The impact of agricultural practices on water quality continues to be a major public concern. Sediments, nutrients, and pesticides can run off farm fields to rivers, streams, and public water supplies. As part of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), public water suppliers are required to sample quarterly for regulated contaminants, including several pesticides. Customers are then provided with annual Consumer Confidence Reports of their drinking water quality. (See the May 1999 Illinois Pesticide Review.)

A watershed refers to the land area that drains into a body of water by surface or subsurface flow. Individual watershed characteristics greatly affect the occurrence of contaminants in water supplies. As every acre of land is in a watershed, human activities can influence water quality a considerable distance away. In some areas, local watershed groups have been formed to address water-quality concerns.

Buffer strips can be used to help prevent potential pollutants from getting into surface waters, such as streams and rivers. Although this article focuses on grass filter strips, there are other types of conservation buffers, including grassed waterways, contour grass strips, field borders, field windbreaks, shelterbelts, and riparian (streamside) buffers.

Grass Filter Strips
Research and field experience have demonstrated that waterways and grass filter strips can trap sediment and reduce the velocity of runoff flow. This allows for greater infiltration of dissolved chemicals. Pesticide losses can range from less than 1% to over 10% of the applied product. Numerous studies have shown that chemical losses are often greatest when heavy rainstorms closely follow pesticide applications. When combined with other best management practices (BMPs), established grass filter strips can effectively reduce the amount of pesticide runoff.

When planning a filter strip, it is important to consider site characteristics such as the type of vegetation, the quality of the stand, and the farming practices above the filter strip. Soil properties such as texture, percent organic matter, and water infiltration rate determine how quickly an area absorbs water.

Cool-season grasses or native warm-season grasses can be used in grass filter strips. Cool-season grasses, such as smooth brome grass planted with alfalfa, provide pheasant habitat, while plantings of redtop, bluegrass, and timothy are beneficial to quail. Native warm-season grasses, such as Indiangrass, little bluestem, and sideoats grama, are suitable for filter strips and provide habitat for grassland birds. Warm-season grasses should be left unmowed during the winter. Reed canary grass and tall fescue should be avoided in filter-strip plantings because they do not provide suitable habitat for grassland birds.

The size of the drainage area must be considered, and the recommended width of the filter strip will depend on the length and steepness of slope. In one Iowa study, a 15-foot filter strip reduced atrazine loss by 32%, while a 30-foot filter strip reduced atrazine loss by 55%.

Additional information on designing a filter strip, suggested seeding rates, and guidelines for width is available from the Natural Resource Conservation Service Field Office Technical Guide.

Maintenance
Filter strips require some maintenance to assure that they continue to function properly. When heavy sediment loads are deposited, water may eventually break over the top and flow become concentrated in that area.

Filter strips should be inspected for damage, especially after a heavy rainstorm. Minor grading, reseeding, or interseeding can be done to repair rills and small channels that may have developed. Timely mowing helps control weeds and maintain filter strips at suggested heights. To minimize damage to wildlife nesting areas, delay mowing in cool-season plantings until August 1.

Best Management Practices
Best management practices (BMPs) are designed to minimize adverse effects of pesticide use on surface water and groundwater quality. In addition to protecting the environment, these practices must be economically sound. In most cases, a combination of BMPs is required to achieve water-quality goals; and the suggested practices may vary depending on soils, topography, and individual farm operation.

Integrated pest management (IPM) plays a vital role in protecting water resources. Regular monitoring of crop conditions and pest populations helps a producer make the most appropriate decisions. Pesticide applications based on economic thresholds optimize grower profits while reducing environmental hazards.

Match herbicide application rate to field characteristics and such factors as kind of weeds, size of weeds, and growing conditions. Carefully review product labels and follow the setback requirement for perennial streams, intermittent streams, areas around tile inlets, and wellheads.

Proper handling and disposal of pesticides can reduce the potential for point-source contamination of water resources. Spills or improper disposal of excess spray can overload the soil's ability to hold and degrade pesticides. If sprayers are repeatedly dumped or washed out in the same location on the farmstead or field, concentrated sources of pesticides may be created, thereby increasing the risk of water contamination.

Conservation-tillage practices reduce sediment loading and also reduce or slow water runoff. Because many herbicides dissolved in runoff water can move from treated fields, conservation-tillage practices that increase water infiltration into the soil profile should help control herbicide runoff into surface water.

Consider split application of soil-applied products to reduce the risk of a heavy rainfall event's causing extensive runoff. Select postemergence herbicides with physical and chemical characteristics that have less potential for surface runoff. Band-apply herbicides and use mechanical control when appropriate.

Rotate crops and use a combination of weed-management practices. In addition to helping achieve water-quality goals, these practices reduce the chance for developing herbicide-resistant weeds.

Consider delaying herbicide application if heavy rains are forecast for the next few days. Research has shown that heavy rainfall shortly after herbicide application can cause significant chemical loss.

Finally, some individual BMPs may not be appropriate as part of an overall cropping system. Incorporation of herbicides, for example, has been shown to decrease the amount of chemical runoff in surface water. Obviously, the practice is not compatible with a no-till system, and the balance between controlling soil erosion and reducing pesticide movement must be considered.

Watershed Protection Efforts
Cooperative efforts to solve local water-quality problems appear to be succeeding in some areas. Farmers and landowners, agricultural chemical dealers, farm managers, University of Illinois Extension, NRCS, Farm Bureau, water utilities, and other interested parties help provide different perspectives on the common goal of protecting water resources. BMPs that are specific to a watershed can be more effectively implemented than treating every acre the same way.

In addition to local efforts, there are statewide water-quality buffer initiatives, and one may be coming to Illinois soon. Iowa has a program called the Trees Forever Iowa Buffer Initiative that uses riparian buffers of trees, shrubs, and grasses to improve water quality by reducing soil erosion. Led by the nonprofit group Trees Forever and sponsored by Novartis Crop Protection, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division, U.S. EPA, and NRCS, over 5 years the initiative will establish 100 project and demonstration sites throughout Iowa that will exhibit flexible approaches to establishing and maintaining riparian buffers. At field days, farmers and landowners will be able to learn from a network of technical experts about the benefits of riparian buffers. Not only do riparian buffers improve water quality by filtering out contaminants and slowing down runoff of surface water, but they also break down pesticides. These buffers also provide wildlife habitat, lower water temperatures (which improves fish habitats), and increase energy levels in the system from the added organic matter. Finally, buffer strips of wildflowers, trees, and shrubs also improve aesthetics. In Illinois, a similar buffer initiative is still in the planning stages. The Council on Best Management Practices has been working closely with Novartis Crop Protection to get the project under way, hopefully within the next year.

Adapted from the University of Illinois Extension fact sheet, Grass Filter Strips for Protecting Surface-Water, prepared by George Czapar, Extension educator, Integrated Pest Management, July 1997; additional comments by David Shiley, Extension educator, Natural Resources Management.

- Michelle Wiesbrook

With spring approaching, now is a good time to begin preparation for the coming spraying season. There are a few things that applicators can do in early spring that will help make their pesticide applications more successful this year.

The off-season is a good time to select nozzles for the coming season. Become familiar with new types of nozzles and advances in drift reduction, pattern uniformity, target coverage, and nozzle materials. By understanding what options are available before the season starts, you can avoid rushed or uninformed decisions. Pesticide labels provide information on nozzle selection, such as droplet size or nozzle type and pressure range under "directions for use." If an applicator has an idea what pesticides may be used in the coming season, these decisions can be made well before "crunch time."

To select the proper size of nozzle, an applicator should know three things: planned application rate, field speed, and nozzle spacing on the boom. If this information is known, the nozzle size can be determined simply by multiplying together application rate in gallons per acre, speed in miles per hour, and nozzle spacing or bandwidth in inches, then dividing by 5,940. This calculation gives the flow rate needed from the nozzle in gallons per minute. Nozzles should be selected with drift reduction in mind. Larger tips and lower operating pressures produce larger droplets, which are less prone to particle drift. Also consider using a drift-control additive to further control off-target movement.

When the sprayer is pulled out in the springtime, it should be closely inspected. It is essential that the sprayer be properly cleaned after the previous season. If it was properly winterized, the springtime preparation will be much easier. Check the pump for signs of damage or wear, including the bearings. Open it up and check the impeller, rollers, or diaphragm for wear. Also look over the pressure gauge, and replace it if it isn't zeroed or is cracked or otherwise damaged. Check any hoses, tank fittings, and shut-off valves for degradation or cracking. Inspect all strainers and nozzles for visible signs of damage, wear, or abuse. Replace those that are damaged, and clean those that are plugged, using clean water. For safety, never blow through a nozzle. Also never use anything metal to clean a nozzle. The orifice is finely machined and may be easily damaged. Instead, use a special nozzle brush or stiff-bristled toothbrush. Clearly mark the toothbrush to indicate it is not fit to be used for anything else to reduce the risk of accidental poisoning.

After the initial "dry" inspection is complete and any defects are repaired, partially fill the sprayer with clean water and check it out again. Repair any leaks from fittings, hoses, valves, or strainers; then flush the boom before putting on the nozzles and nozzle strainers. After the nozzles and nozzle strainers are reattached, spray clean water to check your pump, pressure gauge, and pressure controls. A high-quality oil-filled gauge can be used to check the accuracy of the usual sprayer gauge. Operate the sprayer over the expected range of operating pressures to check the pressure controls and pump capacity. Using a spare gauge, check the pressure at the boom and compare it to the reading at the standard pressure gauge. Excessive pressure drop indicates restricted or undersized hoses or fittings that should be replaced.

Continue spraying clean water to check the spray nozzles. Check each nozzle for wear, by using a flow meter or by collecting its output for one minute. Discard any nozzle with a 10% or more flow increase over its rating when new, or any nozzle that is off 5% or more from the average flow rate of all the nozzles. Next, visually check nozzle patterns for unevenness or streaking, and replace damaged nozzles. Adjust the boom height to obtain the correct nozzle-pattern overlap, while keeping the boom as near the target as is practical. It is sometimes helpful to drive over a concrete surface spraying clean water and then observe the drying pattern. Overapplied streaks take longer to dry; underapplied streaks dry more quickly. Finally, see that boom control and nozzle check valves operate properly and shut off completely.

If the sprayer uses a rate controller, follow its manual for calibration. Check the speedometer accuracy by timing and driving a test course of a known distance. One piece of equipment to consider using to improve application accuracy is a handheld wind meter. These meters accurately measure wind speed, providing important information for drift minimization and protection from drift complaints. Meters typically range from $80 to $120.

Though prices for many commodities are currently low, money for sprayer maintenance is well spent. The benefits are improved application accuracy, less down time, and improved personal and environmental safety. It is easier, safer, and cheaper to perform sprayer maintenance before the season starts.

- Mark F. Mohr

Do I need a license to apply pesticides to my own land? Yes, if you choose to use a restricted-use pesticide (RUP), you are required to show proof of license before you may buy the RUP. These products have an obvious "Restricted-Use Pesticide" statement at the top of the pesticide label. If the product is not an RUP, it is a general-use pesticide; and, as a farmer or home owner, you do not need a license to apply it to your own land or land you rent.

Do I need a license to apply fertilizer as part of my lawn-care business? No, as long as the fertilizer does not contain a pesticide. "Weed-n-feed" and "grub-n-feed" type fertilizers contain pesticides; and, as a commercial applicator, you must be licensed to apply these products. Whether you apply pesticides or only fertilizers, you must post the turf area after application.

What is the difference between "Private," "Commercial for Hire," "Commercial Not for Hire," and "Public" pesticide license designations? A Private Applicator license is required for persons who–for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity primarily intended for sale, consumption, propagation, or other use by humans or animals–use or supervise the use of a restricted-use pesticide (1) on property owned, rented, or leased by them or their employer, or (2) on no more than two neighbors' farms as exchange for labor.

A Commercial for Hire Applicator or Operator license is required of persons who apply a pesticide (restricted or general use) for any purpose on property other than that owned, rented, or leased by them or by their employer. If you apply pesticides for profit, this license designation is appropriate for you.

A Commercial Not for Hire Applicator or Operator license is required of persons who apply pesticides (restricted or general use) on the property of their employer, but who are not public (governmental) employees. Examples include grain elevator managers and workers, rural electric company field personnel, and railroad rights-of-way maintenance personnel.

A Public Applicator or Operator license is required of employees of governmental agencies who apply any pesticides in the normal course of their duties. Examples include grounds-keepers in public cemeteries and golf courses, park district maintenance personnel, foresters (public land), mosquito abatement district personnel, county and township weed commissioners, groundskeepers of public establishments, State Department employees, state university and college employees, Extension educators, vo ag teachers, and other public employees who apply pesticides as part of their job.

I farm and operate a custom pesticide-application business. Which license do I need? If you use restricted-use pesticides on your farm, you must be licensed as a Private Applicator. In addition, for your custom-application business, you must be licensed as a Commercial for Hire pesticide applicator.

I'm confused about the terms "Applicator" and "Operator." After you decide which license designation is appropriate for you (see previous question), you need to decide if you should be listed as an Applicator or Operator. Simply stated, an Operator works under the direct supervision of his or her Applicator. To become an Operator, you must pass the General Standards exam. An Applicator also must pass this exam, plus one or more category exams (for example, Turf, Field Crops). Both Applicators and Operators are permitted to operate application equipment; handle, mix, and apply pesticides; store pesticides; and dispose of excess pesticides and containers. However, the Applicator must be accessible to his or her Operators when they are working with pesticides. If you work alone or are the only one in your company who applies pesticides, you must be licensed as an Applicator.

I have two Applicators where I work; one is licensed in Turf and the other in Ornamentals. As an Operator, may I apply pesticides to turf and trees? Yes, but each Applicator's license number must be listed on your operator's license. If you want to add or change an Applicator, simply call the Illinois Department of Agriculture, (800)641-3934, and ask to have your paperwork and license changed.

Occasionally I am asked to spray and kill the grass and weeds along fences or in parking lots. Which category do I need? Although you may be spraying grass in these sites, the grass is not maintained as turf, so the turf license is not appropriate for these applications. For these jobs, you need the Rights-of-way category. In addition, this category allows you to spray roadsides, electric power lines, pipelines, railroads, and other rights-of-way sites.

I work at a grain elevator, and local farmers have asked me to fumigate their grain. Does my Commercial Not for Hire Grain Facility license allow this? You may not fumigate the farmers' grain if the grain does not belong to your company. To custom fumigate, you need to be licensed through the Illinois Department of Public Health, (217)782-4674. Farmers who wish to fumigate their own grain must be certified first as a Private Applicator and then in Grain Fumigation to purchase and use grain fumigants.

- Bruce Paulsrud

AC-900001 (picolinafen)–Cyanamid–A new class of chemistry being developed as a postemergence herbicide to control broadleaf weeds in cereals. To be introduced in Canada in 2001.

AEF-115008 (iodosulfuron-methyl sodium)–AgrEvo–A new post-emergence herbicide to be used with the safener Mefenpyr-diethyl to control grasses in cereals.

AIM (carfentrazone)–FMC–Currently this product is registered for postemergence use on corn. Registration on rice is expected soon. Also being developed as a burn-down spray before planting corn or soybeans. [herbicide]

AMVAC–The company announced it intends to buy DuPont's corn insecticide Fortress (chlorethoxyfos). It is sold as a 5% granular material.

APRON MAXX (metalaxyl-m/fludionil)–Novartis–A new prepack seed treatment being developed for use on soybeans as a broad-spectrum fungicide treatment.

ATTRIBUTE/OLYMPUS (BAY-MKH-6561)–Bayer–A new herbicide being developed as a postemergence treatment for cereals to control grasses and some broadleaf weeds. It is a 70% WDP formulation.

AVENTIS–The company announced a rebate program for 2000 on its Liberty (glufosinate–ammonium) herbicides. A grower will receive a $16/gallon rebate with purchase of at least 20 gallons of Liberty and a $10/gallon rebate with at least 35 gallons of Liberty ATZ. To qualify, growers must register by April 15.

AXIOM (flufenacet/metribuzin)–Bayer–Currently registered as a preemergence material on corn and soybeans, it is being developed for use on wheat. [herbicide]

AXIOM AT (flufenacet/atrazine/metribuzin)–Bayer–A new product used as a preemergence treatment on corn. [herbicide]

BACKDRAFT (imazaquin/glyphosate)–American Cyanamid–Received EPA registration on soybeans as a burn-down herbicide with residual control. It will be marketed in the Delta and southern Corn Belt this year.

BALANCE (isoxaflutole)–Aventis–New label additions include the control of Texas panicum and Russian thistle. Also, it may be applied up to 21 days before planting corn; up to 30 days if used in a sequential treatment program.

BAY-MKH-3586 (amicarbazone)–Bayer–A new herbicide being developed to control broadleaf weeds in corn and sugarcane. It is used preplant or postemergence on sugarcane. It will be introduced in South America in 2001.

BAY MKH-6562 (flucarbazone-sodium)–Bayer–A new herbicide being developed for use on wheat.

BEST SHOT–Dow AgroSciences–Dow's herbicide program for Roundup Ready soybeans, which consists of a one-pass tank mix of glyphosate and First Rate (cloransulam-methyl).

BICEP MAGNUM TR (s-metolachlor/atrazine/flumetsulam)–Novartis–A new combination herbicide treatment that will be available this year as a one-pass preemergence treatment on corn.

BOUNDARY (metribuzin/metolachlor)–Novartis–A new combination herbicide available this year as a preemergence treatment for soybeans.

CELEBRITY PLUS (nicosulfuron/dicamba/diflufenzopyr)–BASF–A new postemergence herbicide on corn that controls both broadleaf and grassy weeds.

CLEARFIELD–American Cyanamid–This is the global umbrella brand for Cyanamid's imidazolinone-tolerant seed varieties. Currently, it has corn hybrids under the label, but canola is expected in 2000, rice in 2001, and wheat in 2002. [herbicide]

CONNECT (bromoxynil)–Aventis–A new formulation developed for use on corn for broadleaf weed control.

CYANAZINE–DuPont–Griffith–EPA announced the cancellation of all registrations for this product, according to a 7-23-96 notification. (FR, vol. 65, 1-6-2000) [herbicide]

DEGREE (acetochlor)–Monsanto–A new microencapsulated formulation used as a preemergence treatment on corn. [herbicide]

DEGREE XTRA (acetochlor/atrazine)–Monsanto–A new microencapsulated formulation used as a preemergence treatment on corn. [herbicide]

DISCOVER 2EC (clodinofop)–Novartis–Registration is expected on wheat this next spring for this new product to control wild oats, foxtails, ryegrass, canary grass, and volunteer corn. Applied postemergence when wild oats are in the 3- to 4-leaf stage. Marketing will be done initially in MT, ND, SD, and MN.

DOMAIN (flufenacet/metribuzin)–Bayer–A new formulation used as a preemergence treatment on soybeans. [herbicide]

EPIC (flufenacet/isoxaflutole)–Bayer–A new formulation used as a preemergence treatment on corn. [herbicide]

EQUINOX (teproloxydin)–BASF–A new postemergence grass herbicide being developed for use on cotton and soybeans.

EVEREST (BAY-MKH-6562)–Bayer–A new herbicide being developed in the United States and Canada to control grasses and some broadleaf weeds in cereals. Applied post-emergence; it may be available in 2000.

EXPERT (oxasulfuron)–Novartis–a new herbicide being developed for use on soybeans to control broadleaf weeds. Registration is expected this season.

EXTREME (imazethapyr/glyphosate)–American Cyanamid–Registered as a postemergence application to Roundup Ready soybeans. [herbicide]

FRONTIER X2 (s-dimethenamid)–BASF–This is a new formulation using the active isomer so it can be used at a lower rate than the original Frontier as a preemergence treatment on corn and soybeans. [herbicide]

HELIX (thiamethoxam/metalaxyl-m/fludiomil/difenoconazole)–Novartis–A new seed-treatment insecticide/fungicide being developed for use on canola to control fleabeetles, blackleg, pythium, and fusarium.

HORIZON (clordinafop-propagyl)–Novartis–Registration for use as a postemergence application on wheat is expected this year. [herbicide]

LIGHTNING (imazethapyr/imazapyr)–American Cyanamid–The company has lowered the price by about 25% for this corn herbicide.

LORSBAN/DURSBAN (chlorpyrifos)–Dow AgroSciences–Proposed to EPA to delete the use on popcorn from either label. Unless withdrawn, this change will become effective on the date of publication in the Federal Register. (FR, vol. 64, 11-10-99) [insecticide]

LOTUS/BINGO (cinidon-ethyl)–BASF–A new herbicide introduced in Europe this last year to control broadleaf weeds in cereals. Applied post- emergence. It will be introduced in other areas under the trade names Vega, Orbit, and Solar.

MALBAN (metsulfuron-methyl)–Makhteshim–Agan–The company will add this product to its line to use on cereals. [herbicide]

MESOTRIONE–Zeneca–A new herbicide being developed for pre- and postemergence use in corn to control broadleaf weeds and some grasses. Introduction in the United States is expected in 2002.

MONSANTO–The company has entered into an agreement with DuPont for glyphosate under a DuPont label. DuPont will purchase glyphosate from Monsanto for its herbicide combinations, some of which can be used on Roundup Ready cotton and soybeans. Also, the company proposed to EPA to obtain an experimental permit to plant 186 acres of genetically engineered corn that is tolerant to the corn rootworm in HI and PR in 1999; and 1,237 acres in 2000 grown in AZ, CA, DE, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MN, MO, NE, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, and WI. The treated crop will not be used for food or feed. Comments must be received by 1-7-2000. (FR, vol. 64, 12-8-99)

POAST (sethoxydim)–BASF–Added to their label the use on horseradish. [herbicide]

PRIMUS/BOXER (florasulam)–Dow AgroSciences–A new postemergence herbicide for use on cereals to control broadleaf weeds. It was available in Europe last year. It is also being developed in Japan for use on turf.

QUADRIS (azoxystrobin)–Zeneca–Being developed for use on soybeans to control pod and stem blight, rhizoctonia, stem rot, downy mildew, and brown spot; and on corn to control seed rot and seedling blight.

RAXAL MD/RAXAL XT(tebuconazole/metalaxyl)–Gustafson–A new seed treatment being developed for use on small grains. [fungicide]

READYMASTER ATZ (glyphosate/atrazine)–Monsanto–A new formulation being used as a postemergence treatment for corn. [herbicide]

ROUNDUP ULTRA (glyphosate)–Monsanto–Added to their label the preemergence use on canola; changed the aerial application rate up to 2 quarts/acre. [herbicide]

SUPRACIDE (methidathion)–Novartis–Due to the high cost of reregistration, the company has proposed to EPA to delete the use on sorghum and tobacco. Unless withdrawn, this change will be effective on 6-26-2000. (FR, vol. 64, 12-27-99) [insecticide]

UBH-820 (beflubutamid)–Ube Industries–A new herbicide being developed as a postemergence product to control broadleaves in cereals.

(Michelle Wiesbrook, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, January and February 2000)

ACQUIRE (glyphosate)–BASF–A new formulation that will be available this year. [herbicide]

ADAGE (thiamethoxam)–Novartis–A new seed-treatment insecticide being developed for use on cotton, grain sorghum, and wheat to control sucking and chewing insects such as thrips, aphids, wireworms, and hessian fly. Registration is expected in mid-2000. Additionally, it is being looked at on sunflower, peanuts, corn, potatoes, dry beans, and peas.

AKARI (fenpyroximate)–Aventis–A new insecticide being developed for use on hops, grapes, and greenhouse ornamentals.

AQUA-NEAT (glyphosate) Riverdale–Trade name for their aquatic herbicide formulation.

ARAMO (tepraloxydim)–BASF–A new herbicide being developed to replace sethoxydim for the postemergence control of grasses in broadleaf crops. Introduction is expected in 2000.

BARRACUDA (permethrin)–Gustafson–A new seed treatment to control wireworms and seed corn maggot on field and sweet corn.

BAY-KBR-3023 (propidine)–Bayer–A new compound being developed as an insect repellent.

BENDIOCARB–AgrEvo–The company has made an agreement with EPA to gradually withdraw these products (FICAM, TRUCAM, etc.). Sales for distribution will be discontinued on 10-31-2000. Sales on outdoor uses will continue into 2001. [insecticide]

CARZOL (formetanate)–Aventis–Label changes required by EPA include the maximum application rate of 1.25 lbs ai per acre on food crops and 1 lb ai per acre on alfalfa grown for seed. The pro-duct may no longer be used on plums, prunes, or greenhouse-grown ornamentals. Also, it may not be used in FL. All Carzol products without the new label may not be sold after 6-1-2000. [insecticide]

COMPASS (trifloxystrobin)–Novartis–EPA approved an application to register this new active ingredient to control certain foliar, stem, and root diseases of turfgrass on golf courses; institutional, commercial and residential lawns; sod farms; ornamentals grown in interiorscapes, field nursery plantings, forest nurseries, residential and commercial landscapes, greenhouses, lath and shade houses, containers, and other enclosed structures. (FR, vol. 65, 1-12-2000)

EC02 FUME (phosphine)–Cytec Industries–This new fumigant has received EPA registration to fumigate nonfood items such as tobacco and seeds, as well as stored postharvest commodities such as grains, fruits, and nuts.

FZB 24 (Bacillus subtilis)–Bayer–A new biological disease-resistance activator being marketed in Europe on potatoes, vegetables, strawberries, and ornamentals. It enhances the plant's natural resistance to disease pathogens and stimulates plant growth.

GUTHION (azinophos-methyl)–Bayer/Gowan–EPA intends to lower residue tolerances on apples, crabapples, cranberries, grapes, pears, and quince. (FR, vol. 64, 12-3-99) [insecticide]

ISOMATE BTW (pheromone)–Bio Control Ltd.–This new maturingdisruption pheromone was registered by EPA for the beet armyworm on alfalfa, asparagus, beans, beets, cabbage, celery, cole crops, cotton, cucumbers, ground nuts, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, soybeans, strawberries, sweet potatoes, tobacco, and tomatoes. (FR, vol. 64, 12-22-99)

LORSBAN (chlorpyrifos)–Dow AgroSciences–Added to the list of pests controlled are the beet leafminer and the spinach leafminer.

PLANTFUME 103 (sulfotepp)–Plant Products Corp.–Due to the high cost of reregistration, the company has proposed to EPA voluntary cancellation on greenhouse ornamentals and vegetables, effective 9-30-2002. Stock in distributors' inventory may be sold until 9-30-2004. Comments must be received by 2-22-2000. (FR, vol. 64, 12-22-99)[insecticide]

ROUNDUP PRO DRY (glyphosate)–Monsanto–A recently released dry formulation of Roundup. [herbicide]

TOMAHAWK (fluroxypyr)–Makhteshim-Agan–The company has decided to commercialize this product into their line to use on cereals, corn, and pastures. [herbicide]

TOP SHIELD (Trichoderma harzianum strain.22)–BioWorks–This new biofungicide has received EPA registration to use on greenhouse-grown crops, including flowers, vegetables, and herbs. It controls powdery mildew, downy mildew, grey mold, and other foliar diseases.

(Michelle Wiesbrook, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, January and February 2000)

AVENTIS CROP SCIENCES–The formation of this new company, which is a combination of Rhone–Poulenc and AgrEvo, is now complete. Headquarters are at Research Triangle Park, NC, in the United States, with worldwide headquarters in Lyon, France.

ECOGEN–The company has signed a letter of intent with Mycogen (an affiliate of Dow AgroSciences) to purchase Mycogen's line of Bt insecticides for $500,000 in cash, the rest in stock. Dow will manufacture the products for Ecogen for 5 years, and Dow will retain the exclusive rights to sales and distribution in Mexico, New Zealand, and Australia.

GRIFFIN–The company has announced an agreement with Auxein Corp. to develop and market crop disease-control products. They will be a combination of Griffin's conventional pesticides and Auxein's Auxi Gro Plant Metabolic Primer. Both companies will do the development, with Griffin doing the marketing of the combination products.

MONSANTO–The company has announced a planned merger with the drug company Pharmacia into a $27-billion company. It is undecided what will happen with the agricultural chemical division. The company has halted attempts to purchase Delta and Pine Land Co. and must pay them an $81-million termination fee.

NOVARTIS–The company has formed a joint venture with Diversa Corp. of San Diego, CA, to pursue opportunities in the field of animal feeds and agricultural product processing.

SCOTTS–The company plans to move its North American lawn-and-garden business headquarters from Port Washington, NY, to Marysville, OH, sometime this summer.

SUMITOMO–The company has acquired the Indian insecticide company Household Remedies, which produces pyrethroid insecticide products.

SYNGENTA–This will be the name of the new corporation formed by the merger of Novartis and Astra Zeneca. Novartis shareholders will get 61% of Syngenta's shares, and Astra Zeneca will get 39%. This merger will form the largest agribusiness company in the world, worth about $15 billion. The new company will be based in Switzerland.

THE 2000 INSECTICIDE HERBICIDE FUNGICIDE QUICK GUIDE–This book, which has been published yearly for over 30 years, has been revised for the new millennium. It is a quick guide to the products registered on the individual crops, and then each product is listed with the pests controlled. Ideal if you are a PCA, PCO, university or Extension person, for example, and you need a quick answer. Available from Thomson Publications for $19.95.

TREE, TURF & ORNAMENTAL PESTICIDE GUIDE–The book has just been revised and is available from Thomson Publications for $21. It is a crossreference to the ornamentals, trees, turf, and other plants and what products are registered on them. These are divided into insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and growth regulators. Then each chemical is listed, along with what it will control. A new feature in this edition is a crossreference of ornamental plants with common names and botanical names.

UNIROYAL–The new name will be CK Witco–Crop Protection Division.

(Michelle Wiesbrook, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, January and February 2000)

ACETAMIPRID 70WP (acetamiprid)–Rhone–Poulenc–Registration is expected soon on ornamentals to control aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs.

CAPTAN–Uses on turf sites, except sod farms and golf courses, are being voluntarily cancelled by the (basic) manufacturer. [fungicide]

CONSERVE SC (spinosad)–Dow AgroSciences–Added to their label the control of variegated cutworms, azalea caterpillar, cankerworm, diamondback moth, pear sawfly, and rednecked pine sawfly. Added to their label the use on greenhouse-grown ornamentals.

DYCARB 76WP (bendiocarb)–AgrEvo–This product will be replaced with a new brand name, Closure 76WP. It will no longer be registered on interior landscapes, but the rest of the label remains the same. A similar formulation, Trucam, will retain the interiorscape uses but will not be registered for greenhouses. [insecticide]

FLAGSHIP (thiamethoxam)–Novartis –Registration is expected soon for use on greenhouse and interiorscape ornamentals to control sucking insects, such as aphids and whiteflies.

OVATION (clofentezine)–AgrEvo–A new miticide that will soon be registered for use on ornamentals. Marketing will be done by Scotts for use in greenhouses.

PYLON (chlorfenapyr)–American Cyanamid–Registration is expected in the near future on greenhouse ornamentals to control mites and thrips. It will be marketed by Olympic Hort Products.

RAZOR (glyphosate)–Riverdale–This is the trade name for their formulation used in the T/O market. [herbicide]

(Michelle Wiesbrook, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, January and February 2000)

BAYTHROID (cyfluthrin)–Bayer–Received EPA registration on potatoes to control leafhoppers, loopers, Colorado potato beetle, cutworms, European corn borer, flea beetles, tuberworms, psyllids, and tarnished plant bugs.

DELIVER (Bt)–Thermo Trilogy–A new formulation recently released for orchards and vineyards. [insecticide]

FINALE (glufosinate–ammonium)–Aventis–To cover a specific exemption, EPA extended time-limited residue tolerances on sweet corn. They now expire on 12-31-2000. (FR, vol. 64, 12-27-99) [herbicide]

FLINT (trifloxystrobin)–Novartis–EPA approved an application to register this new active ingredient on pome fruit, grapes, and cucurbit vegetables. (FR, vol. 65, 1-12-2000) [fungicide]

GAVEL 75DF and ZOXIUM 80W/WSP (zoxamide)–Rohm & Haas–Proposed to EPA to register this new active ingredient to control downy mildew on grapes; early and late blight on potatoes. (FR, vol. 64, 12-22-99)

MICRO FLO–The company has signed an agreement with USDA to develop a new biofungicide for use as a postharvest application in fruit-packing houses based on Candida saitoana.

MISSION/KATANA (flazasulfuron)–Zeneca–Received registration in Europe to use on grapes as a pre- and post-emergence herbicide. Registration on others is expected in the future.

SWITCH 62.5 WG (cyprodimil/fludioxomil)–Novartis–Being used to control Botrytis leaf blight, purple blotch, and gray mold on onions and strawberries.

(Michelle Wiesbrook, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, January and February 2000)

PRE-EMPT (imidacloprid)–Bayer–A new gel formulation for cockroach bait.

(Michelle Wiesbrook, unless otherwise noted, adapted from Agricultural Chemical News, January and February 2000)