Title: Removal of pesticide Temik means trouble for cotton industry - News - Lubbock Avalanche-Journal - Lubbock, TX
Headings: Removal of pesticide Temik means trouble for cotton industry
Removal of pesticide Temik means trouble for cotton industry
Content: Bayer CropScience did not agree with EPA, Boyne said, but it decided to respect the EPA’s decision. The agreement with EPA does not make Temik a food safety concern, and in the 40 years Temik has been available, there were no problems when the product was used correctly, he said. As it phases out the production and use of Temik, Bayer CropScience also agreed to change product labels to reduce the amount of Temik applied per acre. Jason Woodward, an AgriLife Extension plant pathologist, said farmers apply Temik while planting their crop to fend off nematodes, which infect roots and keep the plant from taking in nutrients and water. The microscopic worms reproduce very quickly and cause stunting, reduction in fruit, slower growth and, ultimately, failed acres, he said. Temik is also effective against aphids and thrips — another type of insect that also feeds on plant foliage and compromises the plant’s health. “Temik has historically been our commercial standard for both nematodes and thrips,” Woodward said. “ I think there’s going to be big shoes to fill from a new product standpoint.” Other nematode control products are available, but those who have tested those alternative chemicals found they were incomparable both in price and efficacy to Temik. Siders said nematodes are a serious problem: