed its name to Sipcam Agro USA. The Sostram name will be continued in the turf and ornamental and in the industrial markets.
TERRA-The company has agreed to sell its agricultural distribution business to Cenex/Land O'Lakes Agronomy Co. for $361 million. Included in the sale are Terra's 400 retail centers and its 50 percent ownership of pesticide plants in St. Joseph, MO, and Blytheville, AR.
(Michelle Buesinger, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, May and June 1999.)
Pesticide Updates - Turf/Ornamental
CHIPCO PROXY (ethephon)-Rhone-Poulenc-Received registration for this growth regulator for use on turf areas (except residential turf) to suppress growth, thus reducing the frequency of mowing and the volume of clippings collected.COMPASS (trifloxystrobin)-Novartis-A new formulation is being developed for disease control in turf and ornamentals.
FLORAMITE (bifenazate)-Uniroyal-A new miticide being developed for use on ornamentals. Registration is expected this year.
MEDALLION (fludioxonil)-Novartis-As a result of the IR-4 Project, they can now add to their label the use on 10 new ornamental plants. [fungicide]
SANMITE (pyridaben)-BASF-Added to their label the use on outdoor ornamental plants. [insecticide]
SUMAGIC (uniconazole)-Valent-As a result of the IR-4 Project, they can now add to their label the use on coleus. [fungicide]
VERIDIAN (thiamethoxam)-Novartis-Proposed to EPA to register this new active ingredient to control certain insects in turfgrass, sod farms, interior plantscapes, and greenhouse ornamentals. Comments must be received by 4-23-99. (FR, vol. 64, 3-24-99)
XANTHOMONAS CAMPESTRIS-Eco Soil Systems-The new biological herbicide is expected to be registered in the United States in 2000 to control Poa annua in turf.
(Michelle Buesinger, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, May and June 1999.)
Pesticide Updates - Vegetable/Fruit
APRON FS (metalaxyl)-Novartis-Added to their label the use on spinach and pinto bean seed. [fungicide]ASANA (esfenvalerate)-DuPont-Added to their label the use on mustard greens. [insecticide]
GUARDIAN (ethaboxam)-LG Chemical-A new fungicide developed by this Korean company for use on grapes, potatoes, tomatoes, and cucurbits to control downy mildew and late blight.
PREMIUM SULFUR DUST (mycobutanil/sulfur)-Wilbur-Ellis-A new dust formulation available this spring for use on grapes to control powdery mildew. [fungicide]
ROYAL MH-30 (maleic hydrazide)-Uniroyal-Added to their label for this growth regulator the use on dry bulb shallots and garlic.
SERENADE (Bacillus subtilis)-Agra Quest-Registration for this biofungicide is expected later this year, to control fireblight and scab on pome fruits, powdery mildew on apples, and bunch rot on grapes.
SUPER TIN 80 WP (TPTH)-Griffin-Received EPA registration to use on potatoes up to 7 days before harvest, for early and late blight control.
SWITCH (cyprodinil/fludioxinil)-Novartis-A new combination fungicide being developed for use on a number of fruit crops.
(Michelle Buesinger, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, May and June 1999.)
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