Following conversations with VDACS, some of my eastern tree fruit colleagues, and representatives from the companies that market Venom and Scorpion, I have notified VDACS that we wish to withdraw the request for a Section 18 Emergency Exemption for dinotefuran for the 2021 season. This will influence growers only in VA, PA, and WV, as several of the original participants (NC, NJ, MD) have declined to participate for the last 1-2 years. Further, I have notified VDACS that a request will not be submitted in 2022 or thereafter. There are several reasons for this. In the short term, one factor is that the EPA must respond to submissions regarding this request received during the public comment period in spring 2021, and would not likely accomplish this on time for its use this year. Importantly, a Section 18 exemption is intended to be a short-term response to an emergency situation. Given that we have received approval for dinotefuran use under a Section 18 every year since 2011, this process has more than run its course with the EPA.

Therefore, dinotefuran cannot be used in pome fruit. In stone fruit, it can be applied only at the rates labelled under its Section 3 registration, which are lower than allowed on the previous Section 18 labels. Whether a Section 3 registration for dinotefuran in tree fruit will eventually happen remains to be seen, and is a matter for the companies and the EPA.

As you know, a Section 18 for bifenthrin (Bifenture, Brigade) for BMSB in apples and stone fruit has been in place for the 2021 season since earlier this month, and will expire on Oct. 15. We hope that a Section 3 registration for bifenthrin will occur, but again, that remains to be determined.

We do have products, including bifenthrin, some of the other pyrethroids, and some of the neonicotinoids that can provide adequate protection against BMSB, particularly given that its current populations are considerably lower than what they were in the early years of the outbreak.

This is just a test to determine whether or not my recent posts are being delivered to subscribers.

On August 5, 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the renewal of a Section 18 Emergency Exemption for use of the bifenthrin-based products, Brigade WSB, Bifenture EC, and Bifenture 10DF against brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) in apples, peaches, and nectarines in Virginia. This exemption applies only to the products mentioned above. These and other bifenthrin-based insecticides have a Section 3 label for use in pears. The requirements of this Section 18 are that applications must be made only from the ground, at a rate of 0.08 to 0.2 lb active ingredient (a.i.) per acre, with not more than 0.5 lb a.i. per acre per season. These application rates equate to 5.12 – 12.8 fl oz of Bifenture EC, and 12.8 – 32.0 oz of Bifenture DF or Brigade WSB per acre. Seasonal maximums are 32 fl oz of Bifenture EC, 80 oz of Bifenture DF, and 72 oz of Brigade WSB. Multiple applications may be made per season, at a minimum retreatment interval of 30 days. The REI is 12 hours and the PHI is 14 days. This insecticide is extremely toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates, and bees, and all precautions to avoid these exposures must be observed. Bifenthrin is considered one of the strongest insecticides against BMSB but can be disruptive to natural enemies of secondary pests. Consequently, we recommend its use in apples later in the season, when BMSB populations are highest. In peaches and nectarines, it can be useful until 14 days before harvest. This Emergency Exemption expires on October 15, 2021. A petition to support a Section 3 registration for bifenthrin in these crops is under review with the EPA.