Pesticide Potpourri

Two new whitefly-vectored viruses have been identified in Florida. Based on a scientific paper released in March, it appears that the watermelon late-season vine decline and fruit rot disease is caused by a member of the viral family Potyviridae. Federal, state and UF researchers have proposed the name Squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV) for this virus. The virus affects species in the cucurbit family, with squash and watermelon most greatly affected. Another virus attacking squash in north central and northeast Florida is Cucurbit crumple leaf virus (CuLCrV), which is known to occur in the western U.S. In addition to cucurbits, CuLCrV can affect bean plants as well. (Virology e-Xtra, Vol. 97, No. 2 & UF EDIS publication IN716).

EPA's new Web fact sheet on outdoor residential misting systems, also known as mosquito misting systems, will help consumers decide if residential pesticide misting systems are appropriate for their home, understand safety precautions for using outdoor misting systems, find related information on a variety of methods for mosquito control, and understand the role of the EPA and state agencies in regulating misters. EPA developed this fact sheet because an increasing number of households have purchased timed-release outdoor residential misting systems to control mosquitoes and other insects around the home. However, advertisers, the media, and other sources sometimes provide information about misting systems that is difficult to understand or might conflict with other information. The new Web page describes outdoor residential misting systems and discusses the pesticides used in the systems, their safety and effectiveness, and the regulatory authority of EPA and state governments regarding misting systems. The Outdoor Residential Misting Systems fact sheet is available on EPA's Web site at

Pruning

Pesticide Registrations and Actions