Pesticide Notes Newsletter From the Pesticide Safety Education Program at MSU In this issue [Feb 2004]

* REGULATORY & CERTIFICATION UPDATES - Fruit manual; Spanish core; GA turf training
* NEW TRAINING MATERIALS - Respirators; Pesticide safety journal; Pest World
* PESTICIDES in the NEWS - Salmon & spraying; Global biotech stats; bug bombs
* CHANGES in PESTICIDE LABELS/REGISTRATION
* CALENDAR of PESTICIDE RELATED PROGRAMS - National Lawncare Conference
* JOB/ GRANT ANNOUNCEMENTS - MN Quarantine officer
* MAKING SUBMISSIONS to this NEWSLETTER <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

REGULATORY & CERTIFICATION UPDATES
***Fruit Certification Manual on the web***
The fruit crop certification manual, new in November 2003, is now on the MSU Pesticide Education web site for FREE at http//www.pested.msu.edu/ in the certification manuals section. You can download the entire manual, or download each chapter. Print versions can still be purchased through the MSU bulletin system for $13.00. Note that the bulletin number on the new version has changed to E-2891.

*** Spanish Core Certification Manual available***
A Spanish version of the Michigan pesticide core manual is now available through the MSU bulletin office for $15.00 as E-2195SP, Manual Basico de Entrenamiento para Aplicadores de Pesticidas. This manual was edited by individuals speaking several different Spanish dialects, so there is more consensus in the translation. The manual is also available FREE on the MSU Pesticide Education web site, http//www.pested.msu.edu/ .

***Recertification credits for CD-based turf course***
The Michigan Department of Ag is now offering recertification credits for completion of a distance turf course developed by the University of Georgia. The course, Principles of Turfgrass Management, was designed by the UGA Center for Continuing Education and the Professional Lawn Care Association of America. Students register on-line or by mail (registration ranges from $250 - $310, depending on your membership in turf organizations), and course materials are sent out by UGA. The average time to finish the course is one year. Students take two tests on the study materials. The student is responsible for finding a testing location, for example, a county extension office, MDA office, MSU campus, or local college. Test materials and instructions are sent directly to the exam proctor; the proctor returns the test to UGA for grading. After completing the course, students gets a certificate from the Professional Lawn Care Association of America, plus 12 continuing education credits. The Michigan Department of Ag will accept these credits towards pesticide applicator recertification. For complete information about this course, visit: http://www.gactr.uga.edu/is/turf/ . You can contact the UGA Office of Certificate Programs at certificate.programs@gactr.uga.edu or call 1-800-325-2090. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
NEW TRAINING MATERIALS
***Respirator bulletin***
If you are doing PPE training, here is an on-line publication from Rutgers that talks about respirators and pesticides: http://www.pestmanagement.rutgers.edu/PAT/RespiratoryProtectionforPesticides.PDF

***Journal of Pesticide Safety Education (JPSE)***
Is it possible to publish a journal article on some aspect of pesticide education? Yes! Below is a blurb from the editors of the Journal of Pesticide Safety Education (JPSE), the official refereed e-journal of the American Association of Pesticide Safety Educators (AAPSE). As an extension educator, some of the work you do in pesticide education may be publishable in this journal. For example, results of applicator surveys or a description of a new teaching method. JPSE provides clearly presented articles of instructional methods, training devices, research findings, assessment instruments, literary notes, publication reviews, and similar material. You do not need to be a member of AAPSE to publish within JPSE. However, all offerings accepted for publication must directly bear on matters that AAPSE deems of interest to pesticide safety educators and to others whose efforts substantially enhance pesticide safety education. Types of refereed literature --Formal reports of findings and implications arising from a scientifically framed study of some aspect of pesticide safety education. Maximum length is 15 pages plus a 100-word abstract. -- Robust descriptions of pesticide applicator teaching (training) or applicator assessment (testing) program implementations, efficacy, or modifications. Maximum length is 15 pages plus a 100-word abstract. -- Third-party review of recently produced pesticide safety education materials. Examples include new books, training manuals, booklets, pamphlets, videos, educational games, and computer-based training modules. Maximum length is 1,000 words. -- Third-party critique of a unique or innovative method, technology, or device that aids information delivery of any aspect of pesticide safety education. An example is a field demonstration. Maximum length is 1,000 words. -- Development of an opinion or thought-provoking idea on an issue of interest to pesticide safety educators or the AAPSE readership. Maximum length is 500 words plus a 50-word abstract. -- Response to any article published in JPSE. Maximum length is 500 words plus a 50-word abstract. For more information, visit the JPSE website (jpse.org) for detailed submission and review procedures as well as form and layout standards. You may contact the JPSE editor directly at editor@jpse.org.

***Pest World Web site***
Russ Ives, from the Michigan Pest Control Association, passes on this website established by the National Pest Control Association, geared toward children: www.pestworldforkids.com . Russ says it was it was created with the help of educators, and includes useful information about insect and rodent pests, games, teacher lesson plans, and a bunch of other items of interest. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
PESTICIDES in the NEWS
*** Salmon and Spraying collide***
Recent news out of the Northwest - On January 22, a district judge in Washington State ruled against EPA on case brought by a coalition of environmental and fisheries groups about the procedures EPA uses to determine the impact of pesticides on Pacific salmon. Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), when EPA registers a pesticide, the Agency is required to consult with other federal agencies involved with identifying and listing endangered species that may be impacted by the pesticide. In the case of Pacific salmon, that agency is the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Several years ago, EPA made a agreement to develop a process to consult with NMFS about the potential effect of pesticides on salmon as it registered new active ingredients or re-registered current products. However, in the current court case, the Toxics Coalition accused EPA of failing to live up to this agreement and not consulting NMFS as it made registration decisions, thus violating the Endangered Species Act. The judge in the case ruled against EPA, and restricted the use of certain pesticides near habitat (rivers and streams) for threatened salmon species in the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. The restriction is in the form of a buffer zone between pesticide application and so-called 'salmon supporting waters', 20 yards for ground rigs and 100 yards for aerial application. The buffer zones apply to 38 different pesticides used in agriculture. At the same time, the judge also ordered that EPA notify consumers in urban areas about the danger to salmon posed by 7 other pesticides: 2-4 D, diuron, triclopyr, & trifluralin (herbicides) and carbaryl, diazinon, & malathion (insecticides). The notification is supposed to be at the point of sale (for example, garden and home stores), and include a prominent "salmon warning" sign that tells customers that the pesticides they purchase can pollute streams and harm fish. In a related and interesting twist on this case, on January 28th, the NMFS and the US Fish and Wildlife Service proposed that they would defer to EPA's judgement (its risk assessment process) to determine if a pesticide might produce an adverse effect to endangered species. In other words, they don't feel that EPA needs to consult them in most cases under the Endangered Species Act, and both agencies are willing to forgo a review in order to streamline the system. Instead of an agreement to consult, the agencies have proposed an agreement not to consult!

***Global statistics on biotech crops***
The following statistics on biotech (transgenic) crops came from the CropBiotech listserv. The stats are for the 2003 growing season. - Global acreage in 2003: 167 million acres, up from 4 million acres in 1996; - Estimated global market value: $4.5 - to $4.75 billion; - Estimated number of growers: 7 million, 85% of which are considered 'resource-poor' in developing countries; - Top countries planting biotech crops: the U.S. 63%), Argentina (21%), Canada (6%), Brazil (4%), China (4%), and South Africa (1%). (these countries account for 99% of the global acreage). - Other countries officially growing biotech crops: 12, including India, Indonesia, and Mexico. - Most common traits, by % of total biotech acres: herbicide tolerance (73%) and Bt crops (18%) - Most common biotech crops, by % of total biotech acres: GM soybeans - 61% (herbicide tolerance); GM corn - 23% (Bt gene and herbicide tolerance); GM cotton - 11% (Bt gene and herbicide tolerance); and GM canola - 5% (herbicide tolerance). - % of total global acres that were biotech: soybean - 55%; cotton - 21%, canola -16%; corn - 11%.
*** Bug Bomb Blows-up Bungalow***
Strange but true pesticide news...in December, a homeowner in San Diego set off 19 foggers in a home to kill rats and roaches. Each fogger generally covers 600 square feet; the house was 470 square feet. That is something like 24 times the label rate. Unfortunately, a pilot light in the house was still lit. The resulting explosion blew the house apart, throwing shrapnel across the road and waking the neighborhood. No one was hurt, but the house was destroyed. Ironically, foggers are not very effective at killing roaches, because the pesticide cannot reach all the cracks and crevices in the home where pests can hide. I was surprised to learn that this kind of accident happens once per year. In this case, the homeowner did not speak English, and could not read the use directions on the label. For a picture of the damaged bungalow, visit: http://www.snopes.com/humor/follies/bugbomb.asp <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
CHANGES in PESTICIDE LABELS/REGISTRATIONS dimethoate (multiple registrants): As of 28 January, uses are CANCELLED on apples, chard, fennel, grapes, head lettuce, spinach, tomatillo, and trefoil. A list of dimethoate manufacturers, trade names and EPA Registration numbers follows: - Cheminova, Chemethoate,4787-7 - Drexel, Drexel Dimethoate 19713-209 and 19713-525 - Gowan, Gowan Dimethoate, 10163-211 - Micro Flo, Dimethoate, 51036-279 - BASF Corporation, Perfekthion, 7969-32 (Z)-6-Heneicosen-11-one technical pheromone (Bedoukian Research, Inc.): Application received to register this new pheromone /attractant for incorporation into end-use products. cyfluthrin (Bayer CropScience): Tolerances proposed on the following crops: cucurbits; tuberous, corm, leafy, fruiting, and brassica vegetables; turnip greens; pome and stone fruits; grape and raisins; grass forage and hay; wheat forage/ hay/straw; dried peas and beans (except soybean). Profume (sulfuryl fluoride; Dow AgroScience LLC): Pesticide tolerances established for residues on stored commodities (stored grain, dried fruit, nuts), from postharvest fumigation. This active ingredient has been registered in the U.S. as 'Vikane' for structural fumigation. It is a methyl bromide replacement for some post-harvest uses. Fenamidone 500 SC (fenamidone; Bayer Environmental Science): Application received to register this product for disease control in ornamentals. An application was also received to set tolerances for this active ingredient on tuberous and corm vegetables. Amicarbazone (Arvesta Corporation): tolerances proposed for this herbicide active ingredient on corn grain, forage, and stover; alfalfa forage and hay; soybean seed, meal, and oil; wheat hay grain, straw, bran, and flour; meat and meat byproducts (cattle, sheep, goats, horses, hogs) and milk. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

CALENDAR of PESTICIDE RELATED PROGRAMS March 14-17, 2004 Environmental lawn care and landscaping - reaching the consumer. National Stakeholder conference Menger Hotel - San Antonio, Texas Sponsored by EPA, USDA, Lawn care companies, commodity reps, and environmental groups. For a meeting announcement, agenda, and registration info, see the EPA web site at: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/grants/lei/index.htm <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
JOB / GRANT ANNOUNCEMENTS *** Quarantine Office - Minnesota*** PROPOSED POSITION: Research Scientist 3 (Quarantine Officer) - Minnesota Department of Agriculture. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in entomology, biological control or related biological science and at least one year of research and field experience in insect-plant relationships, weeds and/or biological control. It is preferred that candidates have knowledge of quarantine facility procedures and management. Candidates should also have demonstrated leadership abilities and the ability to exert regulatory authority; exceptional communication skills for scientific and academic audiences as well as the ability to convey complicated research methods and results to the general public; Preference will be given to candidates who have additional relevant research and field experience in plant pathology. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This position will direct the operation of and serve as the quarantine officer for the Minnesota High Security Containment/Quarantine Facility on the University of Minnesota campus, operated jointly with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The facility is designed for the importation, containment, augmentation, study and release of exotic insects, mites and nematodes for the biological control of weeds and insect pests, with planned expansion for the importation, containment and study of quarantined plant pathogens. This position will oversee compliance with regulatory requirements as well as develop methods and procedures governing the operation of the Facility and the conduct of research projects contained in the Facility. This position will also perform independent biological control research as well as performing preliminary species identification of imported agents and insuring that imported agents are free of hyperparasites, pathogens, and microsporidia. As quarantine officer, this person will consult with the Insect Quarantine Management Committee on the management of the Facility. Grant writing and acquisition of funds to support research at the Facility are also responsibilities of this position. There will be the opportunity to apply for an adjunct faculty appointment in the University of Minnesota’s Department of Entomology or other related department. PROPOSED SALARY: Please refer to State of Minnesota website where position is officially posted. TO APPLY: This position is posted on the State of Minnesota website www.doer.state.mn.us under “Employment – Career Opportunities.” Use key words “Research Scientist” or choose “Department of Agriculture” for this job posting. The posting number is 03AGR000042. The closing date for accepting application for this position is March 1, 2004. For general information, contact: Dr. Mary J. Hanks, Minnesota Department of Agriculture 90 W. Plato Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55107 651-296-1277 or mary.hanks@state.mn.us Dr. David Ragsdale, University of Minnesota, Entomology Dept. 1980 Folwell Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108 612-624-3636 or ragsd001@umn.edu <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

MAKING SUBMISSIONS to this NEWSLETTER If you have pesticide-related information that you would like to provide to MSU extension agents, MSU campus specialists, agribusiness, and others, we welcome submissions to this newsletter. The newsletter is sent out on the 15th of each month. Submissions can be emailed to difonzo@msu.edu; please put 'newsletter submission' in the subject line. Do not email attachments...please include all relevant information within the body of the email message, so it can be directly copied into the newsletter. Newsletter prepared by: Chris DiFonzo MSU Pesticide Safety Education Program B18 Food Safety and Toxicology Building East Lansing, MI 48824 Web site: www.pested.msu.edu