Integrated Pest & Crop Management Newsletter University of Missouri-Columbia Vol. 16, No. 6 April 22, 2006 EPA Endangered Species Protection Program Update By Paul Andre EPA published its proposed Field Implementation of the Endangered Species Protection Program (ESPP) approach in November 2005 after considering comments from the grower community, industry, public interest groups and other government entities. The ESPP will address, to the degree possible, endangered species issues within the Agency’s existing processes of registration, reregistration and in the future, registration review. If geographically specific pesticide use limitations are necessary, EPA will create Endangered Species Protection Bulletins that will contain enforceable use limitations for the pesticide. Bulletins will be referenced on the pesticide product label and available on the Web at www.epa.gov/espp or by calling (800) 447-3813. Background The goal of the ESPP is to carry out EPA’s responsibilities under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) in compliance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA), while at the same time not placing an unnecessary burden on agriculture and other pesticide users. Under the approach described in the ESPP, if EPA determines that use of a pesticide poses a risk of harm to listed species or their designated critical habitat that merits additional restriction, the pesticide label will refer to the Bulletins to inform users of enforceable geographically specific use limitations for the pesticide. This approach is intended to ensure that use of the pesticide will not jeopardize the species or adversely modify critical habitat. Effects Determinations EPA is responsible for reviewing information and data to determine whether a pesticide product may be registered for a particular use. As part of that determination, the Agency assesses whether a listed species or its designated critical habitat may be affected by use of the product (i.e., a "may affect" determination). When EPA determines a pesticide may harm an endangered species, EPA can either change the terms of the pesticide’s registration or, through consultation with the Services, develop appropriate mitigation measures. All pesticide products that EPA determines "may affect" a listed species or its designated critical habitat may be subject to the ESPP. If those mitigations are geographically specific, EPA will develop a Bulletin (or Bulletins) to put the mitigations into place. These mitigations will be specific to the area(s) where the species may be exposed to pesticide use. To learn how EPA evaluates the potential risks from pesticides to listed species, see EPA’s Overview Document. For details on how EPA consults with the Services to protect listed species and designated critical habitat, see the Services’ Counterpart Regulations. Endangered Species Protection Bulletins When referenced on a pesticide label, Bulletins are mandatory, enforceable pesticide use limitations. Pesticide users who fail to follow label provisions applicable to their pesticide application, whether or not that failure results in harm to a listed species, would be subject to enforcement under the misuse provisions of FIFRA (section 12(a)(2)(G). Label statements referencing enforceable Bulletins will instruct users to the Web site address from which they may obtain a Bulletin, or a phone number they may call if they do not have web access. Bulletins will generally include a map of the county or parish to which it applies, a description of the species being protected, a list of the pesticides of concern and their use limitations. Once pesticide labels with such labeling appear in the marketplace, Bulletins will be available via the EPA’s Web site or via a toll free number; both of which will be identified on the pesticide label. Public Participation The ESPP will incorporate public participation within the existing processes of registration, reregistration and registration review, where appropriate. The processes for public participation during registration and registration review are under development. However, there may be other opportunities for participation relative to listed species protection. As those processes are developed they will be published on EPA’s Web site, www.epa.gov/espp. States and Tribes will continue to be integral to the success of the ESPP. State and Tribal input may enhance the effectiveness of different approaches to listed species protection; therefore, State and Tribal governments may be afforded specific opportunities for Bulletin review. Timing Upon publication of the FR notice, EPA takes its first step in implementing the ESPP. Bulletins will become enforceable upon reference to them on a pesticide product label. Pesticide users may check for Bulletin availability no more than six months before applying a pesticide. For More Information Information on the field implementation aspects of the ESPP or information about Bulletins will be available on the Web at www.epa.gov/espp or by calling (800) 447-3813. Additional information may also be obtained from Paul Andre at the Missouri Department of Agriculture at Paul.Andre@mda.mo.gov or 573.751.9334. Paul Andre Missouri Department of Agriculture 573-751-9334 ********************************************************************* Winter Wheat Update- April 17, 2005 By Laura Sweets More questions and concerns about winter wheat have been coming in over the last week, especially from southwestern Missouri. The virus diseases of winter wheat likely to occur in Missouri were covered in the March 17, 2006, issue of the Integrated Pest and Crop Management Newsletter. So far this season, wheat samples positive for wheat soilborne mosaic, wheat spindle streak mosaic and barley yellow dwarf have been confirmed. The majority of the positive samples have been from southwest and central Missouri. Wheat soilborne mosaic and wheat spindle streak are favored by cool temperatures and symptoms tend to fade as temperatures increase. With the increase is temperatures over the state during the past week, I would not expect these two virus diseases to be particularly evident in wheat fields for the rest of the season. The barley yellow dwarf virus is vectored by a number of different aphid species. Infection can occur in the fall; over the winter if winter conditions are mild and aphids are present and active; in the spring of the following year; and through the growing season if aphids remain active. Fall and early spring infections tend to have the greatest impact on yield. In addition to the purple to reddish-purple to reddish pink or even yellow discoloration from the leaf tips and margins in towards the center of the leaves, the plants may be stunted, may not tiller well, may have a rigid, upright growth form and may have reduced yield. Moisture stress and unseasonably high temperatures may be compounding the effects of barley yellow dwarf. We have not yet received any wheat samples that have tested positive for wheat streak mosaic. This is the wheat virus disease vectored by the wheat curl mite. Hot, dry conditions favor both the wheat curl mite and wheat streak mosaic. It might be wise to watch for this virus disease as scouting wheat fields. There have also been some reports of powdery mildew showing up in wheat fields in southwest Missouri. Last week’s issue of the Integrated Pest and Crop Management Newsletter contained descriptions of foliage diseases of wheat including powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is fairly easy to identify in the field. White powdery lesions or streaks develop on the leaf surface. Initially powdery mildew appears as distinct lesions but as the disease progresses the mildew growth may completely cover the leaves and stems of infected plants. Young lesions are white to a very light gray in color. Older mildew growth may have a dull gray to even grayish-brown color. Environmental conditions which favor powdery mildew infection are temperatures in the range of 59 to 72 degrees F and relative humidity between 85 to 100 percent. Free moisture on the leaf surface is not required. Powdery mildew tends to be more severe on wheat that is growing rapidly, wheat that has been heavily fertilized with nitrogen, wheat that is lodged and when growing conditions are cool and humid. Digital images from wheat fields in southwest Missouri show unmistakable symptoms of powdery mildew, yet the fields do not meet any conditions which would favor development of the disease listed in the previous sentence. Susceptible of the variety to powdery mildew may be a factor but I really don’t have a good explanation for why powdery mildew is showing up in those fields. Much of the state had unusually warm temperatures last week (April 10-14). Although temperatures for the week of April 17-21 are forecast to be more normal for this time of year, it is important to monitor wheat fields for stage of growth. Because of the high temperatures last week, wheat may be moving along more rapidly than usual. Most of the foliar fungicides labeled for use on wheat have application restrictions of either Feekes growth stage 8.0 or Feekes growth stage 10.5. If a fungicide application is being considered, scouting for stage of growth to insure proper application timing will be important this season. Laura Sweets Ag Ext.-Plant Sciences 573-884-7307 ******************************************************************** Two beneficial weevils active on musk thistles By Ben Puttler The rosette weevil buds have been active all last fall through the winter and early spring. Eggs have been laid and hatching larvae are developing in the crowns of the rosettes, feeding on the meristematic tissue and also secondary buds. This produces a necrotic area that enlarges as the weevil continues to develop. Infestations of rosettes are now quite evident in many areas of the state and will continue for the next two weeks. Larval feeding can kill a rosette outright, or it can change the growth pattern of the thistle causing a shorter, bushier plant that produces few flower heads, which in turn are smaller and contain less seeds. These plants are still susceptible to attack by the flower head weevil, the other beneficial weevil. Due to the prolonged egg-laying period, new adults of the rosette weevil occur on the plants from mid-May to mid-June. The flower head weevil adult will start emerging the last week in April and begin feeding in crowns of the thistle. From May 5-15 as plants start to bolt, more weevils will become evident, and the adults will start laying eggs on the bracts of the developing flowers. These eggs are covered with a secretion of chewed plant material that gives the eggs a dirty scale-like appearance. Larvae hatch from the eggs and tunnel into the flower receptacle where they feed on the developing seeds. The weevil larvae become very conspicuous in late May and June and can be readily seen by breaking open the flower head, especially the earliest ones formed. For more detailed information, refer to MU publication IPM 1010, "Biological and Integrated Control of Musk Thistle in Missouri" at http://muextension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/pests/ipm1010.htm. ******************************************************************** * Aphid Problems in Wheat By Wayne Bailey Aphid numbers are rapidly declining in southwest Missouri wheat fields as beneficial insect populations rapidly build. Several species of ladybird beetles, predatory insects, and parasitic wasp have quickly decimated greenbug and bird cherry-oat aphid numbers. Some fields with early infestations of aphids did require insecticide applications to protect yield and prevent barley yellow dwarf (BYD) virus. Producers should continue to scout wheat fields as we move toward maturity. Although it is likely that aphids will not be a problem in the next few weeks, populations of pests such as true armyworm and cereal leaf beetle may develop. Wayne Bailey Entomology 573-882-2838 office 573-864-9905 cell ********************************************************************* Black Cutworm Moths Numerous in Many Areas of the State By Wayne Bailey High numbers of black cutworm (BCW) moths have been captured from several traps across Missouri. "Intensive Captures" of black cutworm moths in central Missouri were reached on the 14th of April, when a Texas pheromone trap captured over 96 male moths in two night. The first intensive pheromone trap captures of (BCW) moths mark the arrival of the first significant migratory flight. Intensive captures are indicated when at least eight black cutworm moths are captured over two nights in a sticky wing trap, or at least 17 moths are caught over one night in the larger Texas-style metal cone trap. We are awaiting trapping reports from other locations in the state, but expect numbers of moth captures to be significant. During the past three weeks we have approached the "intensive" capture threshold on two or three different nights. Although the "intensive" capture threshold was not reached, there is the possibility that these early reports of moths may result in BCW larval damage earlier than our model predicts. The model and predictions will be highlighted in the next newsletter. Additional information on moth captures can be viewed at www.ipm.missouri.edu. edu. The black cutworm model uses trap captures and degree days to predict first cutting by 4th instar black cutworm larvae. This information can be viewed at http://agebb.missouri.edu/weather/reports/bcwforecast.htm. Black cutworm cutting. Photo provided by Wayne Bailey Wayne Bailey Entomology 573-882-2838 office 573-864-9905 cell -******************************************************************** EPA Makes Revised WPS How-to-Comply Manual Available By Paul Andre EPA has released a revised version of the Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides How-to-Comply Manual. This compliance assistance tool has been updated to reflect amendments to the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) since 1993. This federal regulation is designed to protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers. The revised manual provides detailed information concerning who is covered by the WPS and how to meet regulatory requirements. The updated manual will facilitate better protection of pesticide workers and handlers in agriculture from the potential risks of pesticides. The new 2005 WPS How-to-Comply Manual supersedes the 1993 version. Changes to the WPS have now made the earlier version obsolete. Its continued use may lead growers to be out of compliance with the WPS. About The Revised Manual The original 1993 WPS How to Comply (HTC) Manual has been updated to reflect amendments made to the WPS in 1995, 1996 and 2004. The new manual includes information on all recent regulatory amendments and administrative exceptions, such as: *changes in the WPS worker training requirement that requires untrained workers to be provided basic pesticide information before entering pesticide-treated areas; *reduction in the number of days decontamination supplies must be available to workers after application of low-risk pesticides, and the supplies are to be located together; *modification in the language requirements for treatedarea warning signs; *modification in the size requirements for treated-area warning signs; *early-entry exception for irrigation tasks and for limited contact tasks; *optional use of separable glove liners beneath chemicalresistant gloves; *optional wearing of gloves by agricultural pilots when entering or leaving aircraft; and *exemption for certified or licensed crop advisors and persons under their direct supervision. The revised manual also contains additional resources to assist agricultural employers to comply: *Warning Sign Size Specifications for Greenhouses and Nurseries; *Early-Entry Exceptions Chart; *Crop Advisors Chart; *WPS Requirement to Provide Basic Pesticide Safety Information to Untrained Workers; and *EPA Chemical Resistance Category Chart. To further assist agricultural employers with WPS compliance, EPA also offers a CD-ROM version of the revised WPS HTC manual which contains several additional compliance assistance tools not available with the printed version of the manual. The CD-ROM version of the HTC manual also contains: *EPA’s WPS Worker Training Handbook (English/Spanish); *EPA’s WPS Handler Training Handbook (English and Spanish); *13 additional WPS fact sheets; *EPA’s Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings handbook; and *Several other related references. How To Obtain The HTC Manual The new HTC manual is available in PDF format on the web at http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/htc.html. It is also available in paper and CD-ROM versions through EPA’s Agricultural Compliance Assistance Center (888) 663-2155. Information about obtaining the revised manual is also available through Paul Andre in the Pesticide Program at the Missouri Department of Agriculture at Paul.Andre@mda.mo.gov or 573.751.9334. Paul Andre Missouri Department of Agriculture 573-751-9334 ********************************************************************* High Numbers of Armyworm Moths In Southern and Central Missouri By Wayne Bailey During the past three weeks, high numbers of true armyworm moths have been captured in the southern states of Kentucky and Arkansas. Similarly, high moth numbers have been observed in southwest Missouri. Numerous storms and high winds often transport moths into the state from more southern regions of the U.S. The risk of true armyworm damage is more common in southern Missouri areas, although all areas of the state can develop problems depending on where moths land and lay eggs. Crops most at risk of true armyworm damage are tall fescue seed fields, fescue and other grass pastures, and wheat. True armyworm overwinter as large larvae and quickly develop into moths in early spring. True armyworm moths are light tan to grayish-brown in color with a pinkish-white spot located near the center of each forewing. Each female moth may lay 2000 pale green eggs, usually on green vegetation. Larvae emerge within a couple of weeks and feed on grasses and cereal crops for three to four weeks. Larvae are yellowish-brown in color with smooth hairless bodies and three dark longitudinal lines running down each side and back. A distinguishing characteristic is the presence of four pairs of abdominal prolegs, each with a dark triangle located near the tip of the leg. Although two to four generations may occur in Missouri each year, the first generation is responsible for most damage to tall fescue and wheat. Armyworm larvae avoid light and spend most daylight hours hiding deep in plant residues near the soil surface. Feeding generally occurs at night with plants being defoliated from the soil surface upward. If larvae devour available food in one area, they will readily move (march) in mass to another field of grass or wheat. This behavior is responsible for the name armyworm. Although no reports of armyworm damage have been reported in Missouri at this time, producers of tall fescue seed, tall fescue pastures, and wheat are encouraged to scout for the presence of armyworm larvae or foliar damage to host crops. We will continue to monitor fields statewide for the presence of Armyworm. Photo provided by Wayne Bailey Wayne Bailey Entomology 573-882-2838 office 573-864-9905 cell ********************************************************************* Crop Injury and Diagnostic Clinic July 25-28 Bradford Research & Extension Center ********************************************************************* Weather Data for the Week Ending April 17, 2006 By Pat Guinan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | Monthly | Growing Weekly Temperature (deg. F) |Precip (in.)|Degree Days^ -----------------------------|------------|------------ Ext- Ext- Depart| Depart|Accum Deprt Avg. Avg. reme reme from |Apr 1- from |since from Station County Max. Min. High Low Mean avg. |Apr 17 avg. |Apr 1 avg ---------------------------------------------------------|------------|------------ Corning Atchison 81 57 94 46 68 +16 | 1.18 -0.51 | 199 +184 St. Joseph Buchanan 78 58 90 53 68 +14 | 1.52 -0.28 | 188 +157 Brunswick Chariton 79 56 90 47 69 +15 | 0.91 -0.82 | 201 +170 Albany Gentry 78 54 92 44 66 +14 | 1.35 -0.61 | 170 +151 Auxvasse Audrain 79 57 90 52 69 +15 | 0.42 -1.66 | 200 +168 Columbia Boone 78 58 88 53 69 +14 | 0.60 -1.68 | 207 +156 Sanborn Field Boone 80 59 90 52 71 +16 | 0.34 -1.95 | 229 +174 Novelty Knox 78 54 88 50 67 +14 | 0.69 -1.09 | 167 +141 Linneus Linn 76 55 87 47 67 +14 | 0.85 -0.93 | 177 +155 Monroe City Monroe 78 54 87 47 68 +14 | 0.16 -1.80 | 177 +139 Versailles Morgan 81 59 89 54 71 +15 | 0.36 -2.12 | 233 +159 Green Ridge Pettis 80 57 88 51 69 +16 | 0.34 -1.80 | 208 +179 Lamar Barton 85 59 90 52 72 +16 | 0.90 -1.17 | 240 +167 Cook Station Crawford 83 56 87 46 70 +13 | 0.78 -1.26 | 217 +138 Alley Spring Shannon 86 50 91 37 69 +13 | 0.43 -1.67 | 206 +139 Round Spring Shannon 86 51 90 43 69 +13 | 0.63 -1.47 | 206 +139 Delta Cape 80 56 84 46 69 +11 | 0.50 -1.51 | 203 +102 Girardeau | | Cardwell Dunklin 85 61 91 49 73 +13 | 0.60 -1.97 | 272 +140 Clarkton Dunklin 85 60 88 49 72 +12 | 0.72 -1.29 | 249 +123 Glennonville Dunklin 84 61 88 50 73 +13 | 0.12 -1.81 | 256 +128 Charleston Mississippi 81 60 85 46 71 +14 | 1.09 -1.12 | 231 +132 Portageville- | | Delta Center Pemiscot 84 62 87 54 73 +14 | 1.29 -1.24 | 262 +135 Portageville- | | Lee Farm Pemiscot 84 63 88 56 73 +14 | 1.06 -1.46 | 269 +144 Steele Pemiscot 87 62 89 52 74 +15 | 0.13 -2.47 | 287 +165 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Complete data not available for report ^Growing degree days are calculated by subtracting a 50 degree (Fahrenheit) base temperature from the average daily temperature. Thus, if the average temperature for the day is 75 degrees, then 25 growing degree days will have been accumulated. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pat Guinan, Commercial Agriculture Program (573) 882-5908