The Pesticide Board recommended a review of the suggested buffer-zone requirements for the peanut disease spray using this chemical. Board members expressed concern that the recommended 25-foot buffer between spray targets and bodies of water was not sufficient. A Section 18 emergency exemption application was consequently recommended for submission to the EPA for final approval. Omega 500F may not be used until the EPA grants its approval. Alternative fungicides have become increasingly ineffective.
Weather conditions play a major role in controlling the severity of the blight.
The timing of any applications of Omega 500F will be synchronized with optimal weather conditions through advisories and a web-based reporting system. N.C. ranks fourth in the nation in peanut production. In other business, the Pesticide Board introduced a new member. Carl E. Falco, director of the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Structural Pest Control Division, assumed his seat June 8. Harris previously entered a settlement agreement but failed to pay the penalty.