EPA registration of aquatic pesticides requires data on non-target organisms, toxicity, environmental persistence, and breakdown products. These products are viewed very similarly to a pesticide used on food crops in that acceptable residue levels must be established. These tolerances and exemptions from tolerance as they are called are listed, by active ingredient, under chapters 20 and 40 respectively, of the Code of Federal Regulations. Obviously, pesticide manufacturers should promote the safe, proper use of their products. They do not want product misuse and the consequent negative publicity to jeopardize the millions of dollars spent on product research and development.
Product labels provide key information needed for proper application.
Supplemental technical and promotional information is also available for those who desire a more in-depth understanding of these materials. Nationally, professional interest in aquatic plant control has resulted in the formation of the Aquatic Plant Management Society. Within the past several years, regional chapters of this group have organized in Florida, South Carolina, the Midwest, the Midsouth and the West. In addition, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is responsible for numerous water management projects, generates and disseminates information on aquatic plant control technology. All of these organizations hold annual conferences and publish proceedings, newsletters, and magazines.