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Comments Requested for Special Ginseng Pesticide Registration
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 06/05/2008

Ginseng growers will be able to better control insects in their ginseng gardens under a special pesticide registration proposed by the Department of Agriculture. Under this proposed registration, ginseng growers could apply Lorsban 15G Granular Insecticide to ginseng to control the larvae, or immature stage, of several insects: cutworms, grubs, rootworms, and wireworms. The larvae feed on young ginseng roots causing damage that can result in reduced yield of ginseng roots. The root is the most valued part of the ginseng plant.

The special registration process allows the state agriculture department to register pesticide products without prior federal approval, giving the states flexibility to control weeds, plant diseases, or insect outbreaks. This is the first request to use Lorsban 15G for this purpose.

Lorsban is currently registered to control these insects in various field and vegetable crops. The insecticide contains the active ingredient chlorpyrifos and is manufactured by Dow AgroSciences LLC.

The active ingredient diazinon previously addressed these insect management needs in Wisconsin ginseng production. However, in 2006 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required “all soil pests and associated directions for use” related to ginseng production to be deleted from diazinon product labels. The Ginseng Board of Wisconsin reported that growers have been unable to find these products in the marketplace and have used up or are using up existing stocks.

Other pesticide products registered for use on ginseng are not registered for control of these insects, or are registered only for use on ginseng foliage, and may not be effective against these soil pests. Other practices used by ginseng growers, such as choosing uninfested sites and tilling thoroughly before planting, are not adequate means of control by themselves.

If approved, the special registration will remain in effect until December 31, 2012.

For a copy of the environmental assessment, call 608-224-4547.


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