PESTICIDE NOTES NEWSLETTER

*** From the Pesticide Safety Education Program at MSU ***

In This Issue [July 2004]

* Regulatory and Certification Updates - New EPA address, Public comments on mosquito labeling, pesticide storage, 2-4D

* New Training Materials and Web Resources - OSHA teens and ag, free urban bulletin

* Q and A - Using the Federal Register

* Pesticides in the News - Love Bug, Church training, EAB/WNV updates

* Changes in Labels, Registrations

* Calendar of Pesticide-related Programs

* Job/ Grant Announcements - Pesticide Education position in FL, ARS jobs

* Submitting to this Newsletter

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REGULATORY and CERTIFICATION UPDATES

***New street address for EPA Pesticide Program in D.C.***

The EPA Pesticide Program Office used to be on Jefferson Davis Highway in Arlington. The Program has a new street address (below) that affects visitors and deliveries, for example, FedEx and UPS packages: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pesticide Programs 1801 Bell Street Arlington, Virginia 22202 The official mailing address for snail-mail DOES NOT CHANGE: U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pesticide Programs (Division Mail Code #) Ariel Rios Building 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. Washington, DC 20460.

***Public Comment still open on proposed mosquito labeling changes***

The EPA public comment period for proposed label statements for adult mosquito control remains open until JULY 27, 2004. The proposed changes are in response to the increase in area-wide mosquito control programs, particularly because of West Nile Virus. The proposed label language clarifies several problem areas, such as training of applicators, droplet size, and spraying over water. Visit this EPA web page and click on "PR Notice 2004-XX". The PR notice is called XX because it is still in draft form. http://www.epa.gov/opppmsd1/PR_Notices/

***EPA Reopens 1994 Rule for Comments To Address Changes in Pesticide Storage [EPA Press Release] ***

On June 30th, the Environmental Protection Agency reopened the comment period on a 10-year-old proposal that could eventually lead to final requirements on the storage of bulk pesticides on farms. Jim Roelofs, of the Office of Pesticide Programs Field and External Affairs Division, said the agency is interested in getting input from stakeholders that reflect changes in the agricultural industry since the proposal of the bulk storage rule during the Clinton administration. The agency was required to promulgate pesticide container regulations in the 1970s under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act but did not propose regulations until February 1994. EPA initially opened the comment period in October 1999, but never finalized the requirements. Since the 1994 proposal, a number of changes have occurred. First, 19 states implemented their own containment regulations in the absence of a final federal regulation. Also, there have been many changes in pesticide storage practices. For example, "EPA has received anecdotal reports that bulk storage on farms, which was very rare if not nonexistent when the regulations were first proposed, is becoming more common and may present a risk to the environment," the agency said in the notice. Container recycling, an effort spearheaded by the Ag Container Recycling Council, has become quite common. Those recycling efforts, which were only in the developmental stages in the early 1990s, now prevent the disposal of about 6.6 million pounds of plastics containers each year, EPA said. Also, the 1994 proposal did not address advances in biotechnology, specifically use of plant-incorporated protectants (PIPS), such as Bt corn. PIPS are essentially sold as seed. Thus EPA is seeking comments related to the potential regulation of the practice of storing such protectants, regulation of the containers themselves, and any labeling issues that should be addressed, the agency said. Comments on the proposed rule must be submitted to EPA under docket ID number OPP-2004-0049 by August 16, 2004. For more information, contact Nancy Fitz, EPA Field and External Affairs Division, (703) 305-7385; or at fitz.nancy@epa.gov. Comments should be submitted to the EPA Public Information and Records Integrity Branch, Mailcode 7502C, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20460 or electronically to http://www.epa.gov/edocket.

***2,4-D risk assessment available for public comment***

The public can now access and comment on the preliminary human health and ecological risk assessments for the herbicide 2,4-D. 2,4-D and its related salts and esters are active ingredients in approximately 700 registered pesticide products. EPA is particularly interested in obtaining additional information from the public regarding the aquatic use of this chemical, including: - How, when, and under what circumstances are direct applications made to water? - At what application rates is 2,4-D typically used as an aquatic herbicide? - What other aquatic herbicides are used and how effective are they compared to 2,4-D? The Federal Register notice of availability, risk assessments, and related information on 2,4-D are available from EPA's Web site at: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2004/June/Day-23/p13858.htm The 60-day comment period closes on August 23, 2004.

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TRAINING MATERIALS and WEB RESOURCES

***FREE home IPM bulletin with pictures***

FREE to the first person who replies to CDD - a copy of a bulletin produced in New York City called "Safe Control - Cockroaches & Rodents". Approximately 25 pages of pictures taken in urban areas showing conditions leading to insect and rodent problems in city buildings. Written in cartoon format. Both English and Spanish versions are available.

***Teens and Ag***

Don Baumgartner provided the following link to the OSHA web page about employing teenagers in agriculture. http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/youth/agriculture/other.html

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Q AND A Q: What is the Federal Register? What does it have to do with pesticides? How the heck do I use it??

A: The Federal Register is the daily publication of the U.S. Government summarizing all of the business from each government agency. It lists rules that are proposed or adopted, and provides notices of government actions, called "FR Notices". Actions related to pesticides, such as the approval or deletions of pesticide registrations, tolerance approvals and levels, changes in registration requirements or label language, all come out as FR Notices. Many of these notices ask for public comment - which means anyone can send in an opinion about the proposed rule. EPA is required to take such comments into consideration when making a final rule. Needless to say, a single person cannot possibly keep up with all of the gobbly-gook in the Federal Register. Luckily, the Federal Register is now on-line and searchable. Even better, EPA has its own Federal Register portal at http://epa.gov/fedreg/, making it a bit easier to get to pesticide-related information. Say I want to find the Federal Register notice that givesdetails on proposed changes on pesticide storage and containers (discussed above under regulatory/ certification updates). First, access the web address: http://epa.gov/fedreg. In the search box, type in the docket number for the FR notice: OPP-2004-0049. Voila, up comes a link to the notice. What if you don't know the docket number? The web site has a calendar that allows you to search by date of issue. In the case of the pesticide storage notice, the FR notice came out on June 30, 2004. Click on that date, and you see all of the FR notices issued by the entire government on June 30th. The government agencies are listed in alphabetical order. Scroll down to EPA, and Voila, there is a link to "esticide container and containment standards". What if you don't know anything - no date, no number - except that the EPA's pesticide container notice might be available. Type key words (I used "pesticide containers" into the search box on the web site and Voila, up comes a list of FR notices about pesticide containers, not only the most recent notice, but the original notice from 1999 discussed in the pesticide container article.

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PESTICIDES in the NEWS

***Buyer Beware of the Love Bug!***

A battery-operated device designed to protect babies in strollers from mosquitoes was recently dinged by the Federal Trade Commission. The device is called the Love Bug. It clips to a baby strollers and allegedly emits an ultrasonic tone that mimics "the wing-beat of the dragonfly - the mosquito's mortal enemy!" The marketer, Prince Lionheart Inc, has been required by the FTC to prove its claims, which also include "protecting infants from West Nile Virus". Sorry, I could not find a picture of the Love Bug on the Internet, but read more from the FTC at: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2004/06/lionheart.htm. Incidentally, ultrasonic inset repellers in general do not stand up to scientific scrutiny. For an email list of published research papers comparing repellers to other techniques, you can contact CDD.

***Pesticide training at church***

The National Catholic Rural Life Conference - a nonprofit Catholic organization - has a unique program to train Spanish-speaking migrant workers about pesticides and WPS after church. The organization is working in a Catholic diocese which covers seven counties in the state of Washington. The training is being conducted by NCRLC with volunteers from local, state, and federal agencies, including university extension. The program decided to go through local churches for several reasons. First, many migrant workers in the area are Catholic and attend mass weekly. Second, the Church is a trusted source of information. Finally, at church the trainers could reach women and children who miss pesticide training on the farm if they attend school or work off the farm to supplement their income.

*** The latest on West NileVirus***

Number of counties with crows testing positive for WNV: 31 Number of states with bird or animal positives: 34 Number of counties with mosquitoes testing positive for WNV: 5 (Saginaw, bay, Midland) First human case this year in Michigan: 26 June 2004 Number of states with human cases: 10 (108 cases, concentrated in Arizona, California, and Colorado) ***The latest on Emerald Ash Borer*** Thirteen counties are now part of the EAB quarantine zone: Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Ingham, Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, Jackson, Washtenaw, Wayne, Lenawee, and Monroe. In addition, there are a number of sites outside of the quarantine zone where EABs have been found. These sites are under eradication or containment (a ring of trees removed from a prescribed distance from the initial infestation). Also, a trap-tree program has been implemented across the state. Ash trees in every township have The number of trap trees per township depends on the proximity to a known EAB infestation. Trees will be checked throughout the summer.

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CHANGES in LABELS, REGISTRATIONS [From Federal Register Notices]

###Algaecides - None this issue

###Fungicides

Burkholderia cepacia (Deny): EPA proposed to revoke all tolerances for residues of this biological pesticide. The Agency canceled food registrations or deleted food uses of this active ingredient, thus the tolerances are no longer needed.

###Herbicides

desmedipham and phenmedipham (Betanex, Betanal, Spin-Aid; Bayer CropScience): EPA received a request to voluntarily cancel certain pesticide registrations containing these herbicide active ingredients. molinate: EPA proposed to revoke all tolerances for residues of this herbicide. The Agency canceled food registrations or deleted food uses of this active ingredient, thus the tolerances are no longer needed.

propoxycarbazone-sodium (Attribute, Olympus; Bayer CropScience): Residue tolerance established in or on meat, meat byproducts, wheat and milk.

thifensulfuron methyl (Harmony, Pjnnacle; DuPont Agricultural Products): Registrant proposed residue tolerances on imazethapyr-tolerant canola seed.

tribenuron methyl (Dupont): Registrant proposed residue tolerances on imazethapyr-tolerant canola.

###Insecticides:

Allethrin: EPA proposed to revoke all tolerances for residues of this pesticide. The Agency canceled food registrations or deleted food uses of this active ingredient, thus the tolerances are no longer needed.

bendiocarb (Ficam & Turcam): EPA proposed to revoke all tolerances for residues of this pesticide. The Agency discontinued this active ingredient, thus the food tolerances are no longer needed.

Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) strain BK (Custom BTI Flowable Concentrate and Custom BTI Technical Concentrate; Custom Biologicals, Inc.): EPA received an application to register pesticide products containing this new active ingredient for mosquito control.

Bacillus thuringiensis tenebrionis (Btt) strain CB (Custom BTT Flowable Concentrate and Custom BTT Technical Concentrate; Custom Biologicals, Inc.): EPA received an application to register pesticide products containing this new active ingredient for control of Colorado potato beetle.

chlorpyrifos-methyl (Reldan; Gustafson): EPA amended the decision about this stored grain treatment, which is being voluntarily cancelled. The cancellation date for Gustafson Reldan 4E Insecticide (reg number 7501-4) and Reldan 4E (reg. number 62719-43) is extended until December 31, 2004. The technical registration for Reldan F Insecticide (reg. number 62719-42) will be maintained.

clothianidin (Poncho; Bayer CropScience) - EPA has received a petition proposing tolerances for residues of clothianidin on sorghum grain, forage, and stover.

flonicamid (ISK Biosciences): Registrant proposed residue tolerances on head and stem Brassica head / stem vegies and mustard greens. pyridaben (Pyramite, Sanmite; BASF): An extension was proposed for the time-limited tolerance of pyridaben on apricot and cherry (sweet and tart).

spinosad (Tracer; Dow AgroSciences): Residue tolerances proposed on proposing to establish a tolerance for residues of spinosad on stored grain (wheat, barley, corn, oats, rice, and sorghum/milo), soybean, sunflower, peanut, and birdseed.

###Nematicides - None this issue

###Plant growth regulator - None this issue

###Other

C8, C10, and C12 Straight-Chain Fatty Acid Monoesters of Glycerol and Propylene Glycol (3M Corporation): An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance was granted for these fatty acids when applied to commodities and food when applied/used in accordance with good agricultural practices. humates: An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance was granted for humic acid when it is used as inert ingredients in a formulated pesticide product.

lactic acid (PURAC America, Inc): An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance was granted for lactic acid when used as an inert ingredient in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops, to raw agricultural commodities after harvest, or to animals. sulfuric acid (Magna Bon Corporation): An exemption from the requirement of a residue tolerance was established for sulfuric acid when it is used as an inert ingredient.

YieldGard Plus Corn (Monsanto): Transgenic YieldGard Plus corn has obtained final regulatory import clearance from Japanese authorities. YieldGard Plus corn is the first to contain two Bt genes - MON 863 for corn rootworm and MON 810 for European corn borer. Japanese approval means that YieldGard Plus corn is now available for sale and planting in the U.S. However, YG-Plus currently lacks approval in the European Union.

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CALENDAR of PESTICIDE-RELATED PROGRAMS None this issue

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JOB/ GRANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

*** Excellent Pesticide Education position open in Florida***

Title: Associate Professor or Professor, Pesticide Information Coordinator / Extension Specialist Salary: Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience Location: University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), Gainesville, FL 32611 Application open to: Formal review of applications will begin on October 1, 2004 Duties: This is a 12-month, tenure accruing faculty position is 80% extension (Florida Cooperative Extension Service) and 20% teaching (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences). This position will be in the department that most closely aligns with the individual's background. It is expected that the incumbent will work closely with state and county faculty in developing, designing and implementing pesticide safety education programs. The Pesticide Information Coordinator designs and implements educational programs to meet the needs of state clientele who would benefit most from knowing about pesticide regulations and the safe use of pesticides, particularly in reference to applicator, agricultural worker and public safety and state and federal laws on environmental quality. Specific duties include administration of the educational aspects of the State of Florida's Pesticide Safety Education Program. This entails coordinating and/or conducting training sessions on safe and legal pesticide use for county extension personnel and private, public and commercial applicators, maintaining and updating instructional materials now in use and preparing new materials as needed, and administering the program of examinations for the Pesticide Applicator Certification Program. In Florida, the Cooperative Extension Service writes and administers certification examinations for most applicator categories. The Pesticide Coordinator administers cooperative agreements and grants related to the states pesticide applicator education and certification program. Other informational and educational functions include publishing a monthly newsletter, "Chemically Speaking". The Pesticide Information Coordinator works cooperatively with personnel in the University of Floridaýs Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and other state and federal agencies, agricultural commodity, landscape and pest control organizations, and other groups, to implement the flow of information about all aspects of safe use, handling, storage and disposal of pesticides. The position has an important role in gathering and supplying information to pesticide registration and assessment programs, including Section 18 exemptions, Section 24 registrations, and IR-4 program. In addition, the individual will maintain liaisons with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, USDA-CSREES, EPA and other state associations and organizations. The incumbent will participate in the Doctor of Plant Medicine Program through guest lectures and the development of on-line instructional materials for students. It is expected that the faculty member will actively participate in graduate education by chairing or serving on graduate committees, supervising thesis and dissertation research and publishing with the students. Qualification: A Ph.D. is required in entomology, plant pathology, weed science, crop protection or closely related field. Experience with USDA-CSREES and EPA pesticide safety / worker protection educational programming is required. The candidate should be familiar with issues pertaining to pesticides, laws and regulations, storage and disposal, applicator licensing and worker safety. It is required that the candidate have a record of leadership accomplishments in pesticide education and a strong record of academic excellence. Candidates should have demonstrated verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated excellence in developing and delivering education programs, procurement of extramural funding skills, management of grants including fiscal responsibility skills, and strong interpersonal relationship skills. Submit the following: 1) resume, 2) letter of application including several paragraphs describing your interests, experience, and qualifications related to this position; 3) at least three letters of recommendation; and 4) official transcripts of all academic training (transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to the address below). RETURN INQUIRIES TO: Dr. John Capinera, Chair, Search and Screen Committee University of Florida Department of Entomology and Nematology BLDG 970, Natural Area Dr. PO Box 110620 Gainesville, FL 32611-0620 Phone: (352) 392-1901 Ext. 111 Fax: (352) 392-0190 Email: jlcap@ifas.ufl.edu

***Numerous ARS Vacancies in plant sciences***

District of Columbia Agricultural Science Research Technician (Plants), GS-5/6, Washington, DC http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/vacancy/x4e-0309.htm Iowa Agricultural Science Research Technician (Plants), GS-5/6/7, Ames, IA http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/vacancy/D4W-0346.html Agricultural Science Research Technician (Plants), GS-7/8/9, Ames, IA http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/vacancy/X4W-0347.html Biological Science Technician (Soils), GS-5/6/7, Ames, IA http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/vacancy/X4W-0349.html Kentucky Biological Science Technician, GS-5/6/7, Bowling Green, KY http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/vacancy/x4s-0227.htm Louisiana Biological Science Technician (Plants), GS-4/5, Houma, LA http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/vacancy/D4S-0230.html Maryland Biological Science Laboratory Technician, GS-5, Beltsville, MD http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/vacancy/d4e-0310.htm Montana Biological Science Laboratory Technician, GS-7/8/9, Sidney, MT http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/vacancy/x4w-0320.htm North Dakota Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Plants), GS-5/6/7, Fargo, ND http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/vacancy/x4w-0352.htm South Carolina Supervisory Research Plant Pathologist/Research Geneticist (Plants)/Research Entomologist/Research Horticulturist, GS-14/15, Charleston, SC http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/vacancy/resjobs/X4S-0109.HTM Washington Biological Science Technicians, GS-7/8/9, Prosser, WA http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/vacancy/d4w-0329.htm http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/divisions/hrd/vacancy/d4w-0328.htm

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SUBMITTING 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. 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 -