By Clint Thompson
Specialty crop producers should be wary that the number of chlorothalonil spray applications could soon be reduced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Nick Dufalt, a plant pathologist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), discussed the issue at the recent Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute meeting in Fanning Springs, Florida, on Nov. 30.
“The EPA has already put out their recommendations, and that’s what I showed today. We’re going to have some sort of reduction in the maximum amount of chlorothalonil we can put on each crop; cucurbits are what we were talking about today. Other crops will have the same thing as well,” Dufalt said. “The biggest impact will be it changes the number of sprays we get. Typically, you could use chlorothalonil for the whole season if you wanted to before. Now at best, you probably get half the season, depending on your soil type; that vulnerable soil versus that non-vulnerable soil.”
What is it?
Chlorothalonil is a multi-site fungicide used against multiple fungal pathogens. Between 10 and 15 pathogens can be managed. It is used early in the season as a protectant for leaves. It is highly used, won’t likely get resistance and is labeled for use against such diseases as anthracnose, downy mildew and target spot.
“We’re going to see a reduction in the amount of sprays we have, and how we use chlorothalonil may become more judicious, thinking about where and when we want to use it and how to maybe include other products in the future,” Dufalt said.
The EPA wants to reduce the rates to address the amount of chlorothalonil entering drinking water.
Let Your Voices Be Heard
Growers can submit comments to the EPA about concerns they have with this expected reduction. The period ends Jan. 17, 2024. Dufalt encourages grower feedback.
“It’s not just going to happen with fungicides, pesticides and herbicides are probably going to be up there eventually, too. If they don’t want to give it themselves, feel free to reach out to us at Extension. I’m going to put a comment in, and I’d love comments, feedback back from anybody that I can help get that information across,” Dufalt said. “(The EPA) needs to hear how people use it. It won’t stop them reducing it, but how much they reduce it could change.”