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EPA tour to feature need for more invasive pest control

The Cherry Marketing Institute is taking the lead on this week’s EPA Region 5 tour of the Great Lakes to highlight the importance of control measures to combat invasive pests.

President Phil Korson tells Brownfield the need for crop protection tools is critical as invasive pests like spotted wing drosophila and brown marmorated stink bug continue to cause widespread damage to specialty crops.  “Historically we’ve been able to get by with longer pre-harvest intervals dealing with the pests that we had, but with the new pests emerging we need tools that are effective close to harvest that will manage that pest.”

This season spotted wing drosophila populations were found earlier and have advanced more rapidly in Michigan than in past years which Korson says led to a crisis exemption for the pyrethroid Mustang Max to manage infestations in tart cherries.  “There’s a number of new pyrethroids that are coming onto the market, we need access to tools like that.  Our growers are totally vulnerable to pests.  They need to be able to control those pests to effectively bring products to market.”

EPA is currently assessing pyrethroids for reregistration. A preliminary assessment by the agency found the insecticides used for agricultural purposes exceed acute and chronic levels of concern for aquatic animals, especially aquatic insects, however ag groups say EPA isn’t using the most up-to-date and accurate science available.

Michigan produces two-thirds of the nation’s supply of tart cherries. Last year alone, spotted wing drosophila infestations in the state caused at least 20 percent losses for growers.

AUDIO: Interview with Phil Korson