Comments Sought on Effect of Proposed Mancozeb Mitigation Measures in California (Tomatoes and Cucumbers)

Date: August 2, 2005

From: Rich Michell, Ph.D.
Plant Pathologist-Nematologist
USEPA, OPP, BEAD (7503C)

Dr. Melnicoe,

I am puzzled by the virtual lack of responses from CA stakeholders resulting from USDA\'s June request for information on the EBDC fungicides. This information is needed for the reregistration process.

We only received feedback on CA cut flowers from Lin Schmale.

I would appreciate your thoughts on why feedback was not provided on other crops.

Thanks,
Rich Michell, Ph.D.
Plant Pathologist-Nematologist
USEPA, OPP, BEAD (7503C)
Phone: (703) 308-8119
Fax: (703) 308-8091

Date: August 2, 2005

To: Rich Michell, Ph.D.
Plant Pathologist-Nematologist
USEPA, OPP, BEAD (7503C)

From: Rick Melnicoe
WIPMC Director

I don't have a record of a USDA June request for information on EBDCs. That may be the problem.

What information do you need?

Rick

Rick Melnicoe
Director, Western Region Pest Management Center
Director, Office of Pesticide Information and Coordination (UC Statewide Pesticide Coordinator)
One Shields Avenue
University of California
Davis, CA 95616-8588
Telephone: (530) 754-8378
FAX: (530) 754-8379

Date: August 2, 2005

To: Rick Melnicoe
WIPMC Director

From: Rich Michell, Ph.D.
Plant Pathologist-Nematologist
USEPA, OPP, BEAD (7503C)

I left you a voicemail message describing what we are currently seeking (i.e., REI increase feedback for tomatoes & cucurbits).

I am currently inclined to use the crop specialists identified in the latest Crop Profiles, PMSPs, and Crop Timelines to obtain this information. Do you agree?

Please note that one of our agronomists, Dr. Bill Phillips, is assisting on this project.

Rich Michell, Ph.D.
Plant Pathologist-Nematologist
USEPA, OPP, BEAD (7503C)
Phone: (703) 308-8119
Fax: (703) 308-8091

Date: August 2, 2005
To: Rich Michell, Ph.D.
Plant Pathologist-Nematologist
USEPA, OPP, BEAD (7503C)

From: Rick Melnicoe
WIPMC Director

Subject: CA Mancozeb Use

Dear Rich,

I am sorry that I missed your phone call this afternoon. I have made contact with Chuck Rivara, who has sent you information about the need for mancozeb on processing tomatoes. I have a call into a fresh market tomato person, who has yet to call back. I will forward any information he provides. The percent of crop treated is greater in fresh tomatoes than processors, however the total lbs used and total acres treated is greater in processing, as the acreage is far greater. Approximately 10% of the processing acres used mancozeb in 2003, while 25% of the fresh tomatoes used it.

Cucumbers used very little in 2003. Only 2 fields were treated in CA with a total of 35 lbs ai.

Weather plays a major factor in mancozeb use. Wet years, such as we had this year create conditions mandating greater use. Therefore, I would expect use this year to be quite a bit higher than in 2003 (the latest data available from DPR).

I will be interviewing job candidates most of the day tomorrow, but will get back to you by Thursday (if I have further information).

Thanks for your follow up.

Regards,

Rick