Dec 31, 2015

UC to host workshops on IPM, EPA cancellation of chlorpyrifos

The University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) will host a series of workshops from Jan. 7 through Feb. 5 on new pesticide regulations and integrated pest management (IPM) decision-making.

A critical part of the workshops is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency‘s (EPA) proposal to cancel the pesticide chlorpyrifos in agricultural production. EPA is accepting public comment on the proposal until Jan. 5.

Chlorpyrifos is a widely used pesticide and part of IPM in many crops. Under the trade names Lorsban, Lock-on and in generic formulations, chlorpyrifos is used to control ants, stink bugs, aphids, whiteflies and other pests. A 2014 report coordinated by the UC ANR Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program concluded the pesticide is an important tool for California producers of alfalfa, almonds, citrus and cotton, said a university press release.

At the workshops, growers, pest control advisors, UC scientists, state and local regulators and members of the local agricultural community will discuss chlorpyrifos permit conditions and the proposed regulations, as well as IPM approaches to managing critical pests.

New decision-making tools for insecticide recommendations and stewardship activities will be shared. Industry members will also have the opportunity to provide input to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation and other regulatory officials about the use of chlorpyrifos in their IPM systems.

For more information and a list of meeting dates, visit the UC ANR website or contact Lori Berger, UC IPM chlorpyrifos project coordinator, at (559) 646-6523.