Chemically Speaking - September 2006

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Pesticide Regulations and Actions

Agricultural

• On August 2, the EPA released results of the cumulative organophosphate risk assessment for public comment.  The group includes over 30 pesticides, mostly used in agriculture.  The Agency has concluded that the cumulative risks associated with the remaining uses of the organophosphate pesticides are below the level of concern.  With this action, the interim reregistration eligibility documents (IREDs) previously issued for a number of organophosphate pesticides are considered final.  (Federal Register, 8/2/06).  
•  Based on a request by IR-4, tolerances for residues of the fungicide fenhexamid (Elevate®) are approved.  Tolerances of importance to Florida include cilantro leaves, non-bell pepper, and pomegranate.  (Federal Register, 8/2/06). 

•  Based on a request by Cerexagri, tolerances for residues of the herbicide endothall (Hydrothol®, Aquathol®) are approved.  Tolerances of importance to Florida include fish/shellfish.  (Federal Register, 8/16/06).

•  Based on a request by K-I Chemical U.S.A., tolerances for residues of the fungicide benthiavalicarb are approved.  This fungicide is an amino acid carbamate which controls downy mildew and oomycete fungi.  Tolerances of importance to Florida include tomato.  (Federal Register, 9/1/06).

•  Based on a request by IR-4, tolerances are approved for the herbicide dimethenamid (Outlook®).  Tolerances of importance to Florida include green onion and leek.  (Federal Register, 8/23/06). 

•  Based on a request by IR-4, tolerances are approved for the herbicide s-metolachlor (Dual Magnum®).  Tolerances of importance to Florida include winter squash.  (Federal Register, 8/30/06).

•  In response to emergency exemptions, EPA has issued time-limited tolerances for the fungicide triflumizole (Procure®).  Tolerances have been issued for broccoli, Chinese cabbage, collards, cilantro, dandelion, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, parsley, Swiss chard, and turnip greens.  The tolerances expire on 12/31/09.  (Federal Register, 8/23/06). 

• Based on a request by IR-4, tolerances are approved for the fungicide azoxystrobin (Amistar®).  Tolerances of importance to Florida include citrus fruit/pulp/oil, pea and bean succulent or dried (subgroups 6B & 6C), foliage of legume vegetable (group 7) and fruiting vegetable (group 8, except tomato).  (Federal Register, 8/23/06). 

•  Based on a request by IR-4, tolerances are approved for the miticide fenpyroximate (FujiMite®).  Tolerances of importance to Florida include citrus fruit/pulp/oil, cotton gin byproducts and undelinted seed, and mint.  (Federal Register, 8/23/06). 

•  Based on a request by IR-4, tolerances are approved for the miticide bifenazate (Acramite®).  Tolerances of importance to Florida include tuberous and corn vegetables (subgroup 1C).  (Federal Register, 8/30/06). 

•  Based on a request by IR-4, tolerances are approved for the fungicide quinoxyfen (Quintec®).  Tolerances of importance to Florida include head/leaf lettuce, melon (subgroup 9A), pepper (bell and non-bell), and strawberry.  (Federal Register, 8/25/06).

• Based on a request by IR-4, tolerances are approved for the fungicide kresoxim (Sovran®).  Tolerances of importance to Florida include cucurbit vegetables (group 9).  (Federal Register, 8/25/06).