Recently, the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) released a report entitled Pesticides: Improvements Needed to Ensure the Safety of Farmworkers and Their Children. A summary of this report follows.

Although the federal Fair Labor Standards Act generally prohibits children under age 12 from working in agriculture, the Department of Labor has found children as young as age 6 working in agricultural fields during its inspections. The point is not to determine whether these young children are working in the field or simply accompanying their parents because they could not find or afford child care. The point is that young children can be found spending a significant portion of their day (often many days) in areas where pesticides have been applied. The question is, "Are they adequately protected from pesticide exposure?"

The GAO was asked by three representatives (Lantos, D–CA; Waxman, D–CA; and Sanders, I–VT) to investigate the possible adverse effect of pesticides as it relates to the safety of children who may be exposed to pesticides in agricultural settings. The report addresses a series of questions, organized by three overall issues:

1. What federal requirements govern the safe use of pesticides, particularly as they relate to protecting children in agricultural settings?

2. What information is available on the acute and chronic effects of agricultural pesticide exposure, particularly on children?

3. What has the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) done to ensure that its Worker Protection Standard (WPS) considers the needs of children and is being adequately implemented and enforced.

Conclusions and Recommendations
1. Two laws (the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act [FIFRA]; and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [FFDCA]) principally govern the safe use of pesticides. In 1996, the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) amended both laws and required the EPA to, among other things, reevaluate the amount of pesticide residues allowed on or in food, taking into account consumers' aggregate exposure from other sources, including residential exposure. In addition, it directed the EPA to consider "major identifiable subgroups of vulnerable consumers" in this reevaluation process. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) petitioned the EPA to consider children living on or near farms as one of these groups. The EPA indicated that it is currently funding several studies to assess the effects of farm children's exposure to pesticides.

2. The authors of the study concluded that information on the extent of acute and chronic illnesses from agricultural pesticide exposure is very limited– whether for farmworkers, farm children, or the population in general. According to the National Center for Environmental Health of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the many studies conducted so far have been limited, inconsistent, and inconclusive. Although a number of federally funded studies of chronic effects are under way, it will take many years before the results are known, given the complexity of the issues involved.

In addition, the authors concluded there is limited capability to determine the precise national incidence or prevalence of pesticide-related illnesses that occur in the agricultural sector. The EPA currently uses four databases to indicate the extent of acute pesticide incidents and illnesses. However, these databases are not standardized, and several have significant limitations, such as lack of medical confirmation as to the exact cause of the illness (for example, "Is the illness due to the flu or pesticide exposure?"). The EPA is currently pilot-testing in five states a standardized reporting system for pesticide-related illnesses. In addition, in 1998, the EPA launched an initiative to improve the training of health-care professionals to help them recognize acute pesticide-related illnesses and injuries.

3. For a variety of reasons, young children are considered more vulnerable to the adverse effects of pesticides than are older children and adults. Using this assumption, the authors of the study concluded that the Worker Protection Standard may not adequately protect young children. To be fair, the WPS was not designed to protect young children. The intent of the WPS provisions is to protect workers of legal age (age 12 and over). The EPA considers the reentry interval (REI; how long a worker must wait after the application before reentering the site) to be one of the most important protections in the WPS. Setting these product-specific intervals is no simple task–it involves a great deal of data regarding toxicity and task-specific exposure.

Reentry intervals came into effect in 1995. Since then, the EPA has adopted a new methodology that is more detailed and considers chronic health effects and in utero effects. As of August 1999, REIs for about half the pesticides (or groups of related ingredients) had been revised. Typically, these REIs stayed the same or were reduced, indicating that the EPA was cautious with its early assessments. Regardless, the GAO study strongly recommends that the EPA take additional steps to protect children in pesticide-treated areas. Steps might range from warning farmworker parents about the adverse effects that pesticides may have on their young children, to having pesticide labels clearly state that children should not enter treated areas for specified periods.

The implementation and enforcement of pesticide requirements, including the WPS, are primarily carried out by the states under cooperative agreements with EPA. Questions exist about whether the states are adequately implementing the Standard for farmworkers generally. The authors found that EPA's regions have been inconsistent (1) in whether they set goals for the number of worker-protection inspections states should conduct, (2) in defining what constitutes a worker-protection inspection, and (3) in the extent to which they oversee and monitor the state's implementation and enforcement of the Standard. The authors make appropriate recommendations to remedy these problems.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDoA) is the agency responsible for implementation and enforcement in Illinois. Since 1995, University of Illinois Extension has worked closely with the IDoA and other organizations to educate employers and employees about the WPS provisions. In 1999, the IDoA inspected a number of commercial-application establishments, greenhouses, nurseries, and farms specifically to assess compliance with the WPS. Overall, the rate of compliance was good. However, as pointed out in the January 2000 Illinois Pesticide Review, several areas still need work. Again, with assistance from EPA, IDoA will continue WPS-specific inspections this year and beyond.

The full (36-page) report may be viewed and printed from the following website: www.gao.gov (select "Today's Reports," then 4/13/2000). Or you may order a copy from the GAO office, (202) 512-6000. For more information about the WPS, contact your nearest University of Illinois Extension office or visit our website at www.aces.uiuc.edu/~pse/facts/facts.html.

Adapted from Pesticides: Improvements Needed to Ensure the Safety of Farmworkers and Their Children, U.S. General Accounting Office, March 2000.

- Bruce Paulsrud

On April 11, the EPA proposed to revise the format and content of first-aid advice on all pesticide product labels to make them easier to read. Although companies can start to use this revision immediately, the Agency will accept public comments for 30 days. The revision incorporates recommendations by the medical community and the Consumer Labeling Initiative. Changes to labels will include a section heading "First Aid" instead of "Statement of Practical Treatment"; a new format; as well as first-aid advice for each pathway of exposure through the mouth, skin, inhalation, and eye. The goal is to revise all product labels by October 1, 2001. For more information, please call Amy Breedlove in the Office of Pesticide Programs, (703)308-9069; or by e-mail, breedlove.amy@epa.gov. For a copy of the notice, see www.epa.gov/PR_Notices/.

(Source: EPA Pesticide Program Update, 04/20/00.)

- Bruce Paulsrud

The EPA has created a new interactive website, "Learn About Chemicals Around Your House," to teach children about ordinary household pesticide products that may contain harmful chemicals. The website includes information about toxic substances stored in different rooms of the house and answers common questions on safe use and storage of these pesticides and other toxic products. The site also contains educational games and tells children what to do if accidents occur. The site is available at http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/kids/hometour/index.htm.

(Source: EPA Pesticide Program Update, 04/20/00.)

- Bruce Paulsrud

Although most applicators keep pesticide records because it makes good agronomic and horticultural sense to do so, there are legal reasons as well to keep these records. The purpose of this article is to sift through the gossip and guessing about the recordkeeping requirements and get to the facts. As you will see, the type of information you are legally required to keep depends on your type of business and the type of pesticide you use. Many folks view their pesticide records as "a good insurance policy" against false accusations. Although not required in Illinois, it is a good idea to record (on-site) wind direction and speed during the application, should you find yourself in the middle of a drift complaint.

Private Applicators
According to the 1990 Farm Bill, all private applicators (those who apply pesticides to their own land) must maintain records of restricted-use pesticide (RUP) applications. The following information must be recorded within 14 days of the RUP application (Note WPS exception follows.) and maintained for 2 years.
• Certified applicator's name and certification number
• Date of application (M/D/Y)
• Pesticide product name and its U.S. EPA registration number
• Amount of chemical concentrate applied (for example, pints, quarts, gallons, pounds)
• Crop, commodity, stored product, or site treated
• Size of the area treated (acres, bushels, animals, etc.)
• Location of application (any system that accurately identifies the location of the application). For a spot application, simply enter "spot application" and a short description of the location. Greenhouses and nurseries must still give complete descriptions for spot applications (for example, which bench, row, block, plant).

Commercial Applicators
According to the Illinois Pesticide Act, all commercial applicators must maintain records of RUP applications they make. The following information must be recorded and retained for 2 years from the date of application. In addition, federal regulations require all commercial applicators to furnish a copy of either the state- or federally required records to the customer within 30 days of the RUP application. (Note WPS exception follows.)
• Pesticide product name and its U.S. EPA registration number
• Amount of chemical concentrate applied per unit (for example, pounds or ounces per acre)
• Date of application (M/D/Y)
• Use site(s).

Pesticide Dealers
According to the Illinois Pesticide Act, pesticide dealers must retain a record of each individual RUP sale for 2 years. The record must include the following information:
• Purchaser's name, address, and certification number and type of certification if appropriate
• Quantity and kind of pesticide sold
• Date of sale.

What About WPS Recordkeeping?
For producers who must comply with the Worker Protection Standard (WPS), the recordkeeping requirements are a bit different. Following is a combined list of information required by the WPS and the Private RUP recordkeeping laws. The information preceded by an asterisk (*) is required only when an RUP is used. Keep in mind, however, that there is nothing wrong with keeping more detailed records than is required by law!
* Certified applicator's name and certification number
• Time and date the pesticide is scheduled to be applied and when it is safe to reenter the site (for example, listing the pesticide's restricted-entry interval, or REI).
• Pesticide product name, active ingredient(s), and its U.S. EPA registration number
* Amount of chemical concentration applied (for example, pints, quarts, gallons, pounds)
* Crop, commodity, stored product, or site treated
* Size of the area treated (acres, bushels, animals, etc.)
• Location of application (any system that accurately identifies the location of the application). For a spot application, simply enter "spot application" and a short description of the location. Greenhouses and nurseries still must give complete descriptions for spot applications (for example, which bench, row, block, plant).

Other key items for WPS employers:
• To protect WPS employees (farmworkers, scouts, and applicators) who might enter treated areas, it is critical that all WPS employers communicate information about planned pesticide applications and those already made. Decide beforehand how such messages will be delivered (for example, by phone, a note in mailbox). When a custom application will not be, or was not, applied as scheduled, the producer must be informed of the corrected time and date before the application takes place, or as soon as practicable thereafter (within 24 hrs).
• Records for ALL pesticide applications (including general-use pesticides) must remain available to employees for 30 days beyond the REI.
• The WPS requires more than just recordkeeping!

Because no standard forms are required for any of the records listed here, you can use any system you like–as long as the required information is included, and it is legible and accessible to those who have a legal right to see it. Many pesticide com-panies, suppliers of personal protective equipment, and other organizations offer recordkeeping sheets or notebooks. In addition, many companies offer software (some free) for computerized record-keeping. The University of Nebraska lists several software packages on their website (http://ianrwww.unl.edu/ianr/pat/pestbkmk.htm). Again, regardless of how you keep records, just be sure you meet the requirements as outlined here.

For more information about any of these laws, contact the Illinois Department of Agriculture at (217)785-2427 or your local University of Illinois Extension office. In addition, you can find a good deal of information about these laws at our Pesticide Safety Education website (www.aces.uiuc.edu/~pse).

- Bruce Paulsrud

CANOPY XL (sulfentrazone/chlorimuron-ethyl)–DuPont–Now registered for fall application on conservation and no-till soybeans. [herbicide]

CONNECT (bromoxynil)–Aventis–A new formulation available this year for use on corn. [herbicide]

FIRSTRATE (cloransulam-methyl) and FRONTROW (cloransulam-methyl/flumetsulam)–Dow AgroSciences–Now may be applied by air on soybeans. [herbicide]

SEMPRA (halosulfuron)–Monsanto–A new formulation developed for use on corn and sugarcane. [herbicide]

(Michelle Wiesbrook, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, March and April 2000.)

AIM (carfentrazone-ethyl)–FMC–Received EPA registration as a burndown herbicide prior to planting crops. When added to glyphosate herbicide, it speeds up the burndown so that the effect is obvious in 1 to 2 days.

APHISTAR (triazamate)–Rohm & Haas–Registration is pending on pome fruits, leafy vegetables, cotton, cole crops, sugarbeets, and hops. [insecticide]

BALANCE (isoxaflutole)–Aventis–Added to their label the control of Texas panicum and Russian thistle. Also, it may be applied to corn up to 21 days before planting. Registration is pending on sweet corn and cereals.

BAYLETON (triadimefon)–Bayer–EPA received a request to delete from their label the uses on wheat, sugarbeets, cucurbits, and grasses grown for seed. Unless withdrawn, this change will become effective 8-14-2000. (FR vol. 65, 2-16-2000) [fungicide]

BENDIOCARB–AgrEvo Environmental Health–The registrant has requested a voluntary cancellation of the products containing this active ingredient. The deadline for comments was 3-3-2000. Cancellation will be by the following schedule: 6-30-2000 for bendiocarb technical, 10-31-2000 for products labeled for in or around homes, and 12-31-2001 for all other products. Immediate cancellations are Bendiocarb 20% and 76% WP and Turcam 2.5G. Those to be canceled 10-31-2000 are Wasp and Hornet Killer, Pyrenone Bendiocarb Roach & Ant Spray, Ficam D, Bendiocarb 1% Dust, Bendiocarb 20%, Ficam Plus, Bendiocarb 11/2G, Ficam 21/2G, and Ficam Plus R/S. Those to be canceled 12-31-2000 are Turcam, Turcam 21/2G, Ficam ULV, and Turcam Fertilizer. (FR vol. 65, 2-2-2000) [insecticide]

CAPTURE (bifenthrin)–FMC–Received EPA approval to use on corn at planting time to control corn rootworms, cutworms, seed corn maggot, wireworms, and seed corn beetle. Apply as a banded soil treatment at planting time.

CARZOL (formetanate hydrochloride)–Aventis–The company has proposed to EPA to delete the use on plums, prunes, and greenhouse ornamental plants. The deadline for comments was 3-9-2000. (FR vol. 65, 2-8-2000) [insecticide]

DACTHAL (chlorthal-dimethyl)–Amvac–The label for this product is expected to be transferred to Amvac from Zeneca early this year. [herbicide]

ELEXA (carbohydrate biofungicide)–Safe Science–This new biofungicide prevents plant diseases by activating the plant's natural disease-defense mechanism. EPA registration is expected in 2000 on grapes and strawberries to control powdery mildew, downy mildew, and gray mold. Additional registration is expected on tomatoes, cucurbits, peppers, potatoes, lettuce, and ornamentals.

ELEXA (chitosan)–Safe Science–Received a label to use on all greenhouse crops, herbs, and shrubs to control powdery mildew, downy mildew, and Botrytis.

GLYPHOSATE ORIGINAL–Griffin–A new name that will be marketed this year. [herbicide]

K-PAM HL (metam-potassium salt)–Amvac–A new formulation available as a soil fumigant.

KALIGREEN (potassium bicarbonate)–Toagosei Co./ Monterey–Added to their label over 60 new crop uses. [fungicide]

NORDOX (copper oxide)–Monterey Chemical–Added to their label numerous new uses on fruit crops, vegetables, and ornamentals. [fungicide]

PALISADE (trimexapac-methyl)–Novartis–A new growth regulator registered on ryegrass seed to reduce lodging, make seed harvest more efficient, and improve seed set. Being looked at on apples, alfalfa, and sugarcane.

ROOT SHIELD (Trichoderma harzianum)–Bio Works–Now labeled as a foliar spray on greenhouse crops to control Rhizoctonia, Pythium, and Fusarium.

SUMAGIC (uniconazole-p)–Valent–Added to their label for this plant-growth regulator the application as a preplant soil treatment.

TOP SHIELD (Trichoderma harzianum)–Bio Works–Received a new label for this biofungicide to be used on all greenhouse crops, including flowers, vegetables, and herbs, to control powdery mildew, downy mildew, Botrytis, and other foliar diseases.

ULTRA FINE SPRAY OIL (petroleum oil)–Sun–As a result of the IR-4 Project, they may now add to their label the use on ornamental cabbage and kale. [insecticide]

(Michelle Wiesbrook, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, March and April 2000.)

AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS BOOK IV–FUNGICIDES–This book has now been revised, adding about 20 new fungicide products. Available from Thomson Publications for $24.95.

AGRILIANCE LLC–This is the new name for what was formerly Cenex/Land O'Lakes Agronomy Co.

AMERICAN CYANAMID–The company has sold its retail lawn and garden business to Central Garden & Pet. This sale involves the consumer brand labels of Amdro Fire Ant Bait and Image (imazapyr) herbicide. The sale did not include Cyanamid turf and ornamental business or the pest-control business.

AMVAC–The company has acquired Fortress (chlorethoxyfos) corn insecticide from DuPont.

BASF–The company has proposed to purchase American Cyanamid's agricultural chemical division for $3.8 billion, plus about $300 million in assumed debt.

ECO SOIL–The company has agreed to sell its Turf Partners assets to J.R. Simplot Co.

ELF ATOCHEM–The company has formed a limited liability company with Nisso America (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nippon Soda Co. of Japan) to market thiophanate-methyl (Topsin-M) in the United States. The new company will be named Nisso TM LLC. Elf Atochem will own 49%, and Nisso America will own 51% of the new company.

ORION GENOMICS–The company successfully applied its Gene Thresher technology to the genome of wheat. This technology enables the discovery of genes within a plant's genome without sequencing the repetitive content.

SCOTTS–The company has agreed to sell its North American professional turf business to The Andersons. Nu Gro will acquire the Canadian rights to the products. Consumer products and the grass seed and horticultural products units were not included in the transaction.

VALENT BIOSCIENCES–This is the new name Sumitomo has announced for its acquisition of Abbott Labs' agricultural business products. Its head office will be in Libertyville, IL. Abbott will continue to produce the products for Valent BioSciences.

(Michelle Wiesbrook, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, March and April 2000.)

APOLLO (clofentezine)–Aventis–As a result of the IR-4 Project, 29 new ornamental uses may be added to their label. [insecticide]

AQ-10 (ampelomyces quisqualis)–Ecogen–As a result of the IR-4 Project, they may now add 13 new ornamentals to their label. [fungicide]

AZADIRACHTIN–As a result of the IR-4 Project, 29 new ornamental uses may be added to the label. [insecticide]

BAYLETON (triadimefon)–Bayer–As a result of the IR-4 Project, they may now add to their label the use on lawn leaf, sugar maple, white oak, and tail flower. [fungicide]

BIO-TREK (trichoderma harzianum)–Bio Works Inc–As a result of the IR-4 Project, they may now add to their label the use on daffodils, lilies, and tulips. [fungicide]

B-NINE (diminozide)–Uniroyal–As a result of the IR-4 Project, they may now add to the label of this growth regulator the use on 10 new ornamentals.

CHLOROTHALONIL–According to a recently published re-registration eligibility decision (RED), EPA proposes to limit the use of chlorothalonil to 26, 52, and 73 lb per acre per year for golf fairways, tees, and greens, respectively. There were no previous annual-use restrictions. In addition, the registrants have agreed to eliminate the use of chlorothalonil on home lawns.

COMPASS (trifloxystrobin)–Novartis–As a result of the IR-4 Project, they may now add to their label the use on 13 new ornamentals. [fungicide]

CONTRAST (flutolanil)–Scotts–Received a label for use on all ornamental crops. [fungicide]

CORRAL 2.68G (pendimethalin)–Scotts–A new formulation being introduced to use on ornamentals. [herbicide]

CURFEW (1,3-DCP)–Dow AgroSciences–A new formulation used as a liquid soil fumigant for the control of plant nematodes in turf. Apply to actively growing turfgrasses by injecting at least 5 inches deep. Irrigate as soon as possible after application.

DIMENSION (dithiopyr)–ROHM & HAAS–Reduced the overseeding interval from 12 to 8 weeks and added 21 more ornamentals to the label. [herbicide]

EAGLE (myclobutanil)–Rohm & Haas–Added to their label the control of fusarium patch and snow mold.

E-RASE (oil of jojoba)–IJO Products Inc–Added to their label for this biofungicide the control of powdery mildew on ornamentals.

GALLERY (isoxaben)–Dow AgroSciences–As a result of the IR-4 Project, they may now add to their label the use on maples and pygmy date palms. [herbicide]

GOAL (oxyfluorfen)–Rohm & Haas–As a result of the IR-4 Project, they may now add to their label the use on maples. [herbicide]

LONTREL (clopyralid)–Dow AgroSciences–As a result of the IR-4 Project, they may now add to their label the use on nonbearing apples. [herbicide]

MEDALLION (fludioxonil)–Novartis–As a result of the IR-4 Project, they may now add to their label the use on chrysanthemum, Elephant's ear, false sunflower, ferns, and Shasta daisy. [fungicide]

NOGALL (Agrobacterium radiobacter strain K-1026)–Bio Care Technology–EPA approved an application to register this new active ingredient as a biological control agent for the prevention of crown gall in nursery stock on nonfood and nonbearing plants. (FR vol. 65, 2-25-2000)

OVATION (clofentezine)–Scotts–Received a label to use on greenhouse crop trees, nonbearing fruit trees, and Christmas trees to control mites and their eggs.

PENNANT (metolachlor)–Novartis–As a result of the IR-4 Project, they may now add to their label the use on winged elm and privet. [herbicide]

PENNANT MAGNUM (s-metolachlor) –Novartis–A new formulation being introduced for use in nurseries, turf, and landscape plantings. [herbicide]

PERMETHRIN–As a result of the IR-4 Project, the manufacturers may now add to the label the use on nonbearing cherry trees. [insecticide]

SANMITE (pyridaben)–BASF–As a result of the IR-4 Project, they may now add to their label the use on arborvitae, arrowwood, azalea, false cypress, honeysuckle, hydrangea, and wisteria. [insecticide]

SURFLAN (oryzalin)–Dow AgroSciences –As a result of the IR-4 Project, they may now add to their label the use on nonbearing cherries. [herbicide]

TAENSA–The company has received EPA approval for its new bio-pesticide Bacillus subtillus strain FZB24 to suppress various diseases in ornamentals.

TAME (fenpropathrin)–Valent–As a result of the IR-4 Project, the use on carnations, nonbearing cherry, crape myrtle, dogwood, snowbell, maple, and Persian violet may be added to their label. [insecticide]

TERRAZOLE (etridiazole)–Uniroyal–As a result of the IR-4 Project, they may now add to their label the use on bleeding heart and fatsia. [fungicide]

TOPSIN-M (thiophanate-methyl)–Elf Atochem–As a result of the IR-4 Project, they may now add to their label the use on 22 new ornamentals. [fungicide]

TREFLAN (trifluralin)–Dow AgroSciences–As a result of the IR-4 Project, they may now add to their label the use on areca palm, feverfew, gazania, hair grass, hardy mum, matricaria, statice, and stocks. [herbicide]

(Michelle Wiesbrook, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, March and April 2000.)

ABOUND (azoxystrobin)–Zeneca–Changed the reentry period to 4 hours. [fungicide]

ADMIRE (imidacloprid)–Bayer–Added to their label the control of aphids, cucumber beetles, thrips, and whiteflies on Chinese okra, cucumbers, and squash and the suppression of Phylloxera on grapes.

AUXIGRO WP (GABA)–Auxien Corp–Added to their label the control of powdery mildew and bunch rot on grapes.

AVAUNT (indoxacarb)–DuPont–EPA registration is expected early this year on lettuce, cole crops, tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, apples, and pears. [insecticide]

BAC-MASTER (streptomycin-sulfate)–Pace Int'1–A new formulation being marketed to control fireblight on apples and pears.

BIO-NEM (Bacillus firmus)–Minrav–This Israel-based company has developed a new bio-nematicide to be used on organic tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.

CAPTURE 2EC (bifenthrin)–FMC–Added to their label the use on cucurbits, eggplant, beans, and sweet corn. [insecticide]

CONFIRM 2F (tebufenozide)–Rohm & Haas–Added to their label the control of codling moth, fruit tree leafroller, and green fruitworm in pome fruits.

COPPER COUNT-N (ammoniated copper)–Mineral Research–Added to their label additional fruit and vegetable crops. [fungicide]

EVOLVE (thiophanate-methyl/mancozeb/cymoxanil)–Gustafson–A three-way combination potato seed treatment to control Rhizoctonia stem canker, black scurf, Fusarium dry rot, silver scurf, and seed-borne late blight.

KNACK (pyriproxyfen)–Valent–Added to their label the use on citrus, tomatoes, peppers, and almonds. [insecticide]

MZ-CZ (mancozeb/cymoxanil)–Gustafson–A potato seed-piece treatment used to control Fusarium dry rot, silver scurf, and seed-borne late blight.

PROVADO (imidacloprid)–Bayer–Added to their label the use on cucumbers, Chinese okra, and squash. [insecticide]

TANOS (cymoxanil/famoxadone)–DuPont–A new fungicide combination to control early and late blight. Being developed for use on potatoes, fruiting vegetables, cucurbits, and lettuce.

TOPS MZ/GAUCHO (thiophanate-methyl/mancozeb/imidacloprid)–Gustafson–A three-way combination product for use on seed potatoes to control soil-borne diseases, as well as Colorado potato beetle, flea beetles, potato leafhopper, and aphids.

(Michelle Wiesbrook, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, March and April 2000.)

DELTAGARD G (deltamethrin)–AgrEvo–Label changes included an increased rate for fire ant control and deletion from the label the control of cockroaches, fleas, and scorpions.

DURSBAN ME021 & ETOC (chlorpyrifos/prallethrin)–Dow AgroSciences –A new formula to control various insects such as ants, cockroaches, and fleas along sidewalks and patios.

ZINC PHOSPHIDE–EPA extended time in which residue tolerances of 1 ppm of this rodenticide may be allowed on alfalfa forage. It now expires 12-31-2002. (FR vol. 65, 2-23-2000)

(Michelle Wiesbrook, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, March and April 2000.)