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INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENTPESTICIDE and
GUIDELINES for
NEW MEXICO PECAN GROWERS
With Support from:
New Mexico Department of AgriculturePesticide Compliance
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region VISustainable Agricultural Initiative
Prepared by:
Las Cruces, New Mexico2008
College of Engineering
Institute for Energy& the EnvironmentI
I. IntroductionII. AcknowledgementsIII. Pecan Industry in New MexicoIV. Pesticide Management and Regulatory Requirements in Pecan OrchardsV. Best Management Practices - Integrated Pest Management - Biological Pest ControlVI. Energy Saving Opportunities in the Pecan Industry
Table I – Insect Chemical Control Options
Appendices1. Table of Pecan Pests, Their Parasites and Predators in New Mexico2. Licensed Pesticide Dealers in New Mexico’s Pecan-Growing Areas3. Reading and Understanding Pesticide Labels4. Contacts for Technical Assistance5. Internet Resources6. Pesticide Safety and Worker Protection Standard7. EPA Strategic Agricultural Initiative8. EPA Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The goal of this fi eld guide for Pesticide Use and Integrated Pest Management is to assist the pecan industry in New Mexico in the following ways:
• Provide background information on the pecan industry and its regulatory requirements • Promote benefi ts of reduced pesticide use in the pecan industry • Preserve high quality pecan crops while reducing the threat of pesticide contamination of water resources • Promote Best Management Practices (BMP) in pesticide application • Introduce concepts of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Biological Pest control to pecan growers • Identify opportunities for energy saving in crop production, processing and storage
This guide is made available to pecan growers in New Mexico with the assistance of the New Mexico Pecan Growers Association, Western Pecan Growers Association, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and New Mexico State University’s Institute for Energy and the Environment (IEE). The guide serves as a reference manual for pecan growers interested in reducing their pesticide use and seeking alternative products and information on IPM, as well as energy
reduction techniques. The guide also serves as a tool in NMDA and NMSU training sessions for pecan growers in the state.
Standard Disclaimer: The information in this guide is provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; it does not constitute an endorsement or an approval by New Mexico State University or the New Mexico Department of Agriculture of any of the products, services or opinions of the businesses, organizations or individuals listed.
For additional copies of this guide or for more information on the subject, please contact
Marjorie Lewis NMDA, Pesticide Compliance575.646.2133 [email protected]
Christopher CampbellNMSU/[email protected]
I. INTRODUCTION
1
II. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
2
NMSU’s Institute for Energy and the Environment wishes to thank the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Compliance, for its collaboration on this fi eld guide and for promoting best practices in the pecan industry. Staff members Bonnie Rabe and Marjorie Lewis have devoted many hours to this effort and we extend a special thanks to them. In addition, Joe Ellington, Research Entomologist at the NMSU College of Agriculture, and Richard Heerema, Pecan Specialist at the NMSU Cooperative Extension Service, and the New Mexico Pecan Growers Association contributed signifi cantly to this publication and its dissemination.
None of this work would have been possible without the fi nancial support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region VI, in Dallas. We thank Eugene Thilsted of EPA’s Pesticide Section and the Strategic Agricultural Initiative for his continued assistance in promoting best agricultural practices and pollution prevention in New Mexico.
Photo: morguefi le.com
III. PECAN INDUSTRY IN NEW MEXICO
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According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, New Mexico’s pecan production in 2006 totaled 46 million pounds, making it the second highest producer in the United States just behind Texas. New Mexico produced about one-quarter of the nation’s pecan crop at a value of $85.1 million with grower prices at about $1.85 per pound, leading the country in price and quality. Abundant fall rains helped produce a high quality crop even though 2006 was an “Off” year for production in the alternate bearing cycle (pecan trees produce a large “On” season crop one year followed by a smaller “Off” season crop the next).
The total number of acres devoted to pecan orchards in New Mexico is over 38,000 comprising over 1500 farms in the southern New Mexico counties of Luna, Sierra, Otero, Lea, Eddy, Chaves and Doña Ana, which leads the nation in the amount of pecans produced.Growers in New Mexico irrigate their crops extensively, protecting their orchards from water stress and adopting pruning protocols that allow better light penetration into canopies to reduce pest populations and promote nut production over the entire tree. New Mexico pecan orchards are among the most productive in the world (Richard Heerema, NMSU, 2008).
“Western” (also known as “Western Schley”) is the most prominent cultivar grown with “Wichita,” planted mainly as a pollinator, as second; some of the older orchards in New Mexico have the “Ideal” (also known as “Bradley”) cultivar as a pollinator. Flood irrigation is used in most areas where water is supplied from reservoirs or wells. The most common form of fl ood irrigation in New Mexico is basin irrigation.
The most common tree spacing in New Mexico is 30 ft. X 30 ft. Tree crowding eventually occurs and some growers have thinned out trees to prevent shading; too much shading can result in low quality nuts, contribute to black aphid outbreaks, and a decrease in production. Although some farmers still thin out trees, most are currently practicing mechanical pruning which avoids removing entire trees.
Fertilization practices are based on nitrogen and zinc nutrition. In established orchards, 3-5 zinc sprays are applied every two weeks in early spring, starting at bud break when leaves are expanding. Growers should use leaf nutrient analysis to determine nutrient needs in pecan orchards. For nitrogen, 2.5-3.0% N is recommended for July-sampled leaves. Each year, 150-300 units of nitrogen are incorporated into the soil; usually nitrogen rates are split into two or three applications, sometimes more if the fertilizer is distributed with irrigation water (Herrera, 1995).
The New Mexico Pecan Growers Association is extremely active in providing growers with information regarding the history of the pecan industry, crop care, water issues, current research, pests and pesticide use, emerging markets and local contacts for assistance. The Western Pecan Growers Association helps organize an annual conference, which is now in its 42nd year, and maintains an extensive Web site at www.nmpecangrowers.org.
For more information on the pecan programs at New Mexico State University, please visit http://pecans.nmsu.edu.
Pesticide ManagementPecan trees in the West do not suffer from the disease problems encountered in the Eastern U.S. due to the dry climate. Until recently, problems have occurred only with the black margined aphid, the yellow pecan aphid and the black pecan aphid. Insecticides used to control aphids are highly successful, but aphid resistance develops with continual use. Currently, thanks to extension programs, pesticide application timing has been optimized and fi xed-schedule applications have been avoided for the prevention of resistance buildup. The number of growers successfully using benefi cial insects (i.e. lacewings and lady beetles) to control aphids has increased annually (see Section V below) (Herrera, 1995).
The pecan nut casebearer (PNC) was reported for the fi rst time in New Mexico’s Mesilla Valley in 1992 and remains one of the most common and damaging insect pests of pecan trees. This small, dark-colored caterpillar tunnels into the pecan fruit in its fi rst generation just after pollination in the spring, destroying the nutlet in the cluster. Tunneled nuts shrivel and fall from the tree. Because PNC larvae feed directly on the pecan nut, their damage directly reduces the number of pecans at harvest (Robert Burns, Texas A&M University, 2005).
Also of concern to New Mexico growers is the pecan weevil which feeds on immature nuts in the late summer, causing them to drop off trees. Later in the season, pecan weevil grubs burrow inside the shell, devouring the nut meat and contaminating pecans. Insecticides were used to treat pecan trees in known weevil infested orchards as part of the NMDA weevil eradication program beginning in 1999. Carbaryl was mixed with one of the pyrethoid insecticides and used according to label in all infested orchards. The combined insecticides were used from 1999 until 2004. Beginning in 2004, pyrethoids were used to treat trees at infested sites. Insecticide treatments began at nut gel stage, unless a pecan weevil adult capture triggered an earlier start. Insecticide treatments continued until pecan nut development reached shuck split. Pecans from areas where the weevil is established cannot be shipped to uninfested states (Arizona and California) without undergoing a supervised freezing treatment to kill the pest. The weevil is particularly diffi cult to control because it spends much of its three-year life cycle underground where pesticide treatment cannot reach it (Carol Sutherland, NMSU, 2000 and Greg Watson, NMSU, 2007).
IV. PESTICIDE MANAGEMENT AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS IN PECAN ORCHARDS
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Table I below lists the pecan insect chemical control options, sorted by EPA toxicity category with corresponding trade names.
ALWAYS CHECK CURRENT LABEL. The ingredients in trade names may be changed by the product manufacturer, so check the label before you buy to make sure it can be used for pecans.
5
Standard Disclaimer: Use of trade names in this document does not constitute an endorsement or an approval by New Mexico State University or the New Mexico Department of Agriculture of any of the products.
Category 1 – Highly Toxic“Danger”Deltamethrin(Battalion)Azinphos-MethylChlorpyrifos(Lorsban 50W)
Category II - Moderately Toxic“Warning”Chlorpyrifos(Lorsban 4E)Zeta-Cypermethrin(Fury, Mustang)Esfenvalerate(Asana)Beta-Cyfl uthrin(Baythroid)
Categories III & IV - Slightly Toxic“Caution”Imidacloprid(Admire, Merit)Cypermethrin(Ammo)Carbaryl(Sevin)Pyrethrins + Piperonyl butoxide (Pyrenone)Difl ubenzuron(Dimilin)Shuckworm pheromone(Checkmate)Tebufenozide(Confi rm)S. Spinosa(Spintor)Methoxyfenozide(Intrepid)
Table 1Insect Chemical Control Options
6
Regulatory InformationThe sale and use of pesticides in New Mexico is overseen by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. NMDA, in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, enforces federal pesticide laws as well as the New Mexico Pesticide Control Act and rules promulgated under it. NMDA is also committed to assisting growers, businesses, workers and others with the knowledge they need to comply with these laws.
The New Mexico Pesticide Control Act and the rules advanced under it set requirements and standards for pesticides and pesticide applicators in New Mexico. Under its authority, NMDA registers pesticides, certifi es and licenses pesticide applicators, investigates complaints, and takes enforcement actions for violations. Pesticides must be registered by NMDA before they can be sold or used in the state. Growers must be licensed before they can purchase or use restricted-use pesticides, and anyone who applies pesticides for hire (including unrestricted, or general-use, pesticides) must be licensed as a commercial applicator.
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide & Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) is the basis of federal pesticide law. It sets
standards for product registration, pesticide labels, and pesticide applicator certifi cation. The Federal Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) sets the tolerance levels for pesticides in food and feed.
The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) sets requirements aimed at reducing the risk of pesticide poisonings and exposure to agricultural workers.
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) makes it illegal to kill or harm threatened or endangered wildlife or fi sh. The ESA is administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, but EPA and NMDA must ensure that no pesticide use causes harm to endangered species.
Guidance on reading and understanding the legal responsibilities printed on pesticide product labels can be found in Appendix 3.
Information on pesticides registered in New Mexico is available on the Internet. The public can search pesticide product registration data by active ingredient, EPA Registration Number, pests to be controlled, site of application, product or company name. Go to “Products & Registration” from www.nmda.nmsu.edu/pesticides. Also, assistance is available at NMDA, Pesticide Compliance, Tel: 575.646.2134.
Benefi ts of Reduced Pesticide Use/Use of Reduced Toxicity PesticidesSeveral key benefi ts can result from reducing pesticide use as well as utilizing pesticides with lower toxicity:
- Reduced risk of contaminating surface and ground water - Reduced risk to growers and others living in and near pecan orchards - Reduced risk to pesticide applicators and other agricultural workers - Reduced risk of killing benefi cial insects
Table 1 (page 5) provides information on the toxicity of several common pecan pesticides.
Most agricultural growers learn to follow Best Management Practices (BMPs) to maximize crop yield and to protect their land and water from pesticide contamination. The primary goals of BMPs are to reduce pesticide use, utilize less toxic chemicals, reduce application rates and prevent unnecessary runoff to protect surface and groundwater resources on pecan farms.
Integrated Pest ManagementOne of the most useful BMPs is known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that uses current information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment, in combination with the best available pest control methods, to manage pest damage economically and with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment. IPM uses a combination of pest management controls all of which must be based on site specifi c information for each pecan orchard. Growers practicing IPM follow these fi ve steps:
1. Identifi cation of Pests and Their Sources Pecan pests are monitored and identifi ed accurately so that appropriate control decisions can be made. Not all insects require control. Many insects are innocuous or benefi cial so accurate monitoring and identifi cation is necessary so that pesticides are not used unnecessarily or inappropriately. If possible, identify all known sources of invasive pests to prevent re-introduction.
2. Set Action Thresholds An economic threshold should be set before taking a pest control action. An economic threshold is a point at which economics dictate when pest populations should be controlled. A decision needs to be made by the pecan grower to either manage the pecan pests to an acceptable level or take an acceptable control action.
3. Prevention To help prevent pest problems in a perennial agricultural crop such as pecans, using IPM may include adapting cultural methods and techniques such as promoting understory growth as a nursery for benefi cial insects to control pests or planting of pecan cultivars more resistant to specifi c pests (i.e. Pawnee cultivar demonstrates resistance to yellow and black aphid infestations) or mechanical pruning that allows more sunlight into the canopy to disrupt moist, dark environments conducive to pest reproduction.
4. ControlPreferably, non-toxic pest-specifi c chemicals (such as pheromones to disrupt mating) or mechanical controls (such as trapping) are utilized fi rst. If these controls are not effective, additional pest control methods could be employed including targeted pesticides. Broadcast spraying of non-specifi c pesticides is always the last resort.
V. BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
7
5. EducationPecan growers are urged to take advantage of educational resources available in southern New Mexico. The New Mexico Department of Agriculture, NMSU College of Agriculture, the Doña County Extension Offi ce and the New Mexico Pecan Growers Association provide a number of educational events including semi-annual Pecan Field Days demonstrations and the annual Western Pecan Growers Conference in Las Cruces. Additional information on IPM is also available from numerous Internet sites (see Appendices 4 and 5).
Biological Pest ControlBiological Pest Control is another important tool in establishing BMPs. Biological Pest Control uses a specially chosen living organism to control a particular pest. This chosen organism might be a predator, parasitoid or disease to attack the harmful insect species. A complete Biological Control program may include raising and releasing one insect to attack another ( i.e. “biological insecticide” ) or choosing a pesticide that is specifi c for a particular insect pest without harming benefi cial insects.
Biological control methods can be used as part of an overall IPM program to reduce the legal, environmental, and public safety hazards associated with chemicals. In addition, it may be more economical than using some insecticides. Unlike most insecticides, biological controls are often very specifi c for particular pests. Other insects, higher animals, or people can go completely unaffected or undisturbed by their use. There is less danger of impact on the environment and water quality.
However, biological control takes more intensive management and planning. It can take more time, require more record keeping, more patience and sometimes more education or training. Successful use of biological control requires a greater understanding of the biology of both the pest and its enemies. Many of the natural enemies of pests are very susceptible to pesticides, and using them successfully in an IPM program takes great care. Often, the results of using biological control are not as dramatic or quick as the results from pesticide use. Most parasitoids attack only
specifi c types of insects while predators usually attack a wide variety of primary consumers. Broad -spectrum insecticides often kill a wide range of insects.
Biological Control Options in the Pecan IndustryUsing broad-spectrum insecticides in pecan orchards initially results in the quick knockdown of harmful species. But, used indiscriminately, they can lead to the loss of the benefi cial complex, an increase in pesticide use, increased costs, buildup of resistance and loss of control. There are a number of steps that pecan growers can take to control pest insects biologically:
• eliminate the use of broad-spectrum insecticides • build up the benefi cial complex when the harmful species begin to increase by releasing appropriate benefi cial insects • partially control pest species with groundcovers which allow the benefi cial complex to catch up with the harmful species • use growth regulators and pheromones in place of broad-spectrum insecticides • prune trees to allow more light to discourage black aphids • carefully manage nitrogen status
Pecan Nut Casebearer (PNC)The best biological control of the PNC has been obtained with native wasps, especially Basus acrobasidis, which may give as much as 80% control in unsprayed orchards. The insecticide “Spinosad” has been an effective organic product that is available under the trade names “Green Light” and “Entrust.” Spinosad kills only caterpillars leaving benefi cial lady beetles and lacewings unharmed.
Pecan AphidsYellow and black-margined pecan aphids can be controlled by releasing lady beetles, lacewings and parasitoids; however, biological control of black pecan aphids has been more unpredictable (Ellington, Heerema, Carrillo, NMSU, 2002).
For a complete list of common insects and general predators in New Mexico, please see Appendix 1
8
VI. ENERGY SAVING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE PECAN INDUSTRY
Increased energy effi ciency combined with renewable energy can signifi cantly reduce conventional energy consumption in all agricultural sectors. Like most small businesses, growers focus on day-to-day operational issues centered on existing processes and facilities; very few have the time to become experts on energy effi ciency. As a result, cost-effective opportunities for energy effi ciency are often missed.
A key need is to provide access to resources and personnel capable of providing information, technical expertise and analytical advice at low or no cost to pecan growers in New Mexico. NMSU’s Institute for Energy and the Environment is available to assist growers on how best to analyze information about energy consumption and billing in order to make informed management and investment decisions (please see contact information in Appendix 4).
9
Pecan growers in New Mexico have opportunities to reduce energy use in the following areas:
IrrigationThe main opportunities for energy effi ciency in irrigation management are controlling water fl ow and motor effi ciency. Better control over the amount of water applied by irrigation systems can reduce individual system energy consumption and water-related costs considerably.
Irrigation system effi ciency and energy consumption can depend on electric or diesel prime mover effi ciency, pump effi ciency and water fl ow and pressure requirements. Therefore, it is recommended that farmers consider installing variable-speed water pumps for drip irrigation systems and, where feasible, monitor the effi ciency of all motors through a program of increased maintenance.
Pecan Processing and StorageIn addition to on-farm uses, energy is used extensively in processing and storing pecan products. New Mexico’s pecan facilities are similar to other industrial sites where the dominant end uses are refrigeration units, boilers, motors, air compressors and other similar industrial equipment. Pecan and other food processors play a very important role in the State’s agricultural economy by providing local and export markets for New Mexico’s agricultural products.
Recommended effi ciency measures for processing and storage facilities include:
• Retrofi tting older refrigeration units with high- effi ciency models • Installing air curtains on refrigerated coolers • Retrofi tting incandescent lights with linear fl uorescent lights (can reduce lighting electricity consumption by up to ~65%) • Increasing basic insulation levels in upper storeys to R-30 (can reduce winter heat losses up to 30%, reduce summer electricity consumption for ventilation)
• Installing variable speed drives on main motors • Energy-effi cient V-belts on motor drives • Boiler maintenance, air-fuel ratio adjustment and condensate recovery • Repairing steam leaks and insulating steam pipes on drying units (if applicable) • Repairing leaks on compressed air systems
Other agricultural states have experienced extremely favorable savings by implementing some or all of the above recommendations with pay-back periods of less than one year. Total energy cost-savings from reduced consumption of electricity, natural gas and fuel oil can be 10% or greater depending on the number of recommendations implemented.
Please feel free to contact NMSU’s Institute for Energy and the Environment for free, on-site assistance on energy-effi ciency measures in the pecan industry.
Use of Renewable Energy SourcesOn-farm renewable energy applications can take a variety of forms in New Mexico where we have many renewable and alternative energy options at our disposal including solar and wind; however, many of these may be more viable in long-term scenarios.
Biomass alternatives for electricity generation may be available to pecan growers in the form of direct combustion and/or gasifi cation. Biomass materials potentially suitable for fuel include agricultural residues (including pecan tree trimmings) and dedicated energy crops such as cultivated woody plants and grasses.Solar panels, small arrays and wind generators may be installed to provide electricity for pumping wells and open water sources, irrigation pumping, solar water heaters to provide low- to medium-temperature hot water for processing, and product refrigeration.
Please feel free to contact NMSU’s Institute for Energy and the Environment for free, on-site assistance on potential alternative and renewable energy sources in the pecan industry.
10
APPENDIX 1 Table of Pecan Pests, Their Parasites and Predators in New Mexico
APPENDICES
Pest Wasp Parasitoids General Predators
Black-Margined Pecan Aphid Aphelinus peripallidus Yellow Pecan Aphid Trioxys pallidus
Black Pecan Aphid
Pecan Nut Case bearer (PNC) Trichogramma spp. Goniozus legneri Bassus acrobasidis Brachymyera hammeri Cremastus sp. Clarkinella sp. Calliephialtes opapholitha Phaneratoma fasciata Liyophaga mediocoris Macrocentrus instabilis Agathis acrobasidis
Note: Only lacewings, lady beetles, Trichogramma spp. and Goniozus legneri are available for bulk purchase by New Mexico growers (see Appendix 5, Suppliers of Benefi cial Organisms in North America).
11
Lady beetlesLacewingsDeraeocoris nigrocornisOrthotylus nebulosusNabid bugMinute pirate bugBig-eyed bugSpidersMites
Business City Telephone
Agri-Tek Las Cruces 575-526-3461
Agro/Agrilliance Artesia 575-748-3510 Hatch 575-267-5020 Vado 575-233-3250
Helena Chemical Lake Arthur 575-365-2148 Mesquite 575-233-3171 Rincon 575-267-3961
Questa Fertilizer Loving 575-745-2939
United Agri Products Artesia 575-746-1446 Vado 575-233-3668
Western Blend Las Cruces 575-526-5946
Standard Disclaimer: The information above is provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; it does not constitute an endorsement or an approval by New Mexico State University or the New Mexico Department of Agriculture of any of the products, services or opinions of the businesses, organizations or individuals listed.
APPENDIX 2 Licensed Pesticide Dealers in New Mexico’s Pecan-Growing Areas
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Pesticide LabelsPesticide labels are legal documents and it is illegal to use any pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its label. Use of a pesticide implies that you have read and understand its label.
Read the pesticide label: Before you purchase it: Specimen labels on the internet or that are handed out at meetings might not match the one on the container you buy. Remember that products and directions for use change over time. Sometimes a product with the same brand name may have a different active ingredient than it did a year ago. Just because the supplier says you can do something doesn’t absolve you from your responsibility to follow the label. If you can’t fi nd it on the label, don’t do it. Before you mix it: Determine what personal protective equipment you need for mixing, and wear it. Figure out the amount of pesticide required and make sure there are no compatibility issues if you are tank mixing with other pesticides, fertilizers, or other products. Read the mixing procedure and follow it. Before you apply it: Determine what safety measures you should follow for your protection, including personal protective equipment. Follow any applicable procedures for minimizing potential harm to people, animals, plants, or the environment. Check the limitations on reentering the treated area and the minimum number of days between application and harvest. Before you store or dispose of the pesticide or the container: The label has instructions for storing the pesticide and for rinsing and disposing of the container.
APPENDIX 3 Reading and Understanding Pesticide Labels
13
14
Parts of a label:Trade name or brand name – Different manufacturers may use different brand names for the same active ingredient. Beware of choosing a product by brand name alone. Products with similar brand names may have entirely different ingredients.Active ingredients and their percentages – These are the components of the pesticide that control the target pests.Relative safety of the product - In order of low to high toxicity, these signal words are used: Caution, Warning, or Danger. Pesticides with Danger are highly toxic; those labeled Caution are relatively nontoxic.EPA numbers – Each pesticide has a unique EPA Registration Number (“EPA Reg. No.”) that identifi es the pesticide and an EPA Establishment Number (“EPA Est. No.”) that identifi es the manufacturer. Classifi cation – Pesticides are classifi ed as either restricted use or general use. Restricted use pesticides may only be purchased or used by certifi ed applicators or persons under their direct supervision. If a pesticide is classifi ed as restricted use, the label will state “Restricted Use Pesticide” at the top.Hazards to humans – Reading and understanding this part of the label helps the user know which parts of the body need the most protection during use.Personal protective equipment statements– The minimum personal protective equipment that must be worn when using the pesticide.Worker Protection Standard (WPS) requirements– States that the WPS must be followed when the pesticide is used on farms, forests, nurseries or greenhouses, and specifi es the Restricted Entry Interval (REI).
First Aid – These directions should be followed very carefully in case of exposure.Environmental hazards – Provides precautions for protecting the environment when using the pesticide. May contain specifi c statements if the product is highly toxic to bees, fi sh or other wildlife, or is subject to leaching.Directions for use – These directions are not advice---they are requirements. Only crops listed on the pesticide label can be treated and it is illegal to exceed the rate of application on the label.Storage and disposal – May include general statements such as “Keep out of reach of children and pets,” and specifi c directions such as “Do not store at temperatures below 32 degrees F.” The label also includes general information about disposing of excess pesticide and the pesticide container.
Read the entire label, and:Only treat labeled sites. If the label has no directions for treating the site (crop, commodity, etc.), do not treat it.Treat at labeled rates. Years of research and millions of dollars were invested by the pesticide manufacturer to determine the best rates for specifi ed sites and pests. Pay attention to the personal protective gear required; use it and make sure your employees do, too.Use appropriate application equipment for all jobs.Triple-rinse emptied containers, render them unusable, and dispose of or recycle according to the label. Never allow a pesticide container to be used for anything else.
APPENDIX 4 Contacts for Technical Assistance
Christopher CampbellDavid Johnson
Bonnie RabeMarjorie Lewis
Joe Ellington
Richard Heerema
Brad Lewis
New Mexico Pecan Growers Association
Institute for Energy & the EnvironmentNew Mexico State [email protected]@nmsu.edu
New Mexico Department of Agriculture,Pesticide [email protected]@nmda.nmsu.edu
College of AgricultureNew Mexico State [email protected]
Cooperative Extension ServiceNew Mexico State [email protected]
College of AgricultureNew Mexico State University, [email protected]
Integrated Pest Management Centers
Additional copies of this reference guide
Information on energy effi ciency and renewable energyiee.nmsu.edu
General information on pesticide regulations, permitting and use
Regulatory issues regarding pecan tree & nut import & exportnmdaweb.nmsu.edu/pesticides
Current research information on pecans and related pests
Current information on pecan production including integrated pest management (IPM) and biological controlshttp://pecans.nmsu.edu
Information on current pest management practices and pecan pest status.
Information on Association memberships, benefi ts, research, industry news and conferenceswww.nmpecangrowers.org
Current information on integrated pest management (IPM) and biological controls from USDA and the Western IPM Centerwww.ipmcenters.orgwrpmc.ucdavis.eduwww.sripmc.org
Names
15
Contact Information Resources
16
In addition to the contacts in Appendix 4, the following resources contain valuable information on pesticide use and IPM for the pecan industry:
National Pesticide Information Retrieval System (NPIRS) is a web-based link for all federally registered pesticides including registration status in NM. http://state.ceris.purdue.edu/
Greenbook® provides pesticide product labels, supplemental labels and MSDSs provided by the marketing companies and compiles them for use by subscribers. http://www.greenbook.net
Crop Data Management Systems, Inc., http://www.cdms.net/. Go to “Services” and click on “Labels/MSDS.”
Suppliers of Benefi cial Organisms in North America is a publication of Cal/EPA’s Department of Pesticide Regulation. It lists 143 commercial suppliers of 130 benefi cial organisms used for biological control. Biological control is the use of natural enemies of an organism to control that organism. Suppliers are located in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pestmgt/ipminov/bensuppl.htm
Extension Toxicology Network (Extoxnet) provides a variety of information about pesticides. Access the Pesticide Information Profi les (PIPs) for specifi c information on pesticides; Toxicology Information Briefs (TIBs) contain a discussion of certain concepts in toxicology and environmental chemistry; Toxicology Issues of Concern (TICs), Factsheets, News about Toxicology Issues, Newsletters, Resources for Toxicology Information, and Technical Information. Information in these topic areas has been developed by toxicologists and chemists within the Extension Service of the Land Grant universities. A major goal has been to develop unbiased information in a form understandable by the non-expert and to make that information fully searchable and selectively retrievable. www.extoxnet.orst.edu
APPENDIX 5 Internet Resources
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APPENDIX 6 Pesticide Safety and Worker Protection Standard
The 1992 Worker Protection Standard (WPS) protects more than 3.5 million people who work with pesticides at more than 560,000 workplaces. WPS represents a major strengthening of national efforts to safeguard the health of agricultural workers and pesticide handlers.
Agricultural workers are those who perform tasks for any type of compensation related to cultivating or harvesting plants and crops on farms, in greenhouses, nurseries, orchards or forests within 30 days after a pesticide application.
Pesticide handlers are those who mix, load and apply agricultural pesticides, clean or repair pesticide application equipment, and assist in applying pesticides in any way.
Implementing WPS effectively will substantially lower the risk of pesticide poisonings among agricultural workers and pesticide handlers.
Protection during applications. Applicators are prohibited from applying a pesticide in a way that exposes workers or other people. Workers are excluded from areas where pesticides are being applied.
Restricted-entry intervals. These must be specifi ed on all agricultural plant pesticide labels. Workers are excluded from entering a pesticide-treated area during the restricted-entry interval, with few exceptions.
Personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE must be provided and maintained for handlers and early-entry workers.
Worker notifi cation. Workers must be notifi ed about treated areas so they may avoid inadvertent exposures.
Decontamination supplies. Handlers and workers must have an ample supply of water, soap and towels for routine washing and emergency decontamination.
Emergency assistance. Transportation must be made available to a medical care facility for workers or handlers who may have been poisoned or injured. Information must be provided about the pesticides to which they may have been exposed.
Pesticide safety training and safety posters. Training is required for all workers and handlers who may be in areas treated in the last 30 days; a pesticide safety poster must be displayed.
Access to labeling and site-specifi c information. Handlers and workers must be informed of pesticide label requirements. Central posting of recent pesticide applications is required.
The Worker Protection Standard is enforced by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. Contact them for compliance assistance or more information on this federal law.
Web: www.nmda.nmsu.edu/pesticides
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: 575-646-2134
The Strategic Agricultural Initiative (SAI) is an innovative partnership between EPA and the agricultural community. As required by the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996, EPA is phasing out or reducing the risks from many toxic and persistent pesticides. As those pesticides are taken off the market, farmers need assistance adopting new reduced-risk pesticides such as biological pesticides, advanced pest monitoring, pheromone mating disruption, and other Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices.
The transition to sustainable, reduced-risk practices requires that agricultural producers have access to new tools and information. In response to this need, EPA’s Offi ce of Pesticide Programs (OPP) created the SAI as a pilot in 1998. The successful pilot was expanded to all ten EPA Regions in 2002, with one SAI Specialist in each Region to provide technical assistance, outreach, and to implement the SAI grant program.
The program encourages bio-intensive farming practices, works with farmers to change their traditional pest management approaches, and measures the impact of those changes on human health and the environment.
Biointensive farming practices are economically viable, socially responsible, and minimize the impact on human health and the environment, resulting in cleaner air, water and food.
APPENDIX 7 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA’s STATEGIC PLAN
Sub-objective 4.1.1: Reducing Exposure to Toxic Pesticides. Through 2008, protect human health, communities and ecosystems from pesticide use by reducing exposure to pesticides posing the greatest risk.
Sub-objective 4.1.5: Realize the Value from Pesticide Availability. Through 2011, ensure the public health and socio-economic benefi ts of pesticide availability and use are achieved.
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EPA funds grants to demonstrate and facilitate the adoption of pest management practices that will enable growers across the country to transition away from the use of high risk pesticides. SAI partners with pesticide users, grower groups, agricultural educators, and the research community, and passes information and data on pest management needs and economically viable, safer alternatives to OPP.
SAI supports EPA’s Strategic Plan through collaborative activities, outreach, and grants. Incorporating sustainability into the regulatory decision-making process is consistent with EPA’s goal of protecting human health and the environment from pesticide risks.
Strategic Agricultural Initiative
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From 2003 - 2006, SAI helped to implement reduced-risk pest management strategies on over 1.2 million acres of farmland. This led to a reduction of at least 30 percent in the use of highly toxic pesticides on those acres. Approximately $1.5 million in Federal grant funding is awarded competitively each year though SAI. Funding levels vary between the ten EPA regions based on minor crop acreage. All projects address one or more of the following goals:
•utilize demonstration, outreach, and education to increase the adoption of reduced-risk/IPM practices that provide alternatives to the use of highly toxic pesticides or pesticides impacted negatively by FQPA decisions;
•encourage partnerships between producers, commodity groups, scientists, extension, local/state/federal government agencies, and other stakeholders to fi nd regional solutions to pest management issues;
•measure and document the effects of using reduced risk and IPM programs on the environment, human health, and the community;
•use a whole farm systems approach that considers alternative pest control tactics impacts to air, water, and ecosystem health.
National program measures capture SAI’s infl uence in reducing pesticide risk in American agriculture. Using measures created by SAI in 2006, EPA can summarize and report the environmental progress of individual grantees and the program overall.
In the fi eld, SAI grantees are learning how to gauge their own environmental progress by using the SAI IPM Transition Gradient.
Funding for Alternative Pest Control
SAI’s IPM Transition Gradient
The SAI IPM Transition Gradient is used to score and evaluate pesticide risk-reduction projects across an easy to use continuum. It can be used to document the baseline level of current pest management practices and as a monitoring tool to document the progress toward the adoption of reduced-risk pest control methods. All SAI grantees evaluate their performance using this tool.
0-No transition, growers resist any change.
1-Growers are interested in learning about reduced-risk pest management practices. 2-Reduced-risk pest management practices have been initiated at the grower level on a pilot basis. 3-Growers utilize key management practices to determine pest management needs. 4-Full implementation of reduced-risk pest management practices.
5-Adoption of a whole systems approach.
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APPENDIX 8 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP) is a voluntary program that forms partnerships with pesticide users to reduce the potential health and environmental risks associated with pesticide use and implement pollution prevention strategies.
While government regulation can reduce pesticide risk, PESP is guided by the principle that, even in the absence of additional regulatory mandates, the informed actions of pesticide users reduce risk even further. Based on this principle, membership in the program is completely voluntary.
By joining, organizations pledge that environmental stewardship is an integral part of pest control, and they commit to working toward pesticide practices that reduce risk to humans and the environment. Members take a strategic approach to risk reduction and undertake specifi c, measurable activities toward achieving their risk reduction goals.
EPA recognizes the need to protect public health and the food supply with effi cient, cost-effective pest control. In our role as a partner, the Agency promotes the adoption of innovative, alternative pest control practices that reduce potential pesticide risk.
Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program
Joining the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship ProgramMembership Categories
• Partners: Organizations that use pesticides or represent pesticide users. • Supporters: Organizations that do not use pesticides but have signifi cant infl uence over the pest management practices of pesticide users. (For example, food processors infl uence the use of pesticides on the produce they buy but they do not apply the pesticides themselves.) Supporters may also include public interest groups whose constituencies have a strong interest in pesticide risk reduction.
Why Join PESP? • Membership may enhance public perception of your organization, constituent support, and employee morale. • Joining PESP gives your organization the opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship and take steps to put this commitment into practice. • EPA provides each PESP member with liaisons to help members develop their strategy, provide information on EPA activities and provide information
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on funding opportunities to support strategy implementation. • PESP publicly recognizes members who have demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship and made progress in reducing pesticide risk. Recognition is in the form of articles in PESP Update, PESP Progress Reports, and press releases.
How do I Join?To join PESP go to www.epa.gov/pesp. Complete a Member Participation Form and return it to EPA:
PESP (7511P) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20460-0001 703-306-0540
Electronic submissions cannot be accepted because the signature of your organization’s representative is required. If you have trouble accessing this form, please contact PESP at the numbers above.
Once EPA receives an application, it will be reviewed and you will be contacted by a PESP sector leader. EPA will make a decision on your application and you will be mailed a letter either welcoming you into the Program or informing you that your application was not accepted.
Pecan orchard in the Mesilla Valley at the base of the Organ Mountains, Doña Ana County, New Mexico. (All photos by David Johnson of NMSU/IEE)
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REFERENCES
Burns, Robert. New Pecan Pest Control Environmentally Friendly. News and Public Affairs, Texas A&M University System Agriculture Program, College Station, TX. April 2005.
Ellington, Joe; Herrera, Esteban A.; Carrillo, Tracey. Biological Control of Pecan Nut Casebearer and Aphids in New Mexico Pecans. NMSU Extension Service, College of Agriculture and Home Economics, Las Cruces, NM. February 2002.
Heerema, Richard. Telephone and email correspondence. NMSU Extension Plant Sciences Department, Las Cruces, NM. January/February 2008.
Herrera, Esteban A. Pecan Orchard Management in the Western Region. Australasian Council on Tree and Nut Crops, Inc. September, 1995.
Sutherland, Carol. ‘Tis the Season for Pecan Weevil. New Mexico Pecan Growers Association. December 2000.
Watson, Greg. Telephone and email correspondence. New Mexico Department of Agriculture, Las Cruces, NM. October 2007.
