David Owens, Extension Entomologist, owensd@udel.edu
EPA just released proposed registration changes to imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, and clothianidin, and they can be found here: https://www.epa.gov/pollinator-protection/proposed-interim-registration-review-decision-neonicotinoids.
Imidacloprid summary: Proposed cancelling bulb vegetables, residential turf applications, on farm seed treatment to canola, millet, and wheat. Some minor PPE changes, and decreased maximum annual ai/a/yr by 10-20%.
There appear to be some significant proposed use changes, take a look at page 48. Application on tomato, pepper and okra would be prohibited 5 days after transplant; on cucurbits after first true leaf emergence or vining. This has important implications for stink bug and cucumber beetle management.
Proposed restrictions to poultry houses (pg 50) include: “Limit applications to one whole house treatment and 5 perimeter (partial house) treatments per year” and “Do not apply to more than 30,000 sq. ft. per year per house.” There is also a provision for a 10 ft vegetative filter strip between application site and body of water.
Acetamiprid: minor.
Dinotefuran summary: Proposed bulb vegetable cancellation, reduction of max application ai rates across the board by about 10%, and limiting use in tomato, pepper, and okra to no more than 5 days after transplant, as for imidacloprid
Clothianidin/Thiamethoxam summary: proposed changes are very similar to imidacloprid. There is this interesting line regarding cucurbits: The applicator has a choice to either utilize crop stage frame of reference (e.g., vining to harvest or first true (non-cotyledon) leaf). The agency encourages input from stakeholders regarding the best identifier for crop stage.
These are proposed decisions, EPA seeks public comment. Without your input, they will go into effect. If these proposed decisions have any impact on your business operation, you can submit comments here: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0844-1608. Comments are due April 3. You can also reach out to me and I can incorporate them into my own comments.