The EPA has an open comment period for neonicotinoid insecticides for proposed interim decisions until April 3, 2020, for five neonicotinoid insecticides: acetamiprid (ex. Assail); clothianidin (ex. Poncho); thiamethoxam (ex. Actara), imidacloprid (ex. Admire Pro); dinetofuran (ex.Venom). The primary reason for these proposed changes is for the protection of pollinators. Human health, non-target organisms, and environmental factors were also considered.
Detailed information regarding the proposed changes can be found at https://www.epa.gov/pollinator-protection/proposed-interim-registration-review-decision-neonicotinoids
The original posting, including how to respond during the comment period, can be found on the Federal Register at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2020-02-03/pdf/2020-01995.pdf
For vegetables the proposed crop stage restrictions include:
Acetamiprid – no significant change in use on fruiting vegetables or cucurbits.
Clothianidin –
Cucurbits – not to be used in either foliar or soil applications from the onset of vining to harvest, or, after first true leaf after the cotyledon stage.
Thiamethoxam –
Cucurbits – not to be used in foliar applications from the onset of vining to harvest, or, after the first true leaf after the cotyledon stage
Fruiting Vegetables – restriction for both foliar and soil labels, to not apply after the appearance of the initial flower buds until flowering is complete and all petals have fallen off. Additionally, for tomatoes, peppers, chili peppers, and okra only, EPA is also proposing to not apply after 5 days after planting or transplanting regardless of application method.
Imidacloprid –
Cucurbits- prohibit the use of foliar and soil applications from vining to harvest or after the emergence of the first true (non-cotyledon) leaf.
Fruiting vegetables – prohibit the application of both foliar and soil applications after the appearance of the initial flower buds until flowering is complete and all petals have fallen off. For tomatoes, peppers, chili peppers, and okra only: Do not apply after 5 days after planting or transplanting regardless of application method.
Dinotefuran –
Fruiting vegetables – prohibit both foliar and soil applications after the appearance of the initial flower buds until flowering is complete and all petals have fallen off. Additionally, for tomatoes, peppers, chili peppers, and okra only, EPA is also proposing to not apply after 5 days after planting or transplanting regardless of application method.
