CONTENTS: 
NATIONAL NEWS
      CHANGES IN PESTICIDE REGISTRATIONS/ LABELS
           (1)  EPA ADOPTS AGGRESSIVE MEASURES ON HERBICIDE ATRAZINE
           (2)  ASULAM (ASULOX) TOLERANCE REASSESSMENT - COMMENTS DUE 3/17
           (3)  PRIMISULFURON-METHYL (BEACON, CGA-136872, RIFLE) IS SAFE
           (4)  FINAL RULE AMENDING ACCELERATED PHASEOUT OF METHYL BROMIDE
           (5)  TOLERANCE REVOCATIONS FOR OXADIAZON (CHIPCO, RHONSTAR) FOR FOOD USES
      POLICIES
          (6)  DOES THE FOREST SERVICE NEED A PERMIT UNDER THE CLEAN WATER ACT?
          (7)  COUNTERFEIT PESTICIDES 
     PROTECTING HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
          (8)  ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSULTATION PROCESS - COMMENTS DUE 3/10
          (9)  RESEARCH CENTERS ON CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT TO BE ESTABLISHED 
          (10) NATIONAL PESTICIDE SKILLS GUIDELINES PUBLISHED FOR MEDICAL & NURSING PRACTICE
     EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
         (11) FRUIT GROWERS BOOK
         (12) PESTICIDE SAFETY EDUCATION MATERIALS AVAILABLE
THE LOCAL SCENE
         (13) DE, NJ, MD LIMA BEAN WORKSHOP LISTS PESTICIDE PRIORITIES
         (14) PESTICIDE SAFETY EDUCATION DATES SET FOR 2003.
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(1)  EPA ADOPTS AGGRESSIVE MEASURES ON HERBICIDE ATRAZINE: 
On 1/31, EPA announced an aggressive program to protect vulnerable community drinking water systems from contamination by atrazine, an herbicide used widely on a variety of crops and nonagricultural uses.  The program involves intensive, targeted monitoring of raw water entering certain community water systems in areas of atrazine use.  When atrazine is detected in water above EPA safety standards, the use will be prohibited in that specific watershed area. These and other measures are contained in EPAs Interim Reregistration Eligibility Decision (IRED) found at: http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/reregistration/atrazine/ .  This site also gives Q&A’s.

EPA has concluded that atrazine may continue to be used, provided all the precautions and the new specific measures are implemented to reduce risks to drinking water and that risks associated with exposures from food are not of concern.  Exposure from residential uses and exposure to workers are low and have been addressed by changes in product use conditions.

The provisions of this action, contained in the IRED, have also been incorporated into an agreement with the principal registrant of atrazine, Syngenta.  Under this approach, Syngenta is required to conduct a specialized testing program in vulnerable watersheds on a weekly basis to monitor "raw" drinking water during high-use periods for this pesticide.  If EPA’s regulatory safety standards are exceeded in raw drinking water, atrazine use is cancelled in that geographic area.  This more stringent approach requiring weekly monitoring of "raw" drinking water during certain times of the year augments monitoring conducted under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of "finished" drinking water.  For all other areas where atrazine might be used, monitoring of finished drinking water for atrazine is rountinely required under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).  For these systems, detections approaching the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for atrazine will trigger additional monitoring and regulatory oversight. EPA‘s existing MCL remains protective and in place.  If the MCL is violated, the pesticide manufacturer is required to take the steps necessary to assist the community water system return to compliance with the atrazine MCL.

In this way EPA is allowing flexibility to account for local conditions while assuring that safety standards are met.  The costs involved in this program will be the responsibility of atrazine manufacturers as part of their product stewardship.  EPA is continuing to evaluate the potential effects of atrazine on amphibians, which continue to be the subject of additional research and analysis.  EPA intends to submit the issue of atrazine effects on amphibians for independent scientific peer review by the FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel in June, and anticipates completion of an amended IRED, including consideration of effects on amphibians, by Oct. 31, 2003.

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(2)  ASULAM (ASULOX) TOLERANCE REASSESSMENT - COMMENTS DUE 3/17
Tolerance Reassessment Eligibility Decision (TRED) documents for asulam (Asulox) general use herbicide have been published.  Comments will be taken until March 17, 2003.  The TRED represents EPA's formal regulatory assessment of the human health data base of the subject chemical and presents EPA’s determination regarding which pesticidal uses are eligible for reregistration.  Comments, identified by docket ID number OPP-2002-0329, must be  received on or before March 17, 2003.
Contact:  Demson Fuller, Chemical Review Manager, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C); telephone number: (703) 308-8062; e-mail address: fuller.demson@epamail.epa.gov
For details see the Federal Register at:
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2003/January/Day-15/p849.htm 

(3)  PRIMISULFURON-METHYL (BEACON, CGA-136872, RIFLE) IS SAFE
Report of the FQPA Tolerance Reassessment Progress and Risk Management Decision (TRED) for Primisulfuron-methyl (Beacon, CGA-136872, Rifle) is available.  EPA has reassessed the 24 tolerances, or legal limits, established for residues of primisulfuron-methyl in/on raw agricultural commodities.  These tolerances are now considered safe under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended by the FQPA of 1996.  EPA works extensively with affected parties to reach the tolerance reassessment decisions presented in TRED’s.  Therefore, EPA is issuing the primisulfuron-methyl TRED as a final decision without a formal public comment period. 
The Federal Register notice may be found at:
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2003/January/Day-15/p630.htm .
The TRED is available at:
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/status.htm

Primisulfuron-methyl is a urea herbicide that is used on crop and non-crop areas for the control of grass weeds and many kinds of broad-leaved weeds. The compound is a selective postemergence systemic herbicide that is rapidly absorbed by plants and transported throughout the plant roots and foliage. The herbicide works by blocking cell growth in the active growing regions of the plant. The herbicide also acts to inhibit photosynthesis. Primisulfuron-methyl may be found in other herbicide formulations such as 2,4-D, dicamba, cyanazine, bromoxynil and atrazine. 

Contact:  Christina Scheltema, Special Review and Reregistration
Division (7508C); telephone number: (703) 308-2201; fax number: (703) 308-8005; 

(4)  FINAL RULE AMENDING ACCELERATED PHASEOUT OF METHYL BROMIDE
On January 2, EPA published in the Federal Register a Final Rule "Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Process for Exempting Quarantine and Preshipment Applications of Methyl Bromide",  amending the accelerated phaseout regulations that govern the production, import, export, transformation and destruction of substances that deplete the ozone layer, such as methyl bromide, under the authority of the Clean Air Act (CAA). The amendments incorporate an exemption permitted under the Montreal Protocol and required by changes in the CAA. Specifically, EPA is creating an exemption from the consumption and production phaseout for quantities of methyl bromide that are used for quarantine and preshipment applications between now and 2005, as well as beyond the final phaseout of production and consumption under the Montreal Protocol and Clean Air Act on January 1, 2005.

For more information on this action, consult the January 2 Federal Register
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/02-32986.htm
or call Kate Choban at 202-564 3524; e-mail: Choban.Kate@epa.gov .

(5)  TOLERANCE REVOCATIONS FOR OXADIAZON (CHIPCO, RHONSTAR) FOR FOOD USES
On January 24, 2003, EPA published a rule that revokes all tolerances for residues of the herbicide oxadiazon (Chipco, Rhonstar).  Tolerances are being revoked because the active ingredient is no longer registered for food uses; registrations remain in effect for turf and ornamentals. This herbicide is used to control annual grasses, sedges and broadleaves.  It is used pre emergence for grasses and some post emergence for broadleaf weeds.  Oxadiazon is in the first priority group for tolerance reassessment.  The notice announcing these revocations is available on EPA's web site at: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2003/January/Day-24/p1518.htm .  It includes details about the registration status of this pesticide and reasons for the revocation.  The revocations are effective April 24, 2003.

EPA published a notice on August 1, 2001 proposing revocation of tolerances of two pesticides:  oxadiazon and the insecticide tetradifon. EPA received a request to retain tolerances for tetradifon.  EPA is evaluating issues described in the comment on tetradifon and will not take final action on these tolerances now.  Commodities containing pesticide residues not covered by a tolerance are considered to be adulterated and are subject to seizure.  A tolerance must meet the current safety standard established under FQPA if it is to be retained. 

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(6)  DOES THE FOREST SERVICE NEED A PERMIT UNDER THE CLEAN WATER ACT?
In the continuing controversy, a petition was filed by the Department of Justice in the Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in January.  The petition appeals a decision by the circuit court requiring that the USDA Forest Service obtain a permit under the Clean Water Act for aerial spraying of two pesticides to manage an outbreak of the Douglas Fir Tussock Moth on a national forest.  The government seeks a rehearing by court panel with a suggestion for a rehearing en banc.

Results from this government action are not expected soon unless the court does not grant the request for rehearing.  In the meantime, the Forest Service is pursuing the process for an NPDES permit in the state of Oregon in order to implement an eradication project this spring where Btk will be aerially applied for control of a Gypsy Moth infestation.  The FS is working cooperatively with the Oregon Dept. of Agric. and the Dept. of Environmental Quality.

EPA and Justice Department investigators are targeting a network of pesticide manufacturers and suppliers in the United States and overseas who allegedly have been selling counterfeit versions of pesticides that are widely used to fight mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile virus, sources say. The investigation is one of the largest ever into the sale of alleged imitation pesticides, according to one federal investigator, and sources say the inquiry may prompt a rethinking of EPA policies aimed at protecting the distribution of pesticides used for public health purposes. 

Federal investigators have been scrutinizing the Sierra Chemical and Supply company, located in Anniston, AL, for allegedly distributing adulterated versions of popular pesticides. Sources say investigators have traced the company's distribution of its pesticides to municipalities across much of the Southeast and parts of the Midwest.  The investigators obtained a search warrant and raided Sierra's facility in Anniston on Sept. 25. Sources say that investigators removed samples of pesticide chemicals from the premises along with color photocopied labels of the pesticide Aqua-Reslin, which is a mosquitacide widely used by local governments to kill mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile virus. Aventis Crop Science, which is owned by Bayer, produces Aqua-Reslin.  A key investigator says that Bayer has been informed of the investigation, and a Bayer spokesman says that Bayer is cooperating with any investigation into the adulteration of its products.

Investigators are examining whether Sierra sold imitation versions of Aqua-Reslin and several other pesticides. Investigators are also examining whether Sierra doctored the formulations of brand-name pesticides. Federal sources would not comment on the names of the other pesticides, but a state official familiar with the issue says investigators were scrutinizing whether Sierra was also selling counterfeit versions of Permanone, another mosquitacide produced by Aventis.  Sources say investigators are focusing on Sierra's distribution activity in 2001, potentially extending as far back as 1997.

Sources familiar with the investigation say it may lead EPA officials to reconsider the regulations surrounding the distribution of pesticides, especially pesticides that have a public health function. Currently, EPA requires any person seeking to manufacture, re-label or distribute a pesticide, to register its facility with the agency. Any pesticide sold in the United States must have a valid EPA registration number printed on its label.  Registered facilities must report the amounts of pesticides they produce and sell from the facility. However, producers and distributors are at no point required to test the contents of their pesticides before selling them to other distributors, private users or municipal governments.  But sources say additional regulations governing the distribution of public health pesticides may not stop the kind of possible crimes for which Sierra is under investigation.

Investigators are expecting to file felony criminal charges in the upcoming months against Bill Murphy of Glenco, AL, the owner of Sierra Chemical, for allegedly violating federal copyright and trademark laws, as well as misdemeanor charges for violating provisions in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act governing labeling and adulterated pesticides, sources say. In addition, investigators are looking at potential violations of customs laws, claiming that Sierra may have imported much of its raw materials from overseas.

Murphy denies any deliberate mislabeling of pesticides, while conceding that he may have not followed federal pesticide regulations to the letter of the law. Murphy admits to "some wrongdoing, mostly out of ignorance."  "We did some things wrong, particularly when we first got started," Murphy says. But he adds that as he has gained more experience in the pesticide industry, his company has had no problems since. "Our material is extremely well-received by those who use it," he says.

Federal investigators are looking at whether Sierra made copies of Aqua-Reslin labels and placed them on canisters of Sierra's own pesticide formulations, which sources say was a rough approximation of Aqua-Reslin. Sources say Sierra sold pesticides carrying the Aqua-Reslin label to municipalities in states across the Southeast and parts of the Midwest, including Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Ohio and Illinois, at prices well below the general market rate for the brand-name pesticide.  Sources estimate Sierra may have accumulated at least hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue from the sale of these pesticides.

Murphy says he purchased Aqua-Reslin labels that he assumed were ready to use. He then purchased Aqua-Reslin, poured the pesticide into different containers, and then placed the labels on the new containers. "We shouldn't have repackaged anything," Murphy says, while denying that he placed the labels on his own product.  Sources familiar with the investigation say that tests of Sierra's pesticides revealed chemical concentrations that were sometimes too high and other times too low to match the concentrations of chemicals in Aqua-Reslin. "It was pure Russian roulette," the source says.  "It would have some efficacy, but not as high," says another source, adding, however, that some of the pesticides were "close."

Investigators are also examining potential criminal violations in Sierra's supply chain, which sources say investigators have traced back to a British chemical company. Investigators believe that a middle man familiar with chemical suppliers in Europe may have acted as a broker between Murphy and the British company, a transaction that sources say may have violated U.S. customs laws governing the import of chemicals. Sources say that among the possible customs violations that investigators are pursuing, officials are examining whether proper tariffs were paid on the imported chemicals.  Sources say that investigators are also examining other suppliers, both domestic and international, to determine whether Sierra may have obtained raw materials from other facilities. 

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(8)  ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSULTATION PROCESS - COMMENTS DUE 3/10
EPA, Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Marine Fisheries Service, in consultation with the USDA, are seeking comments from the public and affected parties on how the Endangered Species Act consultation process can be made more effective and efficient with respect to pesticide registration actions.

Under the Endangered Species Act, EPA must ensure that registration of pesticides will not jeopardize the continued existence of threatened or endangered species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat.  Through an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published in the Federal Register, the federal government is seeking comments on a variety of approaches to improve and enhance the consultation processes among agencies.  Improving the consultation process will directly benefit listed species and their habitat by ensuring that the potential effects of pesticides are examined in a timely and comprehensive manner.

EPA routinely evaluates the potential effects of pesticides on wildlife. EPA also consults with the wildlife agencies about pesticide uses that may affect listed species.  For many years the federal government has not systematically considered how to improve the efficiency of the consultation process.  As a result of EPA's ongoing reexamination of previously registered pesticides, as well as recent litigation, the three agencies anticipate a significant increase in the number of future consultations.  Thus, the three agencies have agreed to review and where necessary improve, the current consultation process so that timely regulatory decisions can be made that provide needed protections for species, without placing unnecessary burdens on farmers, homeowners  and other pesticide users.  These agencies are further coordinating this effort with the USDA to ensure that any modifications to the current processes or regulations take into account the need to consider the potential impacts on food and fiber producers.  Similarly, the agencies are working to establish the most effective consultation process that will enhance stakeholder involvement and education around the endangered species protection efforts for pesticides.

Specifically, the agencies are soliciting comments on the following approaches, such as:

• Approaches to make the consultation process more efficient by eliminating redundant analyses and focusing on pesticide use patterns which appear most likely to raise concerns.  For example, options are being presented where pesticides with similar characteristics could be evaluated together, thus adding efficiencies to the consultation and regulatory decision-making process.
• Consultation approaches that would involve the wildlife agencies only when EPA finds that a pesticide registration action is likely to adversely affect listed species.  Otherwise, no further consultation would be required.
• Procedures that focus and prioritize the wildlife agencies' reviews once consultation is deemed necessary, and gives appropriate consideration to EPA's scientific findings and protection strategies.  Specifically, when consultation is needed, the wildlife agencies would determine whether EPA had considered the most current and best available data in their assessment, other convincing information warranting a different conclusion, and substantial evidence supporting EPA's determinations.

(9)  RESEARCH CENTERS ON CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT 
EPA and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) are calling for applications from nonprofit institutions to establish up to six centers for research on the causes and prevention of health concerns in children that could be related to environmental exposures. Health impacts from environmental contaminants can be particularly detrimental for children as their nervous systems are still developing. Specific areas identified for research include respiratory diseases, neurodevelopment and neurobehavior, childhood cancers, birth defects and other conditions.  These research centers will develop innovative strategies to measure environmental exposures in children and will conduct research to reduce hazardous exposures and their adverse health effects.  An important goal of this project is to translate research findings into input for public policy, community needs and information for the health care community and general public.  This Request for Applications (RFA) builds upon the work completed by 12 EPA/NIEHS Centers for Children's Environmental Health and Disease Prevention Research established in 1998 and 2002.  The RFA is also a part of EPA's Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program.  Applications are due by May 16, 2003.  For more information, see:
http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/current/2003_child_health.html .

(10)  NATIONAL PESTICIDE PRACTICE SKILLS GUIDELINES FOR MEDICAL & NURSING PRACTICE
The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation (NEETF), in partnership with the EPA, the US Department of Health and Human Services, USDA, and the US Department of Labor, has published the National Pesticide Competency Guidelines for Medical & Nursing Education and the National Pesticide Practice Skills Guidelines for Medical & Nursing Practice, which are priority projects of NEETF's 10-year National Strategies for Health Care Providers: Pesticides Initiative. These documents are currently available online at
http://www.neetf.org/health/providers/index.shtm .

The purpose of the Initiative is to improve the recognition, management, and prevention of pesticide poisonings and overexposures by health care providers in the United States. The Initiative takes a strategic approach for incorporating environmental health information into the education and practice of health care providers, using pesticides as a model. The National Guidelines are a major step toward improving primary care practitioners' environmental knowledge and skills.  For more information, contact the Project Director Leyla Erk McCurdy, Health Environment Programs 202-261-6488, mccurdy@neetf.org

To enhance its appeal for its audience, Fruit Crop Ecology and Management was written and designed to explain ecological principles within a farming context using colorful photos and illustrations along with practical examples. Sample pages and content description can viewed at the MSU IPM Program website: http://www.msue.msu.edu/ipm/Pubs_eco.htm

Fruit Crop Ecology and Management is a collaboration of 20 authors from ten disciplines, and over 25 reviewers from several states and the Netherlands. The teams’ expertise included agricultural economics, agricultural journalism, agricultural meteorology, entomology, farming, horticulture, integrated pest management, nematology, sociology, sustainable agriculture, and plant pathology. Growers, crop consultants, and food processors helped select the content and served as authors and reviewers along with faculty and Extension agents. The book includes information for tree fruit and small fruit grown in the Great Lakes states with principles that can be extended beyond that region. The soft-bound 104-page book sells for $16 ($19.20 international orders) and can be order at:
http://www.msue.msu.edu/ipm/EcoForm.htm .

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(12)  PESTICIDE SAFETY EDUCATION MATERIALS AVAILABLE
LEARN TO USE PESTICIDES SAFELY... posters (English and Spanish versions); (Publication #735-H-01-004/5)
PESTICIDES ARE MEANT TO POISON THESE... posters (English and Spanish versions)  (Publication #735-H-01-001/003)
Call or write:
Communication Services Branch, Office of Pesticide Programs (7506C), US EPA, Ariel Rios Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004-2403; 703-305-5017.
For large quantities (10 or more), contact National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP)  at 1-800-490-9198.

Free copies of the Spanish version of "Help Yourself to Healthy Home" (Contribuya a Tener un Hogar Sano) are now available. This booklet, developed by the University of Wisconsin's Home*Asyst program, is geared for the consumer and answers important questions about the home and how you live in it.  By answering the questions, the reader can find out if their home is "healthy," or if they need to make some changes.  There are nine sections in the booklet including one on pesticide safety.  Every chapter provides basic information about a particular environmental issue, e.g. indoor air quality, pesticides, carbon monoxide, lead, mold and moisture, etc.; questions to help readers decide whether any of these are issues of concern in their homes; and simple "action steps" to address these concerns.  Interested in copies of this booklet?  E-mail Kathy Seikel at seikel.kathy@epa.gov or call 703-308-8272.

Free CDs containing important information about integrated pest management in schools are available.  EPA's Region 2 (New York) office has developed a CD containing several documents relating to IPM in schools: 
1) "Pest Control in the School Environment," the popular 1993 EPA publication designed to acquaint readers with IPM as a potential alternative to scheduled spraying of pesticides; 
2) "Who Wants to be an IPM Super Sleuth? Integrated Pest Management Activities and Resources for Kids of All Ages" developed by the IPM Institute of North America; 
3) "Neato Mosquito," the CD developed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) which contains a 4th grade curriculum designed to teach kids about mosquito biology through the use of animation, video images, interactive games, and student projects; and 
4) a CDC-developed video about mosquito biology.  For copies of this CD, which includes all four items above, e-mail Henry Rupp at rupp.henry@epa.gov or call 732-906-6178.

"Tres Amigos al Rescate" is the name of a new education and outreach package developed by EPA's Region 6 (Dallas) office and aimed at Spanish-speaking communities.  The core component of this package is an entertaining and informative video that appeals to children and adults alike and provides practical information on safe use of household chemicals, including pesticides.  It also provides useful information about radon, second-hand smoke, contaminated water, asbestos, lead, UV light, and ground level ozone.  The video is accompanied by a companion booklet, also in Spanish, designed for parents, teachers, and moderators.  A helpful discussion guide and fact sheet complete the package and set the stage for stimulating discussions about steps people can take to make their homes environmentally safe.  To order "Tres Amigos al Rescate," e-mail Amadee Madril at madril.amadee@epa.gov or call 214-665-2767.

Check out the new "Bugged by Bugs" pesticide awareness patch developed through a partnership between EPA's Region 8 (Denver) office and the Girl Scouts Mile Hi Council, which reaches more than 36,000 girls between the ages 5-17.  This exciting new on-line resource can be accessed at http://www.girlscoutsmilehi.org .   This web site features on-line games, complete word searches and crossword puzzles which kids can tackle while learning more about safe pesticide use, risks and potential health concerns related to pesticides, as well as the IPM approach to pest control.

(13)  LIMA BEAN WORKSHOP LISTS PRIORITIES
The DE, NJ, MD lima bean Pest Management Strategic Plan Workshop was held in Harrington DE January 22-23, 2003.  Twenty growers, processors, consultants and applicators drafted the Strategic Plan with the help of 18 extension and regulatory staff from the University of Delaware, Rutgers, the University of Maryland, Cornell, DDA, USDA, and EPA.  The Strategic Plan reviews control measures for major pests, anticipates changes in pesticide registrations and discusses possible alternatives for at-risk pesticides.  Growers and processors identified the following Critical Priorities:
Regulatory:
· Must keep dimethoate. 
· Must keep lannate. 
· Shorten the phi for Topsin on white mold. 
Research:
· Refine Hyre-Cox predictor for downy mildew – new races, temperature limits, leaf wetness. 
· Efficacy and timing for biological fungicide Contans for white mold. 
  Efficacy trials and application procedures for BAS 510 and Serenade for white mold. 
· Resistance management strategies for downy mildew fungicides. 
· Better morningglory options. 
· New efficacy trials for Rhizoctonia pod rot (Brown Bean). 

Other identified needs
Regulatory
· Raptor broadleaf herbicide like Pursuit label. 
· Section 18 for Authority. 
Research
· Corn Ear Worm - pyrethroid resistance investigations. 
· Viable rotations for management of perennial weed species (horsenettle). 
· Evaluate fungicide seed treatments and in-furrow applications on root rots for stand establishment Improvements. 
· Irrigation management research for white mold management. 
· Determine downy mildew race distribution & occurrence. 
· Investigate Sandea injury with an eye toward postemergence label. 
· Pursuit-resistant pigweed options. 
· New fungicide efficacy trials for phytophthora pod blight. 
· Investigate Pursuit pre-emergence + Sandea post emergence. 
· New products for lygus/stink complex: flonicamid, etc. 
· Disease prediction model for pod blight. 
· More data on Command. 
· Authority  - best way to use while minimizing risk. 
· Develop better cultivation techniques. 
· Does row orientation matter with downy mildew? 
· Spider mite threshold refinement. 
· Should stinkbugs be separated from Lygus?  What are thresholds? 
Education/Extension
· Pest identification (aids, education). 
· Herbicide carryover problems. 
· Identifying herbicide resistance. 
· Herbicide-resistance management. 
· Weed management programs for crops planted at different times during the year

The Strategic Plan is currently in review by subjct matter specialists.  The next review will go to growers and processors.  Contact Whitney at swhitney@udel.edu if you would like to review the Plan.

(14)  PESTICIDE SAFETY EDUCATION DATES SET FOR 2003.
Pesticide Safety Education training & testing dates have been posted at:
http://www.udel.edu/pesticide/Cal.htm :
March 25-26, 2003.  Kent Co. Extension Office 
March 31 - April 1, 2003.  Sussex Co. Extension Office 
April 3-4, 2003.  New Castle Co.  UD Agricultural Campus.  132 Townsend Hall. 
June 10-11, 2003.  Capital Grange, 911 S. Govenors Ave.  Dover 
September 30-October 1, 2003.  Kent Co. Extension Office. 
December 18-19, 2003.  Kent Co. Extension Office. 

The first day is training -- 8:15 am - 4:30 pm.  Training continues the morning of the second day, 8:15 am - noon.  Be sure to bring your Workbook! The exam starts at 1:00 pm the second day.  Closed book!!  Bring your calculator for the calibration questions. 

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Dr. Susan P. Whitney
whitney@udel.edu