LABEL CHANGES EXPECTED FOR CHLOROTHALONIL

Among the most important fungicides for potato growers is chlorothalonil (Bravo and others), which is used alone and in mixes with other fungicides. It is particularly critical to sustainable potato production and is the backbone of management programs for the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, which causes Late Blight, and several fungal pathogens including Alternaria alternata (Brown Spot), Alternaria solani (Early Blight), Botrytis cinerea (Tan Rot), and Colletotrichum coccodes (Black Dot). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently released an interim decision that addresses human health concerns and ecological risks associated with chlorothalonil and will require label changes. Among the changes anticipated are a reduction in maximum annual application rates, buffers near all conservation and aquatic areas, prohibiting application to soils that are saturated with water, and new personal protective equipment and respirator fit-testing measures for pesticide handlers. In addition, the new label will require a rainfall restriction for applications of chlorothalonil made within the listed salmonid and steelhead ranges and designated critical habitat using the Agency’s Bulletins Live! Two system.