On February 12, 2002, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) announced a voluntary decision by industry to move consumer use of treated-lumber products away from a variety of pressure-treated wood that contains arsenic by December 31, 2003, in favor of new, alternative wood preservatives. This change affects essentially all residential uses of wood treated with chromated copper arsenate, also known as CCA. This is the wood commonly used in play structures, decks, picnic tables, landscaping timbers, residential fencing, patios, and walkways/boardwalks. By January 2004, USEPA will not allow CCA products for any of these residential uses. This decision will assist the voluntary transition in both manufacturing and retail areas to new, alternative wood preserva-tives that do not contain arsenic. Although USEPA staff have not concluded that these products pose unreasonable risk to the public, they do believe that any reduction in exposure to arsenic is desirable. This action comes years ahead of completing USEPA's regulatory and scientific assessment of CCA and will substantially reduce potential exposure to CCA.

Q&A Regarding CCA Transition Process

What uses of CCA-treated wood are affected by this transition? After December 31, 2003, wood treaters will not be able to use CCA for wood intended for decks, picnic tables, landscaping timbers, gazebos, residential fencing, patios, walkways/boardwalks, and play structures. Wood treated before this date, however, can still be used in residential settings. Already-built structures containing CCA-treated wood are not affected by this action.

What uses of CCA-treated wood will be allowed? Effective December 31, 2003, CCA may be used for preservative treatment of the following categories of forest products and in accordance with the respective cited standard (noted parenthetically) of the 2001 edition of the American Wood Preservers' Association Standards: lumber and timber for saltwater use only (C2); piles (C3); poles (C4); plywood (C9); wood for highway construction (C14); poles, piles, and posts used as structural members on farms and plywood used on farms (C16); wood for marine construction (C18); round poles and posts used in building construction (C23); sawn timber used to support residential and commercial structures (C24); sawn crossarms (C25); structural glued, laminated members and laminations before gluing (C28); structural composite lumber (C33); and shakes and shingles (C34).

Forest products treated with this product may be sold or distributed only for uses within the AWPA Commodity Standards under which the treatment occurred.

Why are the manufacturers phasing out CCA? Industry has indicated that it is making a business decision based on market demand to move to other types of wood preservatives that do not contain arsenic. Although the action is voluntary, it effectively changes the labels for CCA. This means that it will be unlawful to use CCA to treat wood intended for residential uses after December 31, 2003. Stocks of CCA-treated wood remaining in stores after this date, however, can be sold.

Does CCA-treated wood present any health risks? USEPA has not concluded that CCA-treated wood poses any unreasonable risk to the public or the environment. Nevertheless, arsenic is a known human carcinogen; and, thus, USEPA believes that any reduction in the levels of potential exposure to arsenic is desirable. USEPA believes that the voluntary transition to nonarsenical wood preservatives for residential sites is a responsible action by the registrants.

What steps can be taken to reduce a family's potential exposure to CCA? Minimize unnecessary exposure to CCA:

• Never burn treated wood in open fires, stoves, fireplaces, or residential boilers.

• Always wash hands thoroughly after contact with any wood, especially before eating and drinking.

• Never let food come into direct contact with any treated wood.

• Always follow the precautions outlined in USEPA's "Consumer Safety Information Sheet" before working with CCA-treated wood.

Additional measures that may be taken include the following:

• Apply a coating product to pressure-treated wood on a regular basis. Some studies suggest that this can reduce the amount of CCA that leaches from treated wood.

• When conducting new construction or repairs, consider the range of alternatives to CCA-treated wood. These alternatives include both non-arsenical chemical wood preservatives and other wood and nonwood materials. Consult your local home-improvement store for more information.

Should I replace my CCA-treated deck or play set? EPA does not recommend that consumers replace or remove existing structures made with CCA-treated wood or the soil surrounding those structures. Concerned citizens may want to take extra precautions, however, by applying a coating to exposed surfaces regularly.

What types of coatings are most effective? Although available data are very limited, some studies suggest that applying certain penetrating coatings (for example, oil-based, semitransparent stains) on a regular basis (for example, once a year or every other year, depending upon wear and weathering) may reduce migration of wood-preservative chemicals from CCA-treated wood. In selecting a finish, consumers should be aware that, in some cases, "film-forming" or nonpenetrating stains (latex semi-transparent, latex opaque, and oil-based opaque stains) on outdoor surfaces such as decks and fences are not recommended, as subsequent peeling and flaking may ultimately have an impact on durability, as well as exposure to pre-servatives in the wood. Talk with your local hardware store about available coatings.

How can I tell if my deck has been constructed with CCA-treated wood? Freshly treated wood, if not coated, has a greenish tint, which fades over time. As a practical matter, CCA has been the principal chemical used to treat wood for decks and other outdoor uses around the home. Generally, if your deck was not made with redwood or cedar, then most likely the deck is CCA-treated wood. Alternatively, if you know who built the deck, you may want to call and ask.

What alternatives to CCA-treated wood will be available? A number of preservatives have been registered by USEPA, and wood treated with these preservatives is expected to be available in the marketplace. In addition, untreated wood (for example, cedar and redwood) and nonwood alternatives–such as plastics, metal, and composite materials– are available. Your local hardware store or lumberyard can provide more information about available alternatives.

How will the voluntary transition away from CCA affect USEPA's risk assessment for residential use of CCA-treated wood? Throughout this process, USEPA has continued working on our risk assessment. The transition away from CCA will be one of several important factors considered in determining the next steps in the comprehensive assessment of CCA. Through the risk-assessment process to date, USEPA has received extensive recommendations from the Scientific Advisory Panel, a group of scientific experts, on the best approach to evaluating potential risks to children from exposure to decks and play structures (visit www.epa.gov/pesticides/citizens/1file.htm to see the report). USEPA has also received many comments from the public, stakeholders, industry, and public interest groups. As these comments and recommendations are considered, USEPA will evaluate how the manufacturer's recent action affects the timing and scope of the risk assessment.
(Phil Nixon, adapted from USEPA releases)

There's a joke that says people used to find out what the weather was like by looking out the window, but now they need cable TV or a computer. OK, so it's a funny commentary on our technology-focused world, but is it ridiculous? In the case of pesticide application, it's probably not.

Granted, you don't need an Internet connection to decide to spray, but knowing the weather, particularly the wind conditions, during the application is critical for drift control. Accurately recording that information is critical, too. The current atmosphere of mistrust surrounding pesticide applications makes it increasingly likely that if drift occurs somebody will have to account for it. If that somebody is you, the more information you have to defend yourself, the better.

What information do you have to record? Private applicators applying a restricted-use pesticide must record (1) the product name and EPA registration number, (2) the amount applied, (3) the size of the area treated, (4) the crop, commodity, stored product, or site treated, (5) the location of the application, (6) the date of the application, and (7) the applicator's name and certification number. Commercial applicators record similar information. You will notice that weather is not included in this list.

Why write down information you aren't legally required to maintain? It helps to show you made the applications within the limits of the law. This makes it easier for you to defend yourself against misdirected complaints. You've likely heard the phrase "The label is the law." Recording information that is relevant to label instructions can help you show that due regard was paid to the label instructions. Recording the conditions also helps remind you as an applicator to check the conditions under which you spray. It can help you to notice when conditions have changed and the application should be postponed.

What else should you record? A good guideline is to make a note of the conditions that are required on the label. Drift is never allowed, so knowing that wind is a critical component to pesticide drift, you can include the wind speed and direction. Handheld wind meters are invaluable for this. Compasses are useful, too, especially for defending against a drift complaint. A wind heading of "20 to 30 degrees" is more informative and useful as a defense than ambiguous terms like "northeast" or "north–northeast." It may be good to record temperature or relative humidity also. Some pesticides have maximum temperatures for use. If the label says don't spray if the temperature is over 85 degrees, recording the temperature at the time of application shows you were paying attention to what you were doing.

Why all this extra work? Well, it may not be required by the record-keeping laws, but it is smart to record information important to the applications you make. It may save you some headaches if you're called on to defend your decision to spray, and it definitely helps you keep track of the weather during the application.
(Mark Mohr)

In the November 2001 issue of the Illinois Pesticide Review, I summarized how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) reregisters pesticides and pointed out that there have been significant pesticide label changes and even the virtual disappearance of some key active ingredients. It is clear that pesticide reregistration will be a continuous process and that public participation (comments and data) is vital. As regular (Section 3) registration labels change and uses are eliminated, we are more likely to hear about or encounter supplemental registration labels that are very restrictive regarding where, how, and for low long the product may be used. Two such labels merit your attention.

Section 24(c) Registration

Amended FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act) permits a state to provide registration for additional uses of federally registered pesticides for distribution and use within that state to meet "special local needs." Such registrations are referred to as state labels, special local needs, or 24(c) registrations and are considered as federal registrations that authorize distribution and use only within the granting state. Such registrations are subject to all provisions of FIFRA that apply to currently registered products, including cancellations, renewals, and suspensions.

A special local need is defined as a situation in which an appropriate, federally registered product is not sufficiently available for an existing or imminent pest problem within a state, as determined by the state lead agency (for example, Illinois Department of Agriculture, IDoA), based on satisfactory supporting information. States are authorized to register a new product for any use, or an additional use of a federally registered pesticide product, if the following conditions exist:

• A special local need exists for its use within the state.

• The use is covered by necessary tolerances, exemptions, or other clearances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act if the use is for food or feed use.

• Registration for the same use has not previously been denied, disap-proved, suspended, or canceled by the administrator due to health or environmental concerns about an ingredient contained in the pesticide product–unless such denial, disapproval, suspension, or cancellation has been suspended by subsequent action of the USEPA.

• Registration would be in accord with the purposes of FIFRA.

• States may not register a new product that contains any active or inert ingredient not found in a federally registered product.

The Division of Environmental Programs of the IDoA is responsible for registering pesticides for special local needs in Illinois. Specific items or documents are requested to be included in each special local needs 24(c) packet sent to Illinois for consideration. Documentation requirements vary, based on the proposed changes to the label, and may include data on pesticide residue, metabolism, and environmental fate. A registration issued by a state for special local needs shall not be effective for more than 90 days if disapproved by the USEPA administrator. If the registration is inconsistent with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or constitutes an imminent hazard, the administrator may immediately disapprove the registration. Section 24(c) pesticide registrations are governed by Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 162 (www.pesticide.net/cfr/index.htm). For detailed information about this type of registration, see www.epa.gov/opprd001/24c/.

Section 18 Registration

Amended FIFRA makes it illegal to use a pesticide for any reason unless it has been registered for that use or purpose. However, there are situations for which a registered pesticide is not available for a certain use. An outbreak of a previously minor pest may occur on a crop for which no registered pesticide is available for use on that crop. If the crop is a food crop and no tolerance exists on that crop, a state 24(c) label cannot be obtained. Amended FIFRA provides for emergency use of pesticides in these situations or others similar to it. A state may obtain permission to use an unregistered pesticide in an emergency when a registered pesticide is not available to control the pest problem. FIFRA provides for three types of exemptions:

Specific exemption. When a pest out-break has occurred or is about to occur and a registered pesticide for that use or purpose is not available, a request for an exemption to use a certain pesticide to control the outbreak may be made by the state lead agency (IDoA). Information including the nature, scope, and frequency of the problem; the pest involved; which pesticide or pesticides will be used and in what amounts; the economic benefits anticipated; and an analysis of possible adverse effects must be supplied. The USEPA grants the exemptions. Reports must be filed when the treatment is over. A specific exemption is good only for a specified amount of time and for a designated area.

Quarantine or public health exemption. This exemption may be granted to prevent the introduction or spread of a foreign pest into or throughout the United States, or to prevent a public health problem. No pesticide that has been suspended by the USEPA may be used. The procedure for requesting this exemption is the same as for the specific exemption.

Crisis exemption. A crisis exemption may be used if a pesticide registered to control or eradicate the pest is not readily available and there is not time to request and get approval for a specific exemption. However, the state must notify the USEPA at least 36 hours in advance of utilization of the crisis provisions to allow a cursory review of the proposed use. If concerns are noted, the USEPA confers with the state and may not allow a crisis to be declared. The duration of a crisis exemption is short (maximum of 15 days, unless application for a specific exemption has been submitted), and no pesticide that has been suspended or canceled may be used. Within 3 months following the last date of treatment, the state must file information similar to that required for the specific exemption.

Section 18 pesticide registrations are governed by Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 166 (www.pesticide.net/cfr/index.htm). For detailed information about this type of registration, see www.epa.gov/opprd001/ section18/.

Please note: To allow opportunity for comment by interested persons, the USEPA publishes a notice in the Federal Register (www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/) when considering–and/or after granting–a Section 24(c) or Section 18. However, please note that persons who apply a pesticide for a use covered by a Section 24(c) or a Section 18 must have a copy of the approved Section 24(c) or Section 18 labeling in their possession at the time of use. Such labels are available from your pesticide dealer, via the Internet, or directly from the pesticide manufacturer.
(Bruce E. Paulsrud. Source: Illinois Pesticide Applicator Training Manual 39-13: Demonstration and Research, University of Illinois Extension, 2001.)

The new Illinois Pesticide Applicator Training Manual 39-14: Pesticide Dealer is now available. It replaces the combination of the general standards manual and the booklet of Illinois statutes. Contents include a chapter on labels and labeling and three relevant statutes–Illinois Pesticide Act, Agrichemical Facilities, and Lawn Care Products Application and Notice Act. This 47-page publication sells for $8 and is available from the Pesticide Applicator Training Office at (800)644-2123.
(Phil Nixon)

The new Illinois Pesticide Applicator Training Manual 39-13: Demonstration and Research is now available. This manual contains chapters on laws and regulations, pesticide properties, design of field research and demonstration plots, calibration for small-plot research and demonstration studies, and plant-damage diagnosis. At the back of the manual is the publication How Herbicides Work, which has color photos of the various types of phytochemical injury that may be seen in research and demonstration plot work with pesticides. The How Herbicides Work section will not have any test questions drawn from it but is useful for injury diagnosis.

This manual is a complete rewrite of previous materials, with new laws, such as the Food Quality Protection Act, addressed. This 41-page manual sells for $8 and is available from the Pesticide Applicator Training Office at (800)644-2123.
(Phil Nixon)

A nationwide pesticide information service funded by EPA for consumers, the National Pesticide Telecommunications Network (NPTN), recently changed its name to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC). The service will continue unaltered. The telephone help-line number remains the same. Call toll-free, (800)858-7378, daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Central) or go to the Web site at npic.orst.edu to obtain comprehensive information on specific pesticide chemicals, including toxicological and medical information.
(Michelle Wiesbrook, adapted from EPA Pesticide Program Update.)

A new national hotline has been created for the 65 separately run poison control centers in the U.S. in an effort to link them together, simplify matters, and help save lives. Previously, these centers had more than 130 individual and separate telephone numbers. Now for the first time, a single toll-free telephone number can be used to reach a poison control center anywhere in the nation. Callers dialing the new hotline, (800)222-1222, will be linked automatically to the closest poison center.

According to center officials, centers field calls on about 2.2 million suspected poisonings each year. They also say that about 75% of all poisonings can be safely handled at home with the help of a poison center aide, though 700 to 800 calls to centers each year end in fatalities.

Household cleaners and chemicals make up the bulk of poisonous substances in homes, though perfumes, medications, and spider and animal bites can also poison. Half the calls involve preschool-age children, so as part of their new national phone number campaign, center officials are urging children to avoid household poisons and urging parents to post poison control numbers near their phones. Stickers, magnets, and other promotional materials may be obtained by calling the toll-free number. Centers that previously used the green, "Mr. Yuck" symbols to warn children about dangerous poisons in the home will continue to do so.

(Michelle Wiesbrook, adapted from Reuters Health eLine.)

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDoA), along with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), conducted two agricultural/structural pesticide clean sweep program collections in 2001. The collections were held for Coles, Douglas, and Edgar counties and for Clinton, Washington, and Perry counties. Both single-day collections were funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the IDoA. Local sponsors included each county's Farm Bureau, University of Illinois Extension office, and Soil and Water Conservation District.

In 2001, the clean sweep program collected 14,450 pounds of pesticide from 52 different participants. Since 1994, the program has been offered in 56 of 102 counties in Illinois and has collected 247,216 pounds of pesticide from 868 participants. All chemicals collected during this program were preregistered with the IDoA before the actual collection dates. By preregistering the products, IDoA was able to determine which products were eligible for collection. The majority of products turned away from the collection were not pesticides (for example, household cleaners, motor oil, crop oil, and surfactants).

Plans are under way to conduct two clean sweep programs in the summer or fall of 2002 for Peoria, Woodford, and Tazewell counties and for Hamilton, White, Saline, Gallatin, and Hardin counties. When available, these programs are advertised locally. Contact one of the above-mentioned local sponsors for program details. For information about home-use, agricultural, and structural pesticide storage, security, and disposal options, visit the University of Illinois Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program Web site (www.pesticidesafety.uiuc.edu/facts.html).

(Bruce E. Paulsrud. Source: Illinois Department of Agriculture Pesticide Clean Sweep Program 2001 Report.)

Once again last summer, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDoA) offered empty pesticide-container recycling sites (53 single-day and 6 year-round) across Illinois. Over 136,600 containers were accepted. In general, the quality of the containers (for example, correctly rinsed, free of caps and foil, etc.) has improved throughout the years. However, the number of containers collected has been declining over the last 2 years; this is likely due to the increased use of alternative packaging and mini-bulk containers. IDoA is considering ways to accept and recycle mini-bulk containers in the future.

Since 1990, this program has collected and recycled over 1.6 million containers weighing more than 1.1 million pounds. Container recycling and proper cleaning have been actively promoted during Commercial and Private Pesticide Applicator Training (PAT) programs for years.

For collection date and location information (a statewide schedule is published each spring) call the pesticide hotline at (800)641-3934 or visit the IDoA's Web site at agr.state.il.us/Environment/recycle.html. Anyone with clean, empty pesticide containers made of HDPE #2 plastic can participate in the program. There is no fee for participation.

(Bruce E. Paulsrud. Source: Illinois Department of Agriculture Pesticide Container Recycling Program 2001 Report.)

BEYOND (imazamox)–BASF–Being developed in the U.S. for use on canola. [herbicide]

INTREPID (methoxyfenozide)–Dow AgroSciences–EPA established time-limited residue tolerances to cover a specific exemption on corn and soybeans. Expires 12-31-03. (FR, vol. 66, 11-2-01) [insecticide]

KOBAN/SUCCESSOR (pethoxamid)– Tohuyama–A new pre- and early post-emergence herbicide to control grasses and broadleaf weeds in corn and soybeans.

MESOMAXX (mesosulfuron-methyl)– Aventis/Bayer–A new postemergence material being developed to control grasses and some broadleaf weeds in cereals.

OPTION (fenoxaprop-ethyl)–Aventis –Registration is expected in time for this season. It can be applied to corn up to 16 inches in height. [herbicide]

PHOENIX (lactofen)–Valent–The built-in adjuvant system provides improved safety on soybean. [herbicide]

PLATEAU (imazapic)–BASF–Re-ceived EPA registration to control grass weeds in bermudagrass pastures. Some broadleaf weeds are also controlled. Observe a 7-day haying restriction. There are no grazing restrictions.

VALURON (metsulfuron-methyl)– Makhteshim–A new 60DF formulation recently introduced for use on wheat, barley, pastures, rangeland, and fallow. [herbicide]

(Michelle Wiesbrook, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, January and February 2002.)

AUXIGRO WP (GABA)–Emerald Bio Ag–Added to their label for this growth regulator the use on almonds to increase yields and to control brown rot and the suppression of shothole in stone fruits.

BLOCKER 4F (PCNB)–Amvac– Added to their label the use on potatoes to control stem canker/black scurf, by hand-application in the seed furrow at planting time.

CLUTCH 5OWDG (clothiadin)– Tomen Agro–Being developed to control aphids, leafhoppers, apple maggots, leaf-miners, leafrollers, codling moth, and pear psylla in apples and pears.

IMM GV (Indian meal moth granulose virus)–Agri Vir Inc–EPA established an exemption from residue-tolerance requirements when used on dried fruits and nuts to control Indian meal moth. (FR, vol. 67, 1-9-02)

MESSENGER (harpen protein)–Eden Bioscience–Added to their label the control of botrytis, bunch rot, and powdery mildew in grapes and to control speck and leaf spot in fruiting vegetables.

MICROTHIOL (sulfur)–Cerexagri– Added to their label the control of leaf spot and powdery mildew on peas.

SAVEY 5OWP (hexythiazox)– Gowan–Added to their label the use on plums, cranberries, tree nuts, and pistachios. [insecticide]

SUCCESS (spinosad)–Dow Agro-Sciences– Added to their label the use on strawberries as a foliar spray. [insecticide]

SYNGENTA–The company has introduced an insecticide/fungicide premix of Platinum (thiamethoxam) and Ridomil Gold (mefenoxam) for use on potatoes. It controls sucking and chewing insects, as well as storage and tuber rots, Pythium leak, and pink rot. Packaged in 2.5-gallon containers, it is applied at 1 quart per acre.

TOPSIN-M (thiophanate-methyl)– Cerexagri–Added to their label the use on pears, pistachios, celery, and grapes. [fungicide]

(Michelle Wiesbrook, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, January and February 2002.)

B-NINE (daminozide)–Uniroyal–A new label has been updated so as not to restrict uses of this growth regulator only to containers when applied in enclosed areas; but it is restricted to containers in production areas not under cover.

CUPROFIX DISPERSE (basic copper sulfate)–Cerexagri–A new DF-formulation fungicide bactericide for use on turf and ornamentals.

MALATHION–Cheminova–Use on turf will no longer be supported by the manufacturer, so this use will be removed from all labels. [insecticide]

MANEB–Griffin and others–Due to reregistration costs, the use on golf courses and all uses by homeowners will be removed from the label. [fungicide]

MEFENOXAM 2 (mefenoxam)– Sipcam Agro–A new formulation being introduced for use on trees, turf, shrubs, and flowers to control pythium and phytophthora diseases.

MERIT (imidacloprid)–Bayer–Additional labeling includes the use on sod farms. [insecticide]

ORTHENE (acephate)–Valent–Label changes include the dropping of all in-door residential uses, including the use by pest-control operators and the use on residential turf. [insecticide]

PITON 15EC (acequinocyl)–Tomen Agro–A new miticide being developed for use on ornamentals and nursery crops.

RIMON (novaluron)–Makhteshim– EPA has approved a conditional registration for the 10EC formulation to be used on container-grown ornamentals in greenhouses. (FR, vol. 66, 12-19-01) [insecticide]

SILGARD (silver thiosulfate)–Gard Products–Proposed to EPA to register this new active ingredient for use as a growth regulator protecting cut flowers from ethylene effects. Comments must be received by 2-11-02. (FR, vol. 67, 1-10- 02)

SPEED ZONE/POWER ZONE (carfentrazone- ethyl/dicamba/phenoxy)–PBI Gordon–These are new three-way turf herbicides used to give broad-sprectum broadleaf-weed control, with increased activity during cooler weather.

TRAN XIT (rimsulfuron)–Griffin–A pre- and postemergence material to use on warm-season turf to remove over-seeded turf during the springtime transition period.

TALSTAR EZ (bifenthrin)–FMC– This new granular formulation is for longlasting control of lawn and general household pests. [insecticide]

TALSTAR F (bifenthrin)–FMC–This is the new name for Talstar Lawn & Tree Flowable Insecticide/Miticide. It is now available in pints, quarts, and gallons.

TELONE (1,3-DCP)–Dow Agro-Sciences– EPA issued an extension to an experimental-use permit for use on 5,000 acres of golf-course turf to control nema-todes. It now expires 8-28-02. (FR, vol. 66, 10-31-01)

TETRASAN (etoxazole)–Valent–A new miticide that should be registered for use on ornamentals in 2002. It acts as an insect-growth regulator.

ULTRAFLORA (melbemectin)–Gowan –Registration is expected in 2002 for greenhouse ornamentals. [insecticide]

(Michelle Wiesbrook, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, January and February 2002.)

COMPANION (Bacillus subtilis GB-03)–Growth Products–EPA received a petition to establish an exemption from the requirement of a temporary tolerance for this microbial fungicide. The comment period expired 1-18-02. (FR, vol. 66, 12-19-01)

DIMETHOATE–Cheminova–In an agreement with EPA, the following uses will be deleted from all labels for this product: uses in and around residences or domestic dwellings (including home garden and home greenhouses); uses in public or private buildings (including landscaping); housefly treatments on farm buildings and structures, farm animal quarters and manure piles. The comment period expired 2-11-02. (FR, vol. 67, 1- 10-02)

DI SYSTON (disulfoton)–Bayer–EPA has received a request to delete from the label the use on dry beans, peas, lentils, poplars grown for pulp wood, sorghum, soybeans, tobacco, and triticale. The comment period expired 2-11-02. (FR, vol. 67, 1-10-02) [insecticide]

FOREST STAR (glyphosate)–Albaugh –An additional brand name/formulation being marketed. [herbicide]

METGARD (metsulfuron-methyl)– Makhteshim–A new formulation recently introduced for total vegetation control on turf, forests, rangelands, grasslands, and pastures. It is a 60DF formulation.

PRISM (clethodim)–Valent–Added to their label the use on canola, flax, mustard seed, leaf lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. [herbicide]

ORTHENE (acephate)–Valent–EPA received a request from the manufacturer to cancel voluntarily the uses on residential indoor and turfgrass sites (except golf courses, sod farms, and mound treatment for harvester and fire ant control). The comment period expired 12-28-01. (FR, vol. 66, 11-28-01)

OXADIXYL–Syngenta/Gustafson– EPA cancelled the registration for this product, effective 9-27-01. Sale and distribution of existing stock will be unlawful one year from the date of the cancellation order. (FR, vol. 66, 11-1-01) [fungicide]

SUCCESS (spinosad)–Dow Agro-Sciences– Added to their label the post-harvest use on asparagus fern and the use on tree nuts, pistachios, artichokes, strawberries, and cranberries.

TREFLAN (trifluralin)–Dow Agro-Sciences– Proposed to EPA to delete from their label the use on Mexican clover. Unless withdrawn, this change will become effective 7-8-02. (FR, vol. 67, 1-9-02) [herbicide]

(Michelle Wiesbrook, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, January and February 2002.)

AGRA QUEST–The company plans to develop a biofumigant, discovered by a professor at Montana State University. It is based on naturally occuring Muscodor albus and will be developed as a methyl bromide replacement.

BAYER–The company announced it will become a holding company with four operating subsidiaries: chemicals, crop protection, health care, and polymers.

CERTIS–The company has made an agreement with Ecogen to purchase all their B.t. products. Certis, which is the old Thermo Trilogy, will market them under their own name.

CROP LIFE AMERICA–This is the name change for the old American Crop Protection Association (ACPA). It became effective 1-1-02.

DOW AGROSCIENCES–The company has entered into a worldwide agree-ment with BASF to develop new imidazolinone-tolerant Clearfield canola varieties. They have also teamed up with FMC to promote Hornet and Aim herbicides for the control of waterhemp in soybean. Areas of concentration will be the midwestern and northeastern states.

GOWAN–The company has acquired from Dow AgroSciences Rubigan (fenarimol) fungicide and Magister (fenazaquin) insecticide.

PHARMACIA–The company plans to spin off its agricultural-products subsidiary to Monsanto this next year.

2002 INSECTICIDE, HERBICIDE, FUNGICIDE QUICK GUIDE–This revision is the best quick reference available! Pesticides are cross-referenced to registered use; then, the pests each individual product will control are listed in alphabetical order. A quick answer can be readily obtained to questions such as what can be used to control mites on corn, pigweed in cucumbers, or powdery mildew on apples. If you need the answer fast, whether in the field or the office, this is the book for you! Now available from Thomson Publications, P.O. Box 9335, Fresno, CA 93791; or call (559)266- 2964, fax (559)266-0189, or go to www.agbook.com. Cost is $23.95 each, plus tax if applicable, plus $5.50 for UPS shipping.

(Michelle Wiesbrook, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, January and February 2002.)