EPA Comment Period, 5 CEU Event, Weed control, Mosquitos

Howdy,

I'd like to share this release I received regarding the EPA comment period open for pyrethroid insecticide use. This is something that could have a significant impact on us depending on which way it goes. Please check it out below.

Comments due by Jan. 30 at 11:59 p.m. ET

ALL pyrethroid insecticides (bifenthrin, Warrior/Karate, Mustang Max, Baythroid, Asana, Permethrin, etc.) are currently undergoing registration review at EPA. Nine are specifically being evaluated, but serve as surrogates for all 19 active ingredients.

The preliminary evaluation shows that all pyrethroids exceed “Levels of Concern” for exposure to aquatic invertebrates. THIS IS MAJOR. If LOCs are exceeded, the exposure must be mitigated. This can be done in a variety of ways, but generally means loss of uses, reduced rates, reduced number of applications, or other use restrictions.

The current deadline is Jan. 30 at 11:59 p.m. (ET). EPA particularly needs to know why and specifically how producers use pyrethroid insecticides.

Your comments should include:

·        Who you are and why you are commenting (grower, consultant, etc.; acres grown and other pertinent information as to your qualifications).
·      
·        Why pyrethroids are important to you (why you use them over other products; why alternatives are not adequate or preferred; etc.)
·      
·        YOUR USE PATTERNS (be very specific if at all possible): For EACH crop (and possibly season) indicate which pyrethroid(s) you use, the pest(s) targeted, the use rate, number of applications, re-treatment interval, and preharvest interval (particularly if a short PHI is necessary).
·      
·        The general importance of pyrethroids is important (about the only broad spectrum products we have left), but the specific use information is needed to adjust the exposure estimates.
·      
To comment, click on the following link:
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OPP-2010-0480-0019 (Regulations.gov webpage); the summary does not mention pyrethoids, but this is the place (pyrethroids are in the table at the bottom of this document); click the “Comment Now!” button on the upper right of page and follow the instruction.

A user friendly option is the Pyrethroid Working Group site:|
Go to https://www.votervoice.net/PWG/campaigns/48706/respond  and follow their instructions. This site includes a template and suggestions for the information submitted.

It is a very good idea to compose and review your comments in a WORD document (or other program) before submitting them to EPA.

-Copied from Growing Georgia-


5-CEU Pesticide and CCA Recertification Program offered in Wharton County

By Corrie Bowen
County Extension Agent
Wharton County

The Wharton County office of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is proud to announce an opportunity for pesticide license holders to earn five continued education credits (CEUs) toward their TDA pesticide applicators license.   The Wharton County Office of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension will hold their annual 5-CEU program on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at the Wharton County Fairgrounds – Crescent Hall in Crescent, TX.  Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.  Program begins at 9:00 a.m.   2-IPM, 2-Laws and Regulations, and 1-General CEUs will be offered.  Five CCA credits will be awarded to Certified Crop Advisors.   Guest speakers at this year’s pesticide recertification conference include:  Dr. Don Renchie with a  TDA Laws and Regulations Update; Mr. Rob Brooks, Dow AgroSciences will speak on Herbicide Application Methods and Modes of Action; Mr. Greg Baker, TDA Pesticide Inspector will address the  Worker Protection Standard law;  Mr. Peter Woods, Extension Program Specialist will address Aquatic Plant Management; and Dr. Megan Clayton will speak on controlling huisache, flatsedge, macartney rose, and other weeds.  Cost is $35.00 payable to the Wharton County Row Crops Committee.  A lunch is included.  Please register by January 31, 2017 through the AgriLife Extension Wharton County Office at 979-532-3310, or download a flyer and registration form online at http://wharton.agrilife.org

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The rain lately has been good for the ground, and I know many of you are gearing up for this years crop season. Dr. Mcginty shared a couple of weed control guides that may come in handy soon. They cover a number of herbicides and when to use them. For the cotton guide, go to this website, for the sorghum guide, check out this one. The corn weed guide is currently under construction, but many of the same burndown herbicides in cotton can be used in both corn and sorghum (like Roundup, Gramoxon, Liberty, 2 4-D, Clarity, Valor, and Sharpen).

This week I also noticed mosquito larvae living in my dog's water dish and in the miniature lake in my backyard. Now is a good time to be thinking especially about the first "D" of the "4 Ds of Mosquito Prevention", which is to drain or dump any standing water if you can. I can't drain my mini lake, but I did put a mosquito dunk in there. Mosquito dunks are easy to find at a feed store or Walmart. They are an excellent option for larval mosquito control since they are non toxic to pets and fish. They use BTI, a bacteria toxic specifically to mosquito larvae. Check out this website for more do- it- yourself backyard mosquito management techniques.

As always, feel free to email me or give us a call if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Kate