Pollinator Protection: Residual Time to 25% Bee Mortality Data Released

The original article was published by the Environmental Protection Agency March 21, 2019 and can be found here.

RT25 Data: What They are and Where They Come From

The residual time to 25% mortality (referred to as the RT25) values provided in the table below were compiled from registrant-submitted data submitted in order to fulfill the data requirement for Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Toxicity of Residues on Foliage study (OCSPP Guideline 850.3030). This study may be conditionally required if the honey bee acute contact (or oral) median lethal dose (LD50) value (obtained from a honey bee acute toxicity test such as OCSPP Guideline 850.3020) is less than 11 µg/bee1.

The honey bee toxicity of residues on foliage study is a laboratory test designed to determine the length of time over which field weathered foliar residues remain toxic to honey bees, or other species of terrestrial insects. The test substance (e.g., a representative end-use product) is applied to crop foliage, the foliage is harvested at predetermined post-application intervals (i.e., aged residues), and test adult bees are confined on foliage with aged residues for 24 hours. Three treatment intervals (different durations of time that residues are aged between application and harvest) are typically used (e.g., 3, 8 and 24 hours post-application). At a minimum, the test substance should be evaluated at the maximum application rate specified on the product label. If mortality of bees exposed to the foliage harvested 24 hours after the application is greater than 25%, bees should continue to be exposed to aged residues on foliage samples collected every 24 hours (i.e., 48, 72, 96, 120 hours, etc. after the application) until mortality is 25% or less.

About the RT25 Data Table

The table below represents all available RT25 values from studies submitted to the Agency which have undergone quality assurance reviews to ensure that the data are scientifically sound. Depending on the chemical tested, either the technical grade active ingredient or a specific formulation was tested using either the honey bee, alfalfa leaf cutting bee, or alkali bee; the table lists the test material and species tested. The table also denotes the plant species on which residues were aged.

RT25 values are a function of a number of factors including application rate, physical-chemical properties, dissipation, crop, and pesticide formulation. Thus, there is considerable variability in RT25 values within a single formulation, between formulations, between crops, and across application rates.  The values included in the table are chemical and formulation specific. EPA plans to update this table as a more robust data set becomes available.

View full article and data table here. 

EPA Releases for Public Comment Draft Guidance for Plant Regulators, Including Plant Biostimulants

EPA is releasing for public comment Draft Guidance for Plant Regulators, Including Plant Biostimulants. Read a pre-publication copy of the draft guidance here.

In recognition of the growing categories of products generally known as plant biostimulants, this draft document gives guidance on which products are (and are not) subject to regulation under FIFRA as plant regulator pesticides, and what kinds of claims can be made for them. The draft guidance provides examples of each. EPA is taking this step to provide clarity to our state regulatory partners, to industry, and to the interested public in this emerging product area.

Plant biostimulants are a relatively new, but growing, category of products containing naturally occurring substances and microbes that are used to stimulate plant growth, enhance resistance to plant pests, and reduce abiotic stress. Their increasing popularity arises from their ability to enhance agricultural productivity by stimulating natural processes in the plant and in soil, using substances and microbes already present in the environment.

Biostimulants can improve soil health, optimize nutrient use, and increase plant growth, vigor, yield and production. They can promote greater water and nutrient use efficiency but do not provide any nutritionally relevant fertilizer benefit to the plant. Plant biostimulant products can be used in sustainable agriculture production systems and integrated pest management (IPM) programs, which in turn can reduce the use of irrigation water, as well as agrochemical supplements and fertilizers.

Once the Federal Register Notice publishes, the public will be able to submit comments on this guidance on www.regulations.gov in Docket # EPA-HQ-OPP-2018-0258. Public comments will be due 60 days after the date of publication in Federal Register.

EPA Applauds Presidential Signature of Key Pesticide Fees and Worker Protection Law

This announcement was posted by the Environmental Protection Agency on March 11, 2019.

 

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) Assistant Administrator Alexandra Dapolito Dunn issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump signing into law S. 483, the “Pesticide Registration Improvement Extension Act of 2018,” also known as PRIA 4:

“Since 2004, PRIA has been a key statute to ensuring timely review by EPA of pesticide registrations. PRIA 4 is supported by farmers and ranchers, environmental justice and worker protection organizations, and a broad array of manufacturers. EPA looks forward to implementing the new law to further the agency’s mission of protecting human health and the environment.”

Click here to continue reading. 

Mowing For Monarchs

This article is by Layne Cameron, Nate Haan and Doug Landis and was published by MSU Today on March 12, 2019.

 

You might think that mowing fields wouldn’t benefit monarch butterfly populations. New research from Michigan State University, however, shows that disturbances like mowing ­– at key times – might help boost the iconic butterfly’s numbers.

The results are published in the current issue of Biological Conservation, and they show that strategic grassland management benefits monarchs in two ways. First, monarchs lay more eggs on young milkweed – new growth after mowing – the sole food source for the butterflies in their larval stage. Second, fewer predators visit immature milkweed; more come during its mature stages, such as when it flowers.

“Monarch butterflies scout young milkweed to lay their eggs,” said Nate Haan, MSU postdoctoral research associate in entomology and the study’s lead author. “And in terms of a food source, milkweed is more like spinach when it’s young and comparable to cardboard as it ages.”

Click here to continue.

Updates to EPA announcement regarding Paraquat Certified Applicator Training

Companies are required to have newly labeled product in the market after November 14, 2019 – some may produce and sell newly labeled product before that date.

The best advice still remains, read and follow the label directions on the product you are using, keep product in its original packaging, and NEVER put product in any type of food container – especially a drink container.

  • With the newly labeled product, certified applicators must now take paraquat-specific training before use
    • Application “under the direct supervision” of a certified applicator is not allowed
  • Training must be repeated every three years

The requirement for training is only one of several actions EPA has taken to prevent poisonings with new label changes including:

  • Restricting the use of all paraquat products to certified applicators only
    • Certified Applicator Statement (for mixers, loaders, & applicators)
  • Clarifying toxicity in English and Spanish language formats
  • “DANGER-ONE SIP CAN KILL” and Skull and Crossbones symbol on the container
  • A “product package safety requirements sticker” affixed to the container
  • A “counter card” reiterating the same important warning information to be distributed with every container
  • AN IMPORTANT NOTE: Requirement for closed system transfer (“requiring closed-system packaging for all non-bulk (less than 120 gallon) end use product containers of paraquat.”) is NOT going to be in place this growing season! 
    • Registrants will submit label changes and new product registrations for the closed system packaging by March, 2019, and will have 12 months from EPA’s label approval date to adopt the closed system packaging.

It is also important to note that:

  • EPA is allowing the sale of paraquat that is already in the channels of trade, so some paraquat sold this growing season may NOT have the new training requirement on the label.
  • If the new training requirement is listed on the label of the product they purchase they MUST complete the training
  • Growers that currently have a supply of paraquat that DOES NOT have the new labeling listing the required training ARE NOT required to complete the training.

NPSEC News – March 12th, 2019

 

NPSEC News – March 12th, 2019
NPSEC Speaks at 2019 Commodity Classic Tom Smith, NPSEC Executive Director, discusses Pollinator Stewardship and NPSEC’s mission to support extension Pesticide Safety Education Programs (PSEPs) at the Navigating a New Era in Pesticide Product Stewardship panel discussion. Tom Smith (middle) stands with Courtney Weatherbee (left), NPSEC’s Administrative Assistant and Kerry Richards (right), NPSEC’s Education Program Developer at Commodity Classic 2019. For more on the 2019 Commodity Classic click here. 

2019 NCF-Envirothon will take place at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina July 28 – August 2

You can read about the 2019 Current Issue: Agriculture and the Environment: Knowledge & Technology to Feed the World here. NPSEC is exploring opportunities to collaborate with the National Association of Conservation Districts and their Foundation who sponsors Envirothon Click here to view the 2019 Key Topic Resources
NPSEC has Dicamba Education available on npsec.us that can be used in training programs by PSEPs, subject to state approval. Click here to access the Dicamba education slide deck. 
EPA Launches Paraquat Training Announcement by Marianne A. Mannix, Office of Pesticide Programs for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The original announcement can be found here. 

Basic Information

Paraquat dichloride, commonly referred to as “paraquat,” is one of the most widely used herbicides registered in the United States. Paraquat is also often referred to as Gramoxone (a popular end-use product).

Paraquat is used to control weeds in many agricultural and non-agricultural use sites. It is also used as a defoliant on crops, like cotton, prior to harvest. Read more about paraquat training here.

TPSA Needs Members! Check out their NEW video – recruit a member today!

Announcement by Bonnie McCarvel, Operations Manager for The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance (TPSA). The original announcement can be found here.

The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance (TPSA) is a collaborative partnership of government agencies – federal, state and local, educational and research institutions, public organizations, private corporations and individuals actively involved in stewarding the pesticide life cycle. Founded in 2000, TPSA utilizes education, training, outreach and other activities to accomplish stewardship objectives in local, national and international arenas. Click here to view the full video!

Your help is needed to recruit members!  It’s simple to do:

  • Identify people you think should be a member.
  • Refer them to the TPSA home page  – and have them check out the new video (click above) to hear what members say about TPSA benefits!
  • Encourage them to fill out the application form that is just below the video and send it in.
  • Have them add your name to the comments box so we can give you credit for your efforts!!
  • With your help, TPSA’s membership should be able to grow to 200!
  • Top membership recruiter will be recognized at the 2020 TPSA Annual Conference.

Visit The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance Today!
NEW NPSEC STORE PRODUCTS!

The NPSEC Store is a good place to find EPA-approved materials with expanded 2015 WPS content. This is where you can order NPSEC, PERC, WPS, and state-specific products. For PERC products, PSEPs get a 10% discount if they purchase the products using the code we mailed you at checkout. We track all PERC sales by state and send 10% of all net sales in a particular state or territory back to the PSEP as a gift. 

Shop the NPSEC Store
PERC PRODUCTS
National Worker Protection Standard: A Manual for Trainers

Available in English and Spanish!

These EPA-approved manuals (English: EPA 730-B-16-001; Spanish: EPA 730-K-17-001)) begin with an introduction to pesticides and pesticide safety, including the federal pesticide regulations. They discusses each of the specific points that must be included in WPS training sessions and contains valuable information to help trainers prepare for and conduct pesticide safety training. Purchase Here
How to Comply With the 2015 Revised Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides This EPA-approved manual will help users of agricultural pesticides comply with the requirements of the 2015 revised federal Worker Protection Standard. You should read this manual if you employ agricultural  workers or handlers, are involved in the production of agricultural plants as an owner/manager of an agricultural establishment or a commercial (for-hire) pesticide handling establishment, or work as a crop advisor. Purchase Here
WPS Respiratory Protection Guide: Requirements for Employers of Pesticide Handlers Under the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) as revised in 2015, there are new requirements for pesticide handlers when pesticide labels require the use of a respirator. This 45-page guide includes step-by-step fit-testing procedures, respirator selection guidance, medical evaluation options, and some frequently asked questions.  Purchase Here
WPS Posters

Updated WPS Poster(s) for “Central Posting” areas and certain decontamination sites This poster(s) complies with the requirements in the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) for agricultural pesticides.

Posters come in Large (22×34.5in) and Small (11×17) with a English/Spanish front, and the option of English or Spanish back. All Posters have a gloss laminate finish for durability. Purchase Here
WPS Training Videos

These WPS training videos for agricultural workers and pesticide handlers apply to many sectors because they include footage and examples from orchards, forestry, nurseries, greenhouses, vineyards, and row crops.

Available in English and Spanish! Purchase Here
WPS Standard Handbook for Agricultural Employers

Can be purchased individually or in bundles of 2 and 10!

This handbook is formatted as a small booklet, half the size of a sheet of paper. We hope you’ll find it as useful as a handout when training and/or inspecting agricultural work under the WPS. Purchase Here 
Web-Based Training for Trainers of Agricultural Workers and Pesticide Handlers

Online training course!

This web-based course is EPA-approved, including 12 self-paced learning modules. The course provides the required information for trainers who will perform annual training for agricultural workers and pesticide handlers under the U.S. EPA Worker Protection Standard (WPS). It will guide you through the necessary procedures to provide effective training about pesticide safety topics. Purchase Here
 

Muck fields may attract bees to aid pollination

The causes of pollinator decline have been well-documented, but research at Ohio State University’s Muck Farm near Willard, Ohio, is trying a new approach of putting pollinator habitat in strips among the vegetable crops.

“Can we see an increase in bee numbers? Can we see an increase in the types and diversity of wild bees in areas where muck soils predominate?” asked Elizabeth Long, assistant professor in Ohio State University’s Entomology Department. “If we make these resources available, will they come? Will these fields be more attractive to bees?”

The concept has some hurdles. Muck soil is extremely valuable and growers want every acre in production. There’s also the issue of putting bee habitat in the middle of intensively-managed crops. “Attracting bees into this area is risky because vegetables are intensively managed and lots of chemicals are used,” Long said.

Read more at Vegetable Growers News.

TPSA Needs Members! Check out their NEW video – recruit a member today!

Announcement by Bonnie McCarvel, Operations Manager for The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance (TPSA). The original announcement can be found here.

The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance (TPSA) is a collaborative partnership of government agencies – federal, state and local, educational and research institutions, public organizations, private corporations and individuals actively involved in stewarding the pesticide life cycle. Founded in 2000, TPSA utilizes education, training, outreach and other activities to accomplish stewardship objectives in local, national and international arenas.

Click here to view the full video!

Your help is needed to recruit members!  It’s simple to do:

  • Identify people you think should be a member.
  • Refer them to the TPSA home page  – and have them check out the new video (click above) to hear what members say about TPSA benefits!
  • Encourage them to fill out the application form that is just below the video and send it in.
  • Have them add your name to the comments box so we can give you credit for your efforts!!
  • With your help, TPSA’s membership should be able to grow to 200!
  • Top membership recruiter will be recognized at the 2020 TPSA Annual Conference.

Visit The Pesticide Stewardship Alliance Today!