THE LOCAL SCENE
 (1)  DELAWARE PESTICIDE SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM TRAINING AND TESTING DATES
        ANNOUNCED
 (2) DELAWARE PEST CONTROL ASSOCIATION TO HOLD SHORT COURSE 
 (3) WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE ANNOUNCED
 (4)  CALL FOR RESEARCH PROPOSALS
 (5)  DELAWARE SECTION 18’S GRANTED IN 2003

NATIONAL NEWS

NEW PESTICIDES
 (6) SULFURYL FLUORIDE NEW METHYL BROMIDE ALTERNATIVE
 (7)  APPLICATIONS TO REGISTER NEW PESTICIDES
 (8) PETITIONS FOR TOLERANCES

 PESTICIDE CANCELLATIONS/AMENDMENTS
 (9)   COMMENTS SOUGHT FOR PROPOSED ACTIONS ON 61 PESTICIDES
 (10) DIAZINON HOME AND GARDEN PRODUCT CANCELLATIONS 
 (11) PROPANIL AND FENAMIPHOS CANCELLATION ANNOUNCED
 (12)  SOME CAPTAN AND DCPA USES MAY BE SUSPENDED

 RISK ASSESSMENTS
 (13) CREOSOTE RISK ASSESSMENTS
 (14) ORYZALIN (SURFLAN) RISK ASSESSMENT

 FIFRA VIOLATIONS - COURT CASES
 (15)  ALABAMA MAN PLEADS GUILTY IN PESTICIDE CASE

 MEETINGS
 (16)  WORKSHOP ON PLANT-INCORPORATED PROTECTANT EUP’S

 REPORTS & PUBLICATIONS
 (17)  IMPACTS OF GENETICALLY ENGINEERED CROPS 
 (18) IR-4 TURNS SECTION 18'S TO PERMANENT REGISTRATIONS
 (19) NEW PESTICIDE SAFETY AND IPM MATERIALS AVAILABLE

 CONSUMER ALERT
 (20)  NATIONAL RECALL OF PINE CONES WITH INDIA ORIGIN 
*************************************************************************************
THE LOCAL SCENE

(1) DELAWARE PESTICIDE SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM TRAINING AND TESTING DATES ANNOUNCED
For dates and locations of Delaware PSEP training and testing, go to:  http://www.udel.edu/pesticide/Cal.htm

March 2 - 3, 2004, Kent Co. University of Delaware Cooperative Extension Office, Pardee Center, Dover 
March 15 - 16, 2004, Sussex Co. University of Delaware Research & Education Center, Georgetown 
March 22 - 23, 2004,  NC Co. University of Delaware Agricultural Campus, room 132 Townsend Hall, Newark 
June 21 - 22, 2004, Kent Co. University of Delaware Cooperative Extension Office, Pardee Center, Dover 
Sept 28 - 29, 2004, Kent Co. University of Delaware Cooperative Extension Office, Pardee Center, Dover 
December 14 -15, 2004.  Kent Co. University of Delaware Cooperative Extension Office, Pardee Center, Dover. 

The first day is training -- 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.  Training continues the morning of the second day, 8:30 am - noon. The exam starts at 1:00 pm the second day.

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(3) WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE ANNOUNCED
The 3rd annual Women in Agriculture Conference will be held at the Dover Downs Hotel in Dover, DE on February 6 and 7.  Topics will include:  Pesticide and Farm Safety; Crop Insurance; Marketing; Budgeting; Conflict Resolution; Computer Recordkeeping; Organic Production; Agritourism; and Legal Perspective.  To register, contact Susan Olson, UD, 112 Townsend Hall, Newark, DE 19716.

(4)  CALL FOR RESEARCH PROPOSALS
All University of Delaware Cooperative Extension staff and research faculty are encouraged to apply for the following grants programs.

Special Research Grants Program - Pest Management Alternatives Research: Special Program Addressing Food Quality Protection Act Issues.  Deadline 2/20/04. 
This program supports projects that help farmers respond to the environmental and regulatory issues confronting agriculture. These special grants fund research that provides farmers with replacement technologies for pesticides that are under consideration for regulatory action by EPA and for which producers do not have effective alternatives. For more information, go to:  http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/funding/04/rfa_pmap_04.htm

Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program.  Deadlines 3/15/04; 4/21/04/ 
This program provides funding for integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and education activities. Funding is announced through a separate Request for Applications (RFA) for each program. Applications for the Integrated Pest Management Program (Crops at Risk, Risk Avoidance and Mitigation, Methyl Bromide Transitions) must be received by close of business on March 15, 2004. Applications for the National Integrated Water Quality Program must be received by close of business on April 21, 2004. For more information, go to: http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/funding/04/rfa_com_grants_prg_04.htm

The Organic Transitions (ORG) funding opportunity will be in a separate RFA this year along with a new funding opportunity, Organic Research and Extension Initiative (OREI).  It is anticipated that the RFA for ORG and OREI will be released around the end of February. 

For a complete list of funding opportunities from CSREES, go to:
http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/funding/ourfund.htm

(5) DELAWARE SECTION 18’S GRANTED IN 2003:
1.      Imidacloprid on peach/nectarines; expires 4/15/2004 
2.      Terbacil on watermelons; expired 6/15/03 
3.      Fomasafen on snap beans; expired 10/1/03 
4.      Metolachlor on spinach; expires 3/1/04 
5.      Coumaphos on beehives; expires 8/1/04 
 6.      Thiophanate methyl (Topsin M 70WP) to control green mold on Mushrooms; expires 6/5/04 

There were two Section 24(c) registrations issued in 2003:  one for metolachlor on spinach and one for Ridomil Gold on lima beans. 

NATIONAL NEWS
NEW PESTICIDES
(6) SULFURYL FLUORIDE NEW METHYL BROMIDE ALTERNATIVE
Dow AgroScience LLC has requested tolerances for residues of Sulfuryl Fluoride and inorganic fluoride from postharvest fumigation uses in or on stored commodities. This action reflects the first food use on sulfuryl fluoride in the United States. Sulfuryl fluoride has been registered for fumigation of structures for termites under the brand name Vikane for many years. Sulfuryl fluoride is considered to be a methyl bromide replacement for some of these post-harvest fumigation uses. Under the Profume product label, grain processing facilities and stored cereal grains, dried fruits and tree nuts will be fumigated at a maximum use rate of 1,500 ounces/hours/1,000 ft\3\ (1,500 milligrams/hours/liter (mg/hr/L) or 200 mg-hr/L under vacuum conditions. Commodities treated with Profume must be aerated for at least 24 hours before entering commerce.  This regulation is effective January 23, 2004. Objections and requests for hearings, identified by docket ID number OPP-2003-0373, must be received on or before March 23, 2004.  Contact: Dennis McNeilly, Registration Division (7505C), Office of Pesticide Programs, telephone  number: (703) 308-6742; e-mail:  mcneilly.dennis@epa.gov
For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2004/January/Day-23/p1540.htm

(7)  APPLICATIONS TO REGISTER NEW PESTICIDES
On 12/10/03, EPA announced applications from Agriguard Company, LLC, to register pesticide products containing active ingredients not included in any previously registered products.
1) Furfural Technical. Product type: Soil fumigant. Active ingredient: Furfural at 99.7%. Proposed classification/Use: None. For formulating use only into soil fumigant products for use in greenhouses on cut flowers, greens, transplants, propagative materials and other non-food/non-feed items.
2) Multiguard Protect.  Product type: Soil fumigant. Active ingredient: Furfural at 90%. Proposed classification/Use: None. Used in greenhouses on cut flowers, greens, transplants, propagative materials  and other non-food/non-feed items.
For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2003/December/Day-10/p30521.htm

On 12/17/03, EPA announced the following applications to register herbicides containing active ingredients not included in any previously registered product:
1. Applicant: Bayer Crop Science,  Product name: Mesosulfuron-methyl Technical. Active ingredient: Mesosulfuron-methyl at 96.8%. Proposed classification/Use: None. For formulation into herbicide end use products; for use in wheat.
2. Applicant: Bayer Crop Science. Product name: Osprey Herbicide. Active ingredient: Mesosulfuron-methyl at 4.5%.  Proposed classification/Use: None. For use in winter wheat.
3. Applicant: Bayer Crop Science. Product name: Silverado Wild Oat Herbicide. Active ingredient: Mesosulfuron-methyl at 2.0%. Proposed cassification/Use: None. For use in spring wheat including durum.
4. Applicant: Arvesta Corporation, Product name: Amicarbazone Technical Herbicide. Active ingredient: Amicarbazone at 98%. Proposed classification/Use: None. For formulation into herbicide end use products and for use in corn.
5. Applicant: Arvesta Corporation. Product name: Amicarbazone DF Herbicide. Active ingredient: Amicarbazone at 70%.  Proposed classification/Use: None. For use in corn. 
For more information, go to:
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2003/December/Day-17/p31008.htm

On 12/24/03, EPA announced the following applications to register pesticide products  containing active ingredients not included in any previously registered products:
1. Applicant: Woodstream Corporation, Product name: Animal Repellent Granular. Biochemical pesticide. Active ingredient: Oil of black pepper at 0.480% and piperine at 0.185%. Proposed classification/Use: None. For use as an animal repellent.
2. Applicant: Agraquest Inc., Product name: QST 6047 Technical. Insecticide. Active ingredient: Streptomyces galbus strain QST 6047 at 2.0%. Proposed classification/Use: None. Manufacturing use product for formulation into insecticidal products; for control of lepidopteran pests on growing crops.
3. Applicant: Myco-Forestis Corporation, Product name: Chondrostereum purpureum strain HQ1 concentrate. Biological herbicide. Active ingredient: Chondrostereum purpureum strain HQ1 at 24.8%. Proposed classification/Use: None. For manufacturing use.
4. Applicant: Myco-Forestis Corporation. Product name: Myco-Tech Paste. Biological herbicide. Active ingredient: Chondrostereum purpureum strain HQ1 at 9.1%. Proposed classification/Use: None. For woody vegetation management in right's of way, woodlots, and conifer plantations to inhibit sprouting and regrowth of freshly cut tree species such as: Birch, pin-cherry poplar/aspen, red and sugar maple, and speckled alder.
For more information, go to:  http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2003/December/Day-24/p00604.htm

(8)  PETITIONS FOR TOLERANCES
Always read the pesticide label to ensure that the commodity or site you wish to protect is on the label. 

(1)  Dow AgroSciences LLC has requested a tolerance for residues of Fluroxypyr in or on field corn, sweet corn, sorghum, range and pasture grass. 
(2)  IR-4 has requested an extension to the time-limited tolerances for residues of cyprodinil in or on onion, dry bulb; onion, green; and strawberry.  The tolerance now will expire on December 31, 2004.
(3)  Arvesta Corporation has requested a tolerance for residues of clothianidin in or on the raw agricultural commodity apples and pears at 1.0 parts per million (ppm).
For more information, go to:
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2003/December/Day-31/p32007.htm

Valent U.S.A. Corporation has requested tolerances for residues of the insecticide pyridalyl in or on the raw agricultural commodities: vegetable, fruiting, group 8, at 1.1 ppm; vegetable, leafy, except Brassica, group 4, at 20.0 ppm; Brassica, head and stem, subgroup 5A, at 5.0 ppm; Brassica, leafy greens, subgroup 5B, at 30.0  ppm; turnip greens at 30 ppm; meat at 0.04 ppm; meat by-products at 0.05 ppm; animal fat at 1.0 ppm; and whole milk at 0.1 ppm.  For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2003/December/Day-05/p30164.htm

Avesta Corporation has requested a tolerance for residues of Amicarbazone in or on the raw agricultural commodities corn grain, at 0.05 parts per million (ppm); corn forage at 0.8 ppm; corn stover at 0.5 ppm; alfalfa forage at 0.04 ppm; alfalfa hay at 0.06 ppm; soybean forage at 2.5 ppm; soybean hay at 7.0 ppm, soybean seed at 0.6 ppm, soybean meal at 0.25 ppm; soybean hulls at 0.2 ppm; soybean oil at 0.01 ppm; wheat forage at 0.6 ppm; wheat hay at 0.9 ppm; wheat grain at 0.09 ppm; wheat straw at 0.4 ppm; wheat bran at 0.08 ppm; wheat shorts at 0.06 ppm; wheat flour at 0.05 ppm; wheat middlings at 0.05 ppm; wheat germs at 0.05 ppm; meat (cattle, sheep, goats, horses, hogs) at 0.01 ppm; meat byproducts (cattle, sheep, goats, horses, hogs) at 0.2 ppm; and milk at 0.01 ppm respectively.  For more information, go to:  http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2004/January/Day-22/p1237.htm

PESTICIDE CANCELLATIONS/AMENDMENTS

(9)  COMMENTS SOUGHT FOR PROPOSED TOLERANCE ACTIONS ON 61 PESTICIDES
On December 10, 2003 EPA proposed the revocation of  61 tolerances and tolerance exemptions because these specific tolerances are either no longer needed or are associated with food uses that are no longer current or registered in the United States.  The revocation covers various types of pesticides, including: dinocap, combustion product gas, ethion, formetanate hydrochloride, nicotine-containing compounds, polyoxyethylene, tartar emetic, chlorpropham, cyanazine, tridiphane,  bitertanol, 1,1,1-trichloroethane,  triforine, cloprop, and 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol.  Also, EPA is proposing to modify certain ethion tolerances before they expire.  The Federal Register notice proposing these revocations is available at:  http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2003/December/Day-10/p30272.htm
The notice includes details about the registration status of these pesticides and reasons for proposed revocation, as well as proposed expiration dates for revoked tolerances.  Comments on these proposed tolerance and tolerance exception revocations will be accepted until February 9, 2004.  Comments should reference docket number OPP-2003-0265 and must be submitted as described in the Federal Register notice. For status and other information on tolerance reassessment see www.epa.gov/pesticides/tolerance.

(10)  DIAZINON HOME AND GARDEN PRODUCT CANCELLATIONS REQUESTED
EPA has announced receipt of requests by registrants to voluntarily cancel all of their diazinon home and garden end-use products.  This notice affects 75 diazinon product registrations held by 35 companies.  The public has 180 days (until June 7, 2004) to comment on this notice. Unless substantive comments are received that merit further review, EPA intends to grant the cancellation requests, which will become effective December 31, 2004.

Diazinon is an organophosphate pesticide used to control a wide range of foliar and soil pests on a variety of fruit, nut, and vegetable crops.  All home and garden uses are being phased out as a part of the 2000 Memorandum of Agreement with the technical registrants.  Additional information and documents related to diazinon are available at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/op/diazinon.htm.

The Federal Register notice with instructions on how to submit comments is available at:  http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2003/December/Day-10/p30271.htm .
Comments can be submitted through EPA’s online public docket, EDOCKET, at: http://cascade.epa.gov/RightSite/dk_public_home.htm .

(11) PROPANIL AND FENAMIPHOS CANCELLATION ANNOUNCED
EPA has issued a Cancellation Order approving the following voluntary cancellations of Propanil and Fenamiphos.
Agriliance, LLC; Dow AgroSciences, LLC; and RiceCo, LLC have requested to voluntarily cancel all small grain uses (spring (hard red) wheat, oats, spring barley, and durum wheat) of certain end-use and technical products for the active ingredient propanil (Surcopur, Stam, Stampede, Strel), effective July 28, 2003.

Bayer CropScience has requested to voluntary cancel all registrations for products containing the active ingredient fenamiphos (Nemacur), effective May 31, 2007. In conjunction with the request for voluntary cancellation, Bayer CropScience has also agreed to amend their existing fenamiphos product registrations and implement interim risk mitigation measures.
For more information, go to:  http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2003/December/Day-10/p30159.htm
EPA has established an official public docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number OPP-2003-0200.
Contact: For propanil: Carmen Rodia, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), telephone number: (703) 306-0327; fax number: (703) 308-8041; e-mail address: rodia.carmen@epa.gov. 
For fenamiphos: Tawanda Spears, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C),telephone number: (703) 308-8050; fax number: (703) 308-8005; e-mail
address: spears.tawanda@epa.gov. 

(12) SOME CAPTAN AND DCPA USES MAY BE SUSPENDED
EPA has issued Notices of Intent to Suspend to Riverdale Chemical Company and Voluntary Purchasing Group as a result of their failure to comply with Data Call-In Notices, requiring registrants of products containing Captan and DCPA (Dacthal) used as an active ingredient to develop and submit certain data.  For more information, go to:
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2003/December/Day-12/p30777.htm
EPA has established an official public docket for this action under docket identification (ID) number OPP-2003-0322. Contact:   Harold Day, Agriculture Division, 2225A, telephone number: 202-564-4133; fax number: 202-564-0029; e-mail address: day.harold@epa.gov .

RISK ASSESSMENTS
(13) CREOSOTE RISK ASSESSMENTS
EPA is making available preliminary risk assessments that have been developed as part of EPA's process for making reregistration eligibility decisions for creosote, a heavy duty wood preservative.  For more information on this risk assessment, go to:  http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2003/December/Day-05/p30270.htm .  Comments, identified by docket ID number OPP-2003-0248, must be received on or before February 3, 2004.  You may also contact Bonaventure Akinlosotu, in the Antimicrobials Division (7510C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone (703) 605-0653; e-mail: akinlosotu.bonaventure@epa.gov.

(14)  ORYZALIN (SURFLAN) RISK ASSESSMENT
EPA is making available health risk assessments and related documents that have been developed as part of EPA's process for making reregistration eligibility decisions for Oryzalin (Surflan).  Oryzalin is a selective pre-emergence surface-applied herbicide used for control of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in fruit trees, nut trees, vineyards, established bermuda grass turf, and established ornamentals.  For more information on this risk assessment, go to: 
http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-PEST/2004/January/Day-23/p1450.htm
Comments, identified by the docket ID number OPP-2003-0369, must be received on or before March 23, 2004.  Contact: Kylie Rothwell, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), Office of Pesticide Programs, telephone number: (703) 308-8055; fax number: (703) 308-8005; e-mail address: rothwell.kylie@epa.gov 

FIFRA VIOLATIONS - COURT CASES
(15) ALABAMA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO 28 COUNTS IN PESTICIDE CASE
William C. Murphy of Glencoe, Ala., pled guilty on Jan. 5 to 17 counts of violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act and 11 counts of trafficking in counterfeit goods.  Operating under the company name of Sierra Chemical, the defendant sold counterfeit, misbranded, adulterated and/or mislabeled pesticides to numerous municipalities in Alabama and Georgia.  The municipalities used them to control mosquitos and the spread of the West Nile Virus.  Selling altered, counterfeit or improperly branded or labeled pesticides to cities to control mosquitoes and other insects can present a significant public health and environmental risk, either through contamination due to the unregulated application of potentially harmful chemicals, or by failing to protect the public from the diseases carried by the insects, such as West Nile Virus.  The case was investigated by the Jacksonville and Atlanta Area Offices of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, the FBI, the EPA Office of Inspector General, the EPA Region 4 Pesticide and Toxics Division, and the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industry. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama and the Environmental Crimes Section of the U.S. Department of Justice.

MEETINGS
(16)  PUBLIC WORKSHOP ON PLANT-INCORPORATED PROTECTANT EXPERIMENTAL USE PERMITS; NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
EPA is holding a public workshop entitled Plant-Incorporated Protectant (PIP) Experimental Use Permits (EUP): Process and Compliance.  EPA recognizes that some PIP EUP regulatory issues require review and clarification, and is seeking public participation and input to help identify the best approaches to regulatory improvements pertaining to PIP EUPs. The meeting will be held on February 10 and 11, 2004 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.at the Crystal City Hilton, 2399 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202. Telephone number: (703) 418-6800.  Requests to participate in the meeting, identified by docket ID number OPP-2004-0002, must be received on or before February 2, 2004.  Contact: Karen Heisler, Region 9 (CMD-1) 75 Hawthorne St., San Francisco, CA 94105; telephone number: 415-947-4240; fax number: 415-947-3583; e-mail address: Heisler.Karen@epa.gov. To preregister for the workshop by February 2, 2004 contact Teresa Bullock at American Farmland Trust by e-mail: tbullock@niu.edu .

REPORTS & PUBLICATIONS
(17) IMPACTS OF GENETICALLY ENGINEERED CROPS 
According to a study released Nov. 30 by the Northwest Science and Environmental Policy Centre, “The planting of 550 million acres of genetically engineered (GE) corn, soybeans and cotton in the United States since 1996 has increased pesticde use by about 50 million pounds...”  The study is titled "Impacts of Genetically Engineered Crops on Pesticide Use in the United States: The First Eight Years".  The analysis was based on USDA data.  The study was conducted by Benbrook Consulting Services with funding from a range of groups critical of genetically modified crops - including the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Organic Farming Research Foundation.  The study is available at http://www.biotech-info.net/technicalpaper6.html .

(18)  IR-4 RESEARCH TURNS SECTION 18S TO PERMANENT REGISTRATIONS
IR-4, a national partnership of researchers, producers, the crop protection  industry, and federal agencies, has contributed to the conversion of  section 18 emergency exemptions to permanent product  registrations. EPA Minor Use Officer, Hoyt Jamerson, announced this accomplishment in a memo to his IR-4 partners at the end of EPA fiscal year 2003. In his memo he stated, "IR-4's work has negated 95 of 120 Section 18s. This is another measure of just how successful IR-4 was in FY 03."

Section 18 emergency exemptions are used when a particular pest has been discovered in a localized area and there is a known crop protection solution, but the solution has not been registered for that crop. In many cases, Section 18 exemptions have contributed to savings of economic losses in the millions of dollars for a particular state or location. This is one area where a government program such as IR-4 proves a significant return on investment. When a Section 18 emergency turns into a permanent registration, the economic savings can prove to be even higher. IR-4 strives to conduct Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) research where the goal is to turn a Section 18 into a permanent registration. In FY 03, the EPA estimates that IR-4 research contributed to 95 or 79% of the total Section 18 conversions, which is an increase from 56 in FY 02. Some crops have benefited from Section 18 conversions including: hops, tomatoes, dry bulb onion, pineapple, cranberry, lima bean, alfalfa, sugar beets, dry pea, stone fruits, and many others.

IR-4 Executive Director, Bob Holm stated, "These numbers reflect the close partnership between the EPA and IR-4 to register new Reduced Risk products and safer crop protection tools for US specialty crop growers. IR-4 will continue to make the permanent registration of Section 18 products a priority."

Since 1963, the IR-4 Project has been a unique partnership of researchers, producers, the crop protection industry and federal agencies designed to increase pest management options for specialty crops -which includes most vegetables, fruits, nuts, herbs, nursery and flower crops. IR-4 researchers and cooperators generate field and laboratory residue data that are submitted to the U.S. EPA for the purpose of securing regulatory clearances for these crops.  The program expanded its efforts in the 1990s to include: the legal requirements of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP's), a Methyl Bromide Alternatives Program, and a Biopesticides grant and regulatory assistance program. IR-4 also supports Section 18 exemptions and in many cases, these exemptions have been converted to Section 3 registrations. Projects are prioritized based on requests from growers, commodity groups and USDA/Land Grant university researchers. To date, IR-4 has contributed to over 7,200 clearances for specialty food crops and over 10,000 ornamentals clearances.  The IR-4 web site can be found at: http://ir4.rutgers.edu/

(19)  NEW PESTICIDE SAFETY AND INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT MATERIALS AVAILABLE
The EPA Office of Pesticide Programs has announced the availability of several new documents providing valuable information on pesticide safety and integrated pest management.
(a)  "Help Yourself to a Healthy Home: Protect you Children’s Health"
This popular booklet was a "best seller" last year and contains 56 pages of helpful information for parents, grandparents and other care givers.  It tells you what you need to know about environmental contaminants found in many American homes and how to protect your family from risks posed by carbon monoxide, unhealthy drinking waters, poor indoor air quality, lead poisoning, hazardous household products, pesticides, and much more.  It has "Questions to Ask" that will help you learn if your home has hidden safety and health dangers, and suggests a wide range of action steps you can take to protect your children’s health and make your home a Healthy Home. This booklet is also available in Spanish as "Contribuya a Tener un Hogar Sano."  To order, call Kathy Seikel at 703-308-8272, or email seikel.kathy@epa.gov .

(b) “Join our Pest Patrol: A Backyard Activity Book for Kids on Integrated Pest Management”
This brand new publication is geared at elementary school children in grades 3-5.  Originally developed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture under an EPA grant, “Join our Pest Patrol” proved to be such a success with educators that we have now adapted it for nationwide use.  Join our Pest Patrol contains 29 pages of fun activities that can easily be incorporated into reading, science, or even math and art classes.  It provides kids - and teachers - with important information about pest identity and biology, and ecology.  Even more important, it helps children understand the impact our personal choices - like whether or not to use chemicals to control pests - can have on the environment.  To order, call Kathy Seikel at 703-308-8272 or email seikel.kathy@epa.gov .  Bulk orders accepted.

(c)  Pesticide safety promotional items and pamphlets. 
EPA’s Consumer Labeling Initiative (CLI) offers a wealth of information and free promotional items to raise awareness about the importance of reading pesticide products labels.  Promotional items available free of charge to the public include rulers, bag clips, and jar openers.  CLI has also developed a number of popular brochures including “Read the Label First! Protect your Household,” “Read the Label First! Protect your Garden,” “Read the Label First! Protect your Children,” and “Read the Label First! Protect your Pets.”  To order, call 703-305-5017 or send an email request to lormand.mary-jean@epa.gov .

CONSUMER ALERT
(20)  NATIONAL RECALL OF PINE CONES WITH INDIA ORIGIN 
APHIS (Animal and Plant Inspection Service) has issued a national recall on pine cones originating in India.  These pine cones are sold both singly and in potpourri.  The recall was issued because two different insect pests have been intercepted:  Chlorophorus strobilicola, a wood-boring beetle native to India, and larvae of a seed-feeding moth belonging to the genus Cydia.  Both pests are not known to exist in the United States.

Twenty-one UPC codes are listed in the recall (as of December 18, 2003), however the number of recalled UPC codes continues to expand as State and Federal inspectors locate additional product.  Pine cones infested with live insects have been found in at least 11 states, including New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Delaware.  Stores named for the recall are JO-Ann Fabrics, Lowe’s, Dollar Tree, Safeway Frank’s Nursery and K-mart. Consumers and store managers should take note of potpourri and pine cone products purchased in the last few months of 2003.  The cones should be checked for small, circular holes (exit holes) near the base of cones.  Sawdust-like material in the bottom of wrapper bags and boxes or in the cracks between the scales of pine cones are good indications of insect activity.

Potpourri and pine cones with any indication of insect activity should be double-bagged and tied securely, and then placed in the freezer for a minimum of 2 days.  After that time, the bags can be disposed of in the trash.  Delaware Department of Agriculture, Plant Industries personnel are inspecting pine cone and potpourri packages in a wide variety of stores throughout Delaware, and sampling packages to determine if any live insects are present.  Some states have reported that live beetles have been emerging from pine cone packages.  Homeowner with infested pine cone potpourri may notice small (0.5 inch long) Chlorophorus strobilicola beetles, especially along window sills and ledges.  The beetles are black with silver grey lines, and have very long antennae.  In this instance, potpourri should be double bagged, frozen, and then disposed of.
 

Chlorophorus strobilicola adult, photo courtesy of the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Pine cones recalled will be destroyed in an APHIS-supervised procedure.  APHIS will now require mandatory fumigation for all pine cones from India entering U.S. ports of entry.  Products packaged in impermeable wrappers will be refused entry unless they are removed from the packaging to allow effective treatment.  For additional information or questions, call Faith Kuehn, DDA Plant Industries, toll free at 800-282-8685.