EPA suggests label changes for Aliette

From Joe Bischoff, AmericanHort:

As part of the re-registration process of Fosetyl-Al (Aliette), a systemic fungicide first registered in 1983, the EPA is suggesting two significant changes to the labels. EPA intends to increase the reentry interval (REI) to 48-hours from the current label requirement of 12-hours. This would likely remove this tool from greenhouse production, especially for products that turn quickly and for which each day of scouting and preparation for market are vital. The reason for this change is not entirely clear but appears to be associated with particular compounds with similar activity all having a 48-hour REI. EPA has not provided evidence that the change is connected to specific accounts of injury associated with reentries in shorter time periods.

In a surprising move, EPA is suggesting that pollinator protection label information be added to Fosetyl-Al. To our knowledge this would be the first fungicide to include such information. What makes this particularly curious is the fact that toxicity of Fosetyl-Al to honeybees is extremely low. In fact, based on field observations, the Pacific Northwest Extension Publication (PNW 591) suggests that greater precautions in working with dormant oils are needed than Fosetyl-Al to protect bees. EPA’s move to more restrictive practices to protect pollinators continues to expand and, again, appears to be more of a response to activist group pressure than science.

AmericanHort and SAF recently submitted official comments to EPA asking that they rethink their suggested label changes to Fosetyl-Al. Our comments specifically addressed the lack of evidence supporting the need for an increased REI and highlighted studies where the low risk to honeybees was demonstrated through toxicology studies.