DEPARTMENTS
Control Product Update

NEWS

EPA Proposed Rule Expands Opportunities for Minor Crops
EPA is proposing revisions to pesticide crop grouping regulations that allow the establishment of tolerances for groups of related crops. EPA expects these revisions will enhance EPA’s ability to make food safety evaluations of minor crops for tolerance-setting purposes and promote global harmonization of food safety standards. EPA anticipates that more lower-risk pesticides will be able to come forward for registration on minor crops, including many fruits and vegetables, because of the availability of crop grouping tolerances. The establishment of a crop group uses data from residue field trials developed on representative crops within that group. EPA determines whether residues of a pesticide can be permitted once the required safety finding is made to establish a crop group tolerance. The revisions announced create a new crop group for oilseeds, expand existing crop groups by adding new commodities, establish new crop subgroups, and revises the representative crops in certain groups. This is the second in a series of planned crop group updates to be proposed over the next several years.

The proposed crop group rule is based on a petition submitted to EPA by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Inter-regional Research Project No. 4 (IR-4). IR-4 developed this petition with input from the governments of Canada and Mexico, working with over 180 crop, agrichemical and regulatory experts representing more than 30 countries. The petition and the monographs supporting it are included in the docket for the proposed rule, which can be found under docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0766 at www.regulations.gov. The proposal is a burden-reducing regulation. The Federal Register notice announcing the proposal can be found at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/E10-31397.htm.

Certis USA Named Primary Distributor of Neudorff Products
Under a new distribution agreement, Germany-based Neudorff assigns distribution rights to the biopesticide company Certis USA to market its OMRI-listed, NOP-approved products DES-XTM insecticidal soap concentrate, Cueva liquid copper fungicide concentrate, Seduce insecticidal bait and Sluggo slug and snail bait. Certis USA will distribute Sluggo to eastern markets only. The distribution agreement allows Neudorff to introduce its full line of products into the U.S. specialty agriculture and ornamental industry.

For more information, call 800-250-5024 or visit www.CertisUSA.com.

Rimon Insecticide Receives California Approval for Lygus Control on Strawberries

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation has registered Rimon 0.83 EC Insecticide to control lygus bugs on strawberries in California based on special local needs. The exemption was granted under section 24(c) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act and is allowed through February 28, 2015.

Rimon (EPA Reg. No. 66222-35), marketed by Chemtura Corp., is an insect growth regulator that impedes the development of immature insects at molting. It provides control of lygus, while preserving predatory mites.

Rimon may be applied by ground equipment at a rate of 12 fluid ounces of product per acre, with a maximum of three applications per site per season.

For more information, visit www.chemturacrop.com.

Voliam Xpress Insecticide Receives Label Expansion in NY

Syngenta Crop Protection announced that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation approved the label for Voliam Xpress insecticide. Voliam Xpress is now approved for use on pome fruit, stone fruit and potatoes, as well as head and leaf lettuce, fruiting vegetables, head and stem brassicas and cucurbit vegetables. State registrations or specific crop and/or pest uses may still be pending in certain states. Please check with your state regulatory agency to determine registration status.

Voliam Xpress utilizes two modes of action to protect crops from chewing and sucking insects, as well as lepidopteran pests. It contains chlorantraniliprole (CTPR), a mode of action from the diamide family of insecticides, and lambda-cyhalothrin, a third-generation pyrethroid insecticide. The two active ingredients are combined in an enhanced solution that provides fast knockdown and long-lasting residual control of lepidopteran pests, as well as other pests like plant bugs, stinkbugs and leafhoppers.

For more information, go to www.syngenta.com.

Announcements from BASF

BASF Corp. has unveiled a specialized online training program, www.planthealtheducation.com, to educate growers on Headline fungicide. The training program examines the three pillars of plant health—disease control, stress tolerance and growth efficiency—and how Headline fungicide can best affect the most important aspects of growing a healthy plant.

The audio-visual presentation also examines the science behind Headline fungicide and includes trivia questions, statistical information, visual evidence and user testimonials.

Also, growers using Headline fungicide may be eligible to receive $75 per gallon back on purchases from authorized BASF retailers made by May 15, 2010.

To qualify for Headline Advantage, growers need to submit receipts for purchases made by May 15 along with a completed application to BASF before August 15, 2010. For complete terms and conditions, visit www.headlineadvantage.com, or ask your local authorized BASF retailer for details.