On 17 May 2016, US EPA issued a proposal to approve an amended registration of sulfoxaflor. The amendment was made under the decision of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing that the registration of sulfoxaflor in May 2013 was not supported by evidence to demonstrate its safety to bee. EPA reevaluated the data supporting the use of sulfoxaflor and proposes fewer uses and restrictions to reduce the risk to bees.
EPA reviewed the amended application from Dow AgroScience to further reduce or eliminate exposure to pollinators:
Restricting post-bloom for all proposed bee-attracting crops;
The previously registered indeterminate blooming crops (citrus, cotton, cucurbits, soybeans and strawberry) are no longer proposed;
Applications are prohibited to crop grown for seed production;
Bee Attractiveness of the Proposed Crop | ||
Not Bee Attractive | Harvested Before Bloom | Bee Attractive (Applications Allowed Post-Bloom Only) |
Barley, triticale, wheat; Turf grass; | Brassica leafy vegetables; Bulb vegetables; Leafy vegetables (non-Brassica) and watercress; Leaves of root and tuber vegetables; Root and tuber vegetables; | Berries (Grape, Blueberry, Cranberry); Canola; Fruiting Vegetables (Tomato, Pepper, Eggplant) and Okra; Pome fruit Ornamentals; Potato; Stone Fruit; Succulent and Dry Beans; Tree nuts and pistachio; |
Label restrictions were required to minimize spray drift and potential exposure of bees:
Applications are prohibited above wind speeds of 10 mph;
Applications must be made with medium to coarse spray nozzles;
EPA is also seeking comment two additional restriction to be added to final label: on-filed buffer zone of blooming vegetation within 12 foot downwind to the treated area and tank mixing sulfoxaflor with other pesticide will be prohibited.
The public consultation will end on 17 June.
