Good news for sunflower growers in South Dakota! The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given the nod to the state's Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) for a special measure. This approval is for a Section 18 Crisis Exemption, which permits the use of Loveland Malathion 57EC. To effectively manage the increasing threat posed by the Red Sunflower Seed Weevil.
The need for this arose when DANR found itself facing multiple reports. These accounts highlighted the increasing numbers of Red Sunflower Seed Weevil harming the state’s sunflower crop. And with limited solutions at hand, DANR saw the urgency to act. Hence, on August 10, 2023, they reached out to the EPA with this exemption request.
The fast-tracked exemption for sunflower cultivation in South Dakota is actionable immediately and valid until August 31, 2023. Growers must note a cap on usage, allowing a maximum two applications and a five-day gap between the second dose.
For more information and detailed data on applications sanctioned under this exemption visit online at DANR's official page.
Categories: South Dakota, Crops