Greetings,

On June 15, 2019 the EPA approved the renewal of a Section 18 Emergency Exemption for use of the neonicotinoid insecticide, dinotefuran, against brown marmorated stink bug in pome and stone fruit crops in Virginia. Growers from the other States that have previously participated in this Section 18 should contact their State Department of Agriculture regarding the status of this petition. The two products included in this exemption are Venom Insecticide and Scorpion 35SL Insecticide. Per application, Venom can be used at rates between 4.0 and 6.75 oz of product per acre (0.179 to 0.302 lb active ingredient) and Scorpion at 8.0 to 12.0 fl oz of product per acre (0.203 to 0.304 lb active ingredient). Restrictions include a maximum of two applications per season, a seasonal maximum of 0.608 lb active ingredient per acre (regardless of product used), and a minimum 7-day re-application interval. The re-entry interval for both products is 12-hours and a 3-day pre-harvest interval must be observed for both. This compound is highly toxic to bees and remains toxic to bees exposed to residues for more than 38 hours following an application. This Section 18 for use of dinotefuran  in Virginia pome and stone fruit will expire on October 15, 2019.

Until next time, best wishes.