As the EPA works to update pesticide labels to comply with the Endangered Species Act, we will work to keep you informed of the recent changes. However, it is in your best interest to visit databases often to be sure that you are in compliance with current pesticide laws. One such website to visit includes the EPA Bulletins Live! site.
One recent label change may impact some of our specialty crop growers in Indiana, particularly those of you residing in the northern portion of the state, with a few select geographies identified in southern regions. The active ingredient that has a new restriction is cyantraniliprole. This insecticide compound is from the group of diamides and is very efficacious at controlling various pests in fruit, vegetable, and nut crops. The trade names of products impacted by the label change include Benevia®, Exirel®, Mainspring®, and Minecto Pro®. Code CYN23 asserts that if you apply any of these products through aerial application, you need to refer to the bulletin to see changes related to droplet size, wind speed, wind direction, and appropriate buffer zones. We recognize that this may not impact many of our growers, but we wanted to bring your attention to the resources and will continue to provide updates as we receive them.
Figure 1. Reading a pesticide label (Photo by Christian Krupke).