4/16/98

Contacts:
Gary Munkvold, Plant Pathology, (515) 294-6708
Brian Meyer, Agriculture Information, (515) 294-0706

IOWA GIVES EXEMPTION FOR SEED PRODUCERS TO USE NEW INSECTICIDE

AMES--In expectation of a potential disease outbreak in seed corn fields, the state of Iowa has given seed producers the authority to use a new insecticide for a limited time.

"Stewart's disease, or Stewart's wilt, tends to be severe after a mild winter," said Gary Munkvold, extension plant pathologist at Iowa State University. "We're predicting the southern half of Iowa will be at high risk for the disease this spring."

The disease is spread by corn flea beetles, which survive in high numbers following a mild winter. Munkvold said the disease isn't a major problem in most corn fields, but it can be devastating for susceptible inbreds used to produce seed corn and sweet corn.

On April 15, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Dale Cochran signed a crisis exemption for Gaucho, a new seed treatment that protects against the beetles. The exemption is required because Gaucho is not yet registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. Under the exemption, the product can be applied to seed April 20 to May 4.

"This seed treatment is a much more economical and environmentally friendly way to protect seed corn plants from the beetles," Munkvold said. "Normally, seed producers would apply foliar insecticide several times to control them. An insecticide like Gaucho is used once on the seed in an amount that is far less than what you would spray all over the field. It will protect plants for about 30 days, which is a critical time to keep them alive and free from infection."

For more information on Gaucho, call Bruce Hewitt, Gustafson, Inc., (515) 331-0437; Phil Corbin, Corn States Hybrids Service, (800) 247-5202; or Munkvold, (515) 294-6708.

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