United States

Department of

Agriculture

Animal and

Plant Health

Inspection

Service

Program Aid No. 1736

Imported Fire Ant 2003:

Quarantine Treatments for Nursery

Stock and Other Regulated Articles
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of

race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not

all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication

of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720–

2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326–W, Whitten Building,

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250–9410 or call (202) 720–5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an

equal opportunity provider and employer.

Mention of companies or commercial products does not imply recommendation or endorsement by USDA over others

not mentioned. USDA neither guarantees nor warrants the standard of any product mentioned. Product names are

mentioned solely to report factually on available data and to provide specific information.

This publication reports research involving pesticides. All uses of pesticides must be registered by appropriate State

and/or Federal agencies before they can be recommended.

CAUTION: Pesticides can be injurious to humans, domestic animals, desirable plants, and fish or other wildlife—if

they are not handled or applied properly. Use all pesticides selectively and carefully. Follow recommended practices for

the disposal of surplus pesticides and pesticide containers.

Issued March 2003

This publication supersedes “Imported Fire Ant: Quarantine Treatments for Nursery Stock and Other Regulated

Articles,” Program Aid No. 1653, issued June 1999.

Credits: All pictures were taken by APHIS photographer Homer Collins, who was also the author of Program Aid 1653.

This publication—written by Anne-Marie Callcott of APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine, Center for Plant Health

Science and Technology in Gulfport, MS—updates the 1999 document.

This Program Aid is intended to supplement and clarify the Federal Imported Fire Ant Quarantine (Title 7, Code of

Federal Regulations, Part 301.81), and the Imported Fire Ant Program Manual M301.81 (rev. August 1985), which is

published by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine. Approved

quarantine treatments are subject to change. Always consult with your State Plant regulatory agency before applying

quarantine treatments.
The Federal Fire Ant Quarantine .................................................................................... 1

List of Regulated Articles ............................................................................................... 2

Statutory Authorities Enabling Quarantine Action ......................................................... 3

Authorized Insecticides .................................................................................................. 3

Approved Treatments

Used Earth-Moving Equipment ............................................................................. 4

Baled Hay and Straw ............................................................................................. 4

Greenhouse-Grown Plants ..................................................................................... 4

Nursery Stock, Balled or in Containers ................................................................. 4

Grass Sod ............................................................................................................. 14

Bulk Soil .............................................................................................................. 15

Soil Samples ........................................................................................................ 15

Mitigative Measures ..................................................................................................... 16

Protocol for Collecting Potting Media for Bulk Density Determinations .................... 17

State Regulatory Officials ............................................................................................ 19

USDA–APHIS, State Plant Health Directors ............................................................... 19

Contents

i
The Federal Fire Ant Quarantine

Provisions of the Federal Imported Fire Ant (IFA) Quarantine1 were invoked May 6,

1958, in an effort to slow or prevent the artificial spread of imported fire ants

(Solenopsis invicta Buren, S. richteri Forel, or their hybrids). IFAs are notorious

hitchhikers and are readily transported long distances when articles such as soil,

nursery stock, and other items are shipped outside the infested area. Figure 1 depicts

the parts of the United States quarantined for IFA as of 2003.

The most recent IFA quarantine map is located at <http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/

maps/fireant.pdf>, and a hard copy can be obtained by calling your local APHIS State

Plant Health Director. See page 19 for a complete listing of State regulatory officials

and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) State Plant Health Directors.

1Quarantine 81, as amended (Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations [CFR], subpart 301.81).

Figure 1—Imported Fire Ant Quarantine map, 2003.

1

Portion of county quarantined

Entire county quarantined

Imported Fire Ant Quarantine

PR

Consult your State or Federal plant protection inspector or

your county agent for assistance regarding exact areas under

regulation and requirements for moving regulated articles.

For detailed information, see 7 Code of Federal Regulations

301.81 for quarantine and regulations.

Restrictions are imposed on the movement of regulated articles from

the quarantined (shaded) areas into or through the unshaded areas.
The following regulated articles require a certificate or permit before they can be

shipped outside the quarantined area:

1. Imported fire ant queens and reproducing colonies of imported fire ants.

2. Soil, separately or with other things, except soil samples shipped to approved

laboratories (consult with a State or Federal inspector for a list of approved

laboratories). Potting soil is exempt if commercially prepared, packaged, and

shipped in original container.

3. Plants with roots and soil attached, except house plants maintained indoors and not

for sale.

4. Grass sod (fig. 2).

5. Baled hay and straw that has been stored in contact with soil.

6. Used soil-moving equipment.

7. Any other products, articles, or means of conveyance of any character whatsoever

not covered by the above, when it is determined by an inspector that they present a

hazard of spread of the imported fire ant and the person in possession thereof has

been so notified.

Certificates authorizing movement of regulated articles are issued by quarantine

officials when certain approved procedures have been utilized to ensure that the

regulated article(s) are free from imported fire ant infestation. See page 19 for a

complete listing of State regulatory officials and U.S. Department of Agriculture

(USDA) State Plant Health Directors.

List of Regulated Articles

Figure 2—Sod is frequently shipped from turfgrass farms inside the IFA

quarantine area to places where fire ants have not yet become established.

Regular field monitoring and a close look at each outgoing shipment can

help reduce the likelihood of spreading fire ants to new areas.

2
Legislation enabling USDA to promulgate an IFA quarantine is part of the Plant

Protection Act of June 2000 (7 United States Code [USC] 7701 et seq.).

Statutory Authorities Enabling Quarantine Action

3

Insecticides listed in this document have been registered under the Federal Insecticide,

Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA 7 USC § 135 et seq., 1972), as amended, or

have been approved for use under an exemption (sections 18 or 24[c] of FIFRA).

Instructions, precautions, and directions for use on the pesticide label must be carefully followed. As of March 2003, the following insecticides are authorized by USDA

for the treatment of regulated articles under the IFA quarantine:

 Common name Trade name examples Formulation(s)†

bifenthrin Talstar® G, F

chlorpyrifos Dursban®, Chlorpyrifos EC, W, G

diazinon Diazinon/D-z-n® WP, EC

fenoxycarb Award® Bait

fipronil Chipco® ChoiceTM; Chipco® Top ChoiceTM G

hydramethylnon Amdro®Pro; Siege®Pro Bait

methoprene†† Extinguish® Bait

pyriproxyfen Distance® Bait

tefluthrin Fireban® G

†WP and W = wettable powder, EC = emulsifiable concentrate, G = granular, and F =

flowable.

†† APHIS approval expected in 2003. Check with inspector prior to use.

Authorized Insecticides
4

Approved treatments for the various categories of regulated articles are contained in

this section.

Methods—Used soil-moving equipment is eligible for movement when an inspector

determines that one of the following procedures has been accomplished:

• Equipment has been brushed free of noncompacted soil.

• Equipment has been washed free of noncompacted soil.

• Noncompacted soil has been removed with air pressure using specialized highpressure equipment (200 lb/in2, 30 ft3/min).

Certification Period—As long as kept free of noncompacted soil.

Limitations—Regardless of the type of cleaning equipment used, all debris and

noncompacted soil must be removed unless the earth-moving equipment has been

steam-heated by a “steam jenny” to disinfect it. Used soil-moving equipment, such as

bulldozers, dirt pans, motor graders, and draglines, is difficult to clean sufficiently to

eliminate pest risk.

Precautions—Steam may remove loose paint and usually is not recommended for

use on equipment with conveyor belts or rubber parts.

Both baled hay and straw stored in direct contact with the ground are ineligible for

movement.

Approved Treatments

Used Earth-Moving

Equipment

Baled Hay and Straw

Nursery Stock,

Balled or in

Containers

Greenhouse-grown plants are certifiable without insecticidal treatment if the inspector

determines that the greenhouse is constructed of fiberglass, glass, or plastic in such a

way that IFAs are physically excluded and cannot become established within the

enclosure. Slat houses, shade houses, or open greenhouses do not qualify as physical

barriers. Plants grown in these structures must be treated with an approved insecticide

before they can be certified for movement.

Method A, Immersion—

Equipment—An open-top, watertight immersion tank sufficiently large to accommodate the treating solution and plants will be needed. Drain plugs and valves will

facilitate drainage after treatment.

Locate the immersion tank in a well-ventilated place. The location should be covered

if possible. Do not remove burlap wrap or plastic containers with drain holes prior to

immersion. Immerse soil balls and containers, singly or in groups so that soil is

completely covered by the insecticidal solution. Plants must remain in the solution

until bubbling ceases. After removal from dipping tank, plants may be placed on a

drain board until adequately drained. Thorough saturation of the plant balls or containers with the insecticide solution is essential.

As treating progresses, freshly prepared insecticide solution should be added to

maintain liquid level at immersion depth. Dispose of tank contents within 8 hours after

mixing to prevent pH hydrolysis if water is highly alkaline.

Greenhouse-Grown

Plants
Precautions—Disposal must comply with all State and local regulations. Runoff of

the solution from the treatment area should not be permitted. Excess solution (and used

solution) must be disposed of in accordance with State and local regulations.

Pesticide—Emulsifiable chlorpyrifos (EC).

Dosage—

Chlorpyrifos Amount of formulation to prepare

 formulation 100 gal treating solution

 4 EC 4 fl oz (118 mL)

 2 EC 8 fl oz (236 mL)

Exposure Period—Plants can be certified immediately upon completion of

treatment.

Certification Period—30 days.

Precautions—Wear rubber gloves, boots, and apron during this operation.

Note: Environmental factors significantly affect phytotoxicity. It is recommended that

a small group of plants be treated at the recommended rate under the anticipated

growing conditions and observed for phytotoxic symptoms for at least 7 days before a

large number of plants are treated. Dwarf yaupon, some varieties of azaleas, camellias,

poinsettias, rose bushes, and variegated ivy may exhibit phytotoxicity.

Method B, Drenching—

Equipment—

1. A large-capacity bulk mixing tank, either pressurized or gravity flow, for mixing

and holding the insecticide solution

2. Properly equipped hoses and watering nozzles that can be attached to the mixing

tank and used to thoroughly saturate the plant balls or containers with the insecticide solution (fig. 3)

For Plants in Containers—

Procedure—Apply either a bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos, or diazinon solution to the point

of saturation one time only. The volume of the treating solution must be at least 1/5 the

volume of the container.

5
6

Insecticides and Dosages—

 Insecticide Dosage

chlorpyrifos (4EC) 4 fl oz 4EC per 100 gal water

chlorpyrifos (2EC) 8 fl oz 2EC per 100 gal water

diazinon (AG-500 or 50WP)† 1 pint AG–500 or 1 lb 50WP per 100 gal water

bifenthrin (flowable)†† 25 parts per million (p/m). See table below.

† Diazinon is registered under FIFRA, sec. 24(c), Special Local Needs, in some States. Check with your

State regulatory official before using.

†† Dose rate for bifenthrin is 25 p/m based on dry weight bulk density of the potting media. See page 17

for instructions regarding bulk density determinations.

Potting media

bulk density† Oz bifenthrin (Talstar Flowable)/

(lb/yd3) 100 gal water

200 2.4

400 4.8

600 7.2

800 9.6

1,000 12.0

1,200 14.4

1,400 16.8

† See page 17 for instructions regarding bulk density determinations.

Figure 3—This nursery worker is drenching containerized plants.
Exposure Periods—Plants are certifiable immediately upon completion of the

treatment.

Certification Periods—

 Insecticide Certification period

chlorpyrifos 30 days

diazinon 10 days

bifenthrin 180 days

For Balled and Burlapped (B&B) Plants—Apply a chlorpyrifos solution (see

dosage below) as a substitute for plain water to the plants during the routine watering

activities after harvest but prior to shipment. Do not remove burlap wrap from plants

prior to treatment. Treat plants singly or in groups with the chlorpyrifos solution to the

point of runoff on a twice daily schedule for 3 consecutive days.

This treatment should be carried out in a well-ventilated place normally used to

maintain plants prior to shipment. The treatment location should be covered, if possible. The treatment will be enhanced by adding any agricultural wetting agent or

surfactant to the chlorpyrifos solution.

Insecticide and Dosages—

 Insecticide Dosage

chlorpyrifos (4EC) 4 fl oz 4EC per 100 gal water

chlorpyrifos (2EC) 8 fl oz 2EC per 100 gal water

Certification Period—30 days.

Method C, Topical Application—

Procedure—Talstar Nursery Flowable is the only insecticide and formulation

registered for topical application. The method is approved only for treatment of

nursery stock in 3- and 4-quart containers. Prepare a mix with the appropriate amount

of Talstar Flowable in 1,000 oz of water based on container size and bulk density of

potting media as shown in the chart below. Then apply 1 fl oz of the mix to each

container evenly distributed over the surface of the potting media. Irrigate all treated

containers with 1.5 inches of water following application.

7
8

Insecticide and Dosage—

Potting

media bulk

 density†

(lb/yd3) Oz Talstar Flowable/1,000 fl oz water

 For 3-qt pots For 4-qt pots

 200 3.6 5.2

 400 7.2 10.4

 600 10.8 15.6

 800 14.4 20.8

1,000 18.0 26.0

1,200 21.6 31.2

1,400 25.2 36.4

† See page 17 for instructions regarding bulk density determinations.

Certification Period—180 days.

Method D, Incorporation of Granular Insecticides Into Potting Media in

Which Containerized Plants Are Grown—

Procedure—Use soil-mixing equipment that will adequately mix and thoroughly

blend the required dosage of pesticide throughout the potting media.

Insecticide and Dosage—At press time (March 2003), three products are registered and approved for incorporation into potting media. Granular bifenthrin, granular

tefluthrin, or granular fipronil may be used. Dosage is based on the bulk density of the

potting media and the desired certification period. Dosage is expressed as parts per

million (p/m) and calculated by the following formula:

Example #1—Assume that a potting medium that weighs 500 lb/yd3 is to be treated

with granular bifenthrin (0.2 percent) at a rate of 25 p/m:

(500 × 0.000025) ÷ 0.002 = 6.25 lb of bifenthrin needed per cubic yard of medium.

Example #2—Assume that a potting medium with a dry weight bulk density of

625 lb/yd3 is to be treated with granular tefluthrin (1.5 percent) at a rate of 25 p/m:

(625 × 0.000025) ÷ 0.015 = 1.0 lb of tefluthrin needed per cubic yard of medium.

Certification Period—Refer to the following chart to obtain certification period for

a given dose rate.

needed per cubic yard of media = (Bulk density of media × desired p/m)

concentration of pesticide

lb of insecticide
Application Rates for Incorporation of bifenthrin,

tefluthrin, or fipronil Into Potting Media

 Insecticide Dosage (p/m) Certification period (months)

bifenthrin (Talstar) 10 0–6

12 0–12

15 0–24

25 Continuous†

tefluthrin (Fireban) 10 0–18

25 Continuous†

fipronil 10 0–6

12 0–12

15 0–24

25 Continuous†

† If all other provisions of Fire Ant Free Nursery Program are met (see page 11).

Method E, In-Field Treatment for B&B Stock Prior to Harvest—

Procedure—This in-field treatment is based on a sequential application of

fenoxycarb, hydramethylnon, methoprene, or pyriproxyfen bait followed by a

broadcast application of granular chlorpyrifos (fig. 4). The combination treatment is

Figure 4—Field-grown nursery stock can be certified for shipment

based on in-field treatments with baits used in combination with

granular chlorpyrifos.

9
10

necessary because broadcast application of chlorpyrifos (or other short-term residual

insecticides) usually does not eliminate large, mature IFA colonies, and baits are not

capable of providing a residual barrier against reinfestation by new queens. Therefore,

the bait drastically reduces the IFA population while chlorpyrifos, applied

approximately 5 days later, destroys any remaining weakened colonies and also

provides a residual barrier against reinfestation by new queens for a minimum of 12

weeks.

Apply bait with any granular applicator capable of applying labeled rates (1.0 to 1.5

lb of bait per acre). Calibration of equipment is essential, and most granular applicators cannot be accurately calibrated. A Herd® GT–77 Granular Applicator (Herd

Seeder Co., Logansport, IN) is frequently used in conjunction with all-terrain vehicles

or farm tractors to apply fire ant bait.

Apply bait only when ants are actively foraging. Read and follow the label carefully.

At 3 to 5 days after the bait application, apply granular chlorpyrifos broadcast at 6.0

lb active ingredient (AI) per acre. Treatment area must extend at least 10 feet beyond

the base of all plants that are to be certified.

Insecticides and Dosages—All baits are applied at 1.0 to 1.5 lb of bait per acre,

and any approved bait may be used. Granular chlorpyrifos (any registered formulation) should be applied at 6.0 lb AI per acre.

Exposure Period—30 days. Plants are certifiable 30 days after the treatment

sequence has been completed.

Certification Period—12 weeks; an additional 12 weeks of certification can be

obtained with a second application of granular chlorpyrifos.
Method F, The Fire Ant Free Nursery Program (Containerized Plants

Only)—The Fire Ant Free Nursery Program is designed to keep nurseries free of IFA

and provides a basis to certify containerized nursery stock (fig. 5). The program has

detection, control, exclusion, and enforcement components that, in combination,

provide maximum control of IFA.

Participating regulated establishments must operate under a compliance agreement.

Such compliance agreements shall state the specific requirements that a shipper agrees

to follow in order to ship nursery stock in accordance with the requirements of the

program. Components and requirements of the Fire Ant Free Nursery Program are as

follows:

1. Detection—A successful treatment program depends upon early detection of IFA

colonies. Nursery owners are required to survey the entire nursery premises visually

twice a month for the presence of IFA.

Nurseries participating in this program will also be inspected by Federal or State

inspectors at least twice a year. More frequent inspections may be necessary

depending upon IFA infestation levels immediately surrounding the nursery, the

manage-ment’s thoroughness in maintaining the premises, and the number of previous

detections of IFA’s in or near containerized plants. Inspections by Federal and State

inspectors should be more frequent just before and during the peak shipping season.

Any nursery determined to have IFA colonies must be immediately treated to the

extent necessary to eliminate all detectable colonies.

Figure 5—State plant regulatory officials inspect nursery stock

and enforce the Federal IFA quarantine.

11
12

2. Control—Nursery plants that are shipped under this program must originate in a

nursery free of the IFA (fig. 6). Nursery owners must implement a treatment program

with registered bait and contact insecticides. The premises, including growing and

holding areas, must be maintained free of the IFA. As part of this treatment program,

all exposed soil surfaces (including sod and mulched areas) on property where plants

are grown, potted, stored, handled, loaded, unloaded, or sold must be treated with a

broadcast application of bait at least once every 6 months. The first application is more

effective when applied early in the spring. An early spring bait application provides

control before winged queens are produced or have time to establish new colonies.

Follow label directions for use.

When properly used, baits provide 80- to 90-percent control of IFA colonies. Followup

treatments with a contact insecticide must be applied to eliminate remaining colonies.

Mound drench treatments with a registered formulation of chlorpyrifos or diazinon are

approved. Read and follow label directions carefully.

3. Exclusion—

For Plants Grown on the Premises—Treatment of potting media with granular

bifenthrin, granular tefluthrin, or granular fipronil prior to planting is required. The

dosage rate is dependent upon the desired certification interval and pesticide used (see

page 9). Apply this treatment according to label instructions.

Figure 6—The new owners of these large palm trees can be

confident that they were shipped from an IFA-free nursery.
For Plants Received From Outside Sources—To prevent the spread of IFA’s into a

nursery formerly free of the pest by newly introduced, infested plants, all stock

received from sources outside the nursery must be

• Obtained from other IFA-free nurseries that are certified under a compliance

agreement; or

• Drench treated with bifenthrin upon delivery in accordance with pages 5–6 of this

Program Aid, and within 180 days be either:

—Repotted in media treated with an approved granular formulation,

—Retreated with bifenthrin drench or immersion at 180-day intervals, or

—Shipped.

4. Enforcement—The nursery owner shall maintain survey and treatment records.

These records shall be made available to State and Federal inspectors upon request. If

IFAs are detected in nursery stock during an inspection by Federal or State inspectors,

issuance of certificates for movement shall be suspended until necessary treatments are

applied and the stock and premises are determined to be IFA free. A Federal or State

inspector may declare a nursery to be IFA free upon reinspection of the premises. To

ensure its effectiveness, this inspection must be conducted no sooner than 30 days after

treatment. During this period, certification may be based upon the drench or immersion treatment provided on pages 4–7 of this Program Aid.

Upon notification by the department of agriculture in any State of destination that a

confirmed IFA infestation was found on a shipment from a nursery considered IFA

free, all shipments from that nursery shall be temporarily discontinued. An investigation by Federal or State inspectors will commence immediately to determine the

probable source of the problem and to ensure that the problem is resolved. If the

problem is an infestation, issuance of certification for movement on the basis of a “fire

ant free nursery” will be suspended until treatment and elimination of the infestation

are completed. Reinstatement into the program will be granted upon determination that

the nursery premises are IFA free and that all other provisions of the Federal Fire Ant

Quarantine (7 CFR 301.81) are being followed.

In cases where the issuance of certificates is suspended through oral notification, the

suspension and the reasons for the suspension will be confirmed in writing within

20 days of the oral notification of the suspension. Any person whose issuance of

certificates has been suspended may appeal the decision, in writing, within 10 days

after receiving the written suspension notice. The appeal must state all of the facts and

reasons that the person wants the APHIS Administrator to consider in deciding the

appeal. A hearing may be held to resolve any conflict as to any material fact. Rules of

practice for the hearing will be adopted by the Administrator. As soon as practicable,

the Administrator will grant or deny the appeal, in writing, stating the reasons for the

decision.

Violations of the quarantine shall be investigated by Federal or State inspectors, and

appropriate penalties will be assessed to discourage further violations.

13
14

Grass Sod

This IFA Free Nursery Program is not mandatory for movement of nursery stock.

Certification may be granted on the basis of other treatments listed on pages 4–9 of

this Program Aid. However, certification for movement under the IFA Free Nursery

Program will be granted only if all of the provisions of this program are followed.

Certification Period—Continuous as long as all provisions of the IFA Free Nursery

Program are followed.

Procedure—Apply a single broadcast application of chlorpyrifos with ground

equipment (fig. 7) or apply two sequential broadcast applications of granular fipronil.

Immediately after treatment, apply at least 1.5 inches of water to treated areas.

Figure 7—Grass sod can be infested with newly

mated queens as well as entire fire ant colonies.
Insecticides, Dose Rates, and Certification Intervals—

Dosage rate Certification Exposure

 Insecticide (lb AI per acre) period (weeks) invervals

chlorpyrifos 8.0 6 48 hours

fipronil 0.0125† 20 30 days

† Apply in two applications 1 week apart for a total of 0.025 lb AI/acre.

Procedure—Bulk soil is eligible for movement when heated either by dry or steam

heat after all parts of the mass have been brought to the required temperature.

Temperature—150 °F.

Certification Period—As long as protected from recontamination.

Procedure—Soil samples are eligible for movement when heated either by dry or

steam heat after all parts of the mass have been brought to the required temperature.

Samples of soil can also be certified by cold temperature (freezing).

Temperatures—

Temperature (°F) Exposure period

150 Until all parts of the mass reach 150 °F

–10 to –20 24 hours minimum

Certification Period—As long as protected from recontamination.

Bulk Soil

Soil Samples

15
16

The following measures are required to minimize impact of quarantine treatments on

the environment and human health. Any person requesting certification to authorize

the movement of regulated articles must adhere to these measures where applicable.

All applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws and regulations must be

followed.

Safety equipment and clothing, as specified by the label instructions, must be used and

worn during treatments and during inspections.

Safety practices shall be communicated, and regulated establishment managers must

require that on-the-job safety practices be followed.

All pesticides must be applied, handled, stored, and used in accordance with label

instructions.

Empty pesticide containers must be disposed of in accordance with Federal and State

regulations.

Pesticide remaining in containers after completion of an application must be

retained and disposed of in accordance with label instructions and Federal and State

regulations.

Oral or written warning must be provided to workers and the general public, indicating

pesticide application areas during application and appropriate reentry periods.

Owners or managers of regulated properties must take precautions to limit access to

treated areas by the public, livestock, and wildlife.

Accidental spill or water runoff of liquid or granular pesticides leading to potential

contamination of ground and surface waters must be minimized by appropriate operating procedures. Catchment facilities (temporary or permanent) adequate to prevent

contamination of ground and surface water are necessary in loading areas where liquid

drenches and immersions are applied.

Mitigative Measures
Collect approximately half a gallon of potting media from five different locations

around the “media pile.” Place all subsamples together in a heavy-duty plastic bag.

Double-bagging may be necessary to ensure against breakage during shipment.

Fill out the Bulk Density Determination Form (see sample on the next page). If the

media have been treated with any pesticides, please indicate that fact in the “Remarks”

section of the form. Pack the sample securely in a cardboard box and include the form

as mentioned above. Ship to:

USDA, APHIS, Plant Protection and Quarantine

National Monitoring and Residue Analysis Laboratory

3505 25th Ave., Bldg. 4

Gulfport, MS 39501

Samples may also be shipped to State or private laboratories for bulk density determinations. However, the technique or procedure used should be the same procedure used

by the USDA laboratory listed above, and in all cases should be the dry weight bulk

density.

Protocol for Collection of Nursery Potting Media for

Bulk Density Determination

17
1822

NURSERY:

MAILING ADDRESS:

PHYSICAL ADDRESS:

PHONE: ( )

DATE SAMPLE COLLECTED:

RESULTS RETURNED TO ATTN. OF:

BASIC MEDIA COMPONENTS:

REMARKS:

Bulk Density Determination Form
23

Alabama

Alabama Dept. of Agriculture

and Industries

Plant Industry Section

P.O. Box 3336

Montgomery, AL 36109–0336

(334) 240–7239

Arizona

Arizona Dept. of Agriculture

Plant Services Division

1688 W. Adams

Phoenix, AZ 85007

(602) 542–0994

Arkansas

Div. of Plant Industry

State Plant Board

P.O. Box 1069

Little Rock, AR 72203

(501) 225–1598

California

California Dept. of Food and Agriculture

Pest Exclusion

1220 N Street, Room A37D2

Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 654–0312

Florida

Florida Dept. of Agriculture and

Consumer Services

Division of Plant Industry

1911 SW 34th Street

Gainesville, FL 32608

(352) 372–3505, ext. 162

State Regulatory Officials

Georgia

Georgia Dept. of Agriculture

Plant Protection Division

19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Rm 243

Atlanta, GA 30334

(404) 651–9486

Louisiana

Louisiana Dept. of Agriculture

P.O. Box 3596

Baton Rouge, LA 70821–3596

(225) 925–3770

Mississippi

Mississippi Dept. of Agriculture and

Commerce

Division of Plant Industry

P.O. Box 5207

Stone Boulevard

Mississippi State, MS 39762

(662) 325–3390

New Mexico

New Mexico Dept. of Agriculture

Bureau of Entomology and Nursery

Industries

Box 30005, Dept. 3-MSC3BA

Las Cruces, NM 88003

(505) 646–3207

North Carolina

North Carolina Dept. of Agriculture

Plant Industry Section

P.O. Box 27647

Raleigh, NC 27611

(919) 733–6930

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Dept. of Agriculture

Plant Industry and Consumer Services

2800 N. Lincoln Blvd.

Oklahoma City, OK 73105–4298

(405) 521–3864

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Dept. of Agriculture

Plant Quarantine Services

P.O. Box 10163

Santurce, PR 00908–0163

(787) 724–4627

South Carolina

Dept. of Plant Industry

511 Westinghouse Road

Pendleton, SC 29670

(864) 646–2130

Tennessee

Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture

Division of Plant Industries

Ellington Agricultural Center,

440 Hogan Road, Porter Bldg.

Nashville, TN 37220

(615) 837–5338

Texas

Texas Dept. of Agriculture

P.O. Box 12847

Austin, TX 78711

(512) 463–7476

Alabama

USDA, APHIS, PPQ

1836 Glynwood Drive

Prattville, AL 36066

(334) 358–8568

Arizona

USDA, APHIS, PPQ

3658 E. Chipman Rd.

Phoenix, AZ 85040

(602) 431–8930

Arkansas

USDA, APHIS, PPQ

1200 Cherry Brook Dr.

Suite 100

Little Rock, AR 72211

(501) 324–5258

California

USDA, APHIS, PPQ

9550 Micron Ave., Suite G

Sacramento, CA 95827

(916) 857–6241

Florida

USDA, APHIS, PPQ

7022 NW. 10th Place

Gainesville, FL 32605

(352) 331–3990

Georgia

USDA, APHIS, PPQ

1498 Klondike Rd., Ste 200

Conyers, GA 30094

(770) 922–9894

Louisiana

USDA, APHIS, PPQ

4354 S. Sherwood Forest Drive

Suite 150

Baton Rouge, LA 70816

(225) 298–5410

Mississippi

USDA, APHIS, PPQ

P.O. Box 9655

Mississippi State, MS 39762

(662) 325–3140

New Mexico

USDA, APHIS, PPQ

6200 Jefferson St. NE., Ste. 130

Albuquerque, NM 87109–3734

(505) 761–3189

North Carolina

USDA, APHIS, PPQ

930 Main Campus Drive, Ste. 200

Raleigh, NC 27606

(919) 716–5995

Puerto Rico

USDA, APHIS, PPQ

654 Munoz Rivera Avenue

Suite 700, IBM Building

San Juan, PR 00918

(787) 771–3611

South Carolina

USDA, APHIS, PPQ

9600 Two Notch Rd., Ste. 10

Columbia, SC 29229

(803) 788–0506

Tennessee

USDA, APHIS, PPQ

Harvey P. Gasaway Building

322 Knapp Boulevard, Suite 101

Nashville, TN 37217

(615) 781–5477

Texas

USDA, APHIS, PPQ

903 San Jacinto Blvd., Ste. 270

Austin, TX 78701–2450

(512) 916–5241

USDA–APHIS, State Plant Health Directors

19