A NGO group is currently petitioning the US EPA to revoke all food use tolerances for the organophosphate class of chemistry. The petitioners request that the Agency revoke all tolerances and cancel all associated registrations for food uses of the following organophosphate pesticides (OPs): Acephate, Densulide, Chlorethoxyfos, Chlorpyrifos-methyl, Diazinon, Dichlorvos, Dicrotophos, Dimethoate, Ethoprop, Malathion, Naled, Phorate, Phosmet, Terbufos, and Tribufos.
The comment period is open until September 25, 2022. Click HERE to visit the EPA website to review other comments and to add one of your own if you so choose. Click on Comment under Petition to Revoke Tolerances and Cancel Registrations for Certain Organophsphate Uses to enter your comment.
According to Dr. Scott Monfort, UGA Peanut Agronomist, Colquitt County growers planted 24,880 acres of peanuts in 2022. In 2021, peanuts generated over $25 million in farm gate value in Colquitt County. The incidence of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus has increased this year in peanuts. Phorate (Thimet) is critical for the management of Tomato Spot Wilt in peanuts.
If you have any questions please contact your local county Extension agent.