Napropamide (Devrinol) Use on Strawberries in California

Date: July 25, 2005

To: Monisha Kaul
Biological and Economic Analysis Division
Office of Pesticide Programs
US Environmental Protection Agency

From: Rick Melnicoe
Director, Western Region Integrated Pest Management Center

Dear Monisha,

Linda Herbst forwarded your request for information regarding the use of napropamide on strawberries to me for reply.

I ran a query of the 2003 California Pesticide Use Report, which is attached. This report shows each application made to strawberries in 2003. Most applications take place from late summer to the end of the year. Pages 17-18 of the California Strawberry Pest Management Strategic Plan discuss weeds and the control options. This PMSP can be accessed at http://www.ipmcenters.org/pmsp/pdf/CASTRAWBERRY.PDF.

I expect the use of alternative herbicides, including napropamide to increase as methyl bromide is phased out.

If you need further information, please contact me.

Sincerely,

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

Attachment (Excel spread sheet)

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Date: July 15, 2005

To: Linda Herbst
Assistant Director
WIPMC

From: Monisha Kaul
Biological and Economic Analysis Division
Office of Pesticide Programs
US Environmental Protection Agency

Subject: Napropamide use on strawberries

Hello, Linda,

I'm looking for information on the benefits and uses of napropamide on strawberries in California.

Napropamide is currently going through the reregistration process at the US EPA and ecological risks of concern have been identified. From what I understand, napropamide is applied in the late summer and early fall when plants are transplanted and during stand establishment. Pesticide use data indicate that it's used more than other herbicides although soil fumigation is the primary form of weed control. As methyl bromide use decreases, is napropamide use expected to increase? Are there any specific benefits of or effective alternatives to napropamide?

Please feel free to contact me by phone. Thank you.

Monisha

Monisha Kaul
Biological and Economic Analysis Division
Office of Pesticide Programs
US Environmental Protection Agency
(Phone) 703-308-0098