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Apr
14
Posted by:
WCM Staff
4/14/2005 3:07 PM
Although not in the insect management category, I have talked with several consultants and growers who have asked about the status of corn seed chemical treatment options that may be registered in the near term to deter greater sandhill crane (Grus Canadensis tabida) feeding on field corn between the planting and early seedling stages.
Regulatory Brief: Sandhill CraneHerbivory on Young Corn Plants
Eileen Cullen, Extension Entomologist
UW Entomology Department
Although not in the insect management category, I have talked with several consultants and growers who have asked about the status of corn seed chemical treatment options that may be registered in the near term to deter greater sandhill crane (Grus Canadensis tabida) feeding on field corn between the planting and early seedling stages.
The question arises for two reasons. First, populations of sandhill cranes have increased both in number and expanded distribution in Wisconsin since the early 1980s. In state surveys conducted over the last 11 years, researchers and volunteers with the International Crane Foundation initially found the highest populations located in Marquette and GreenLakeCounties. After the first decade of the survey, the core area expanded to include Marquette, GreenLake, Waushara, Columbia, Jefferson, Winnebago, Dane and Dodge counties. While sandhill crane populations have been counted in the survey in all Wisconsin counties, 60% of the population is still located in an 8 county area in south and central Wisconsin. This increase in sandhill crane populations has resulted in a marked increase in damage to field corn on newly emerged corn seedlings. As a result growers, particularly in field locations in close proximity to emergent wetlands where sandhill cranes reside, can experience significant economic stand loss and replant expense.
Second, the connection to entomology on this question arises from the fact that an older organochlorine insecticidal material lindane, Isotox® seed treatment, is the only pesticide historically available with bird repellent activity. Lindane seed treatment is labeled as an insecticide for protection of corn seed against wireworms, seed corn maggot and other soil insect pests and as a repellent for pheasants. Farmers in Wisconsin have used lindane as a planter box insecticide seed treatment for soil insect pests and where sandhill cranes are within range have noticed a level of damage prevention (stand protection from sandhill crane feeding) between treated and untreated corn fields. Crane damage occurs primarily in ecologically sensitive areas that are in close proximity to wetlands, however, the application of an extremely persistent (Walker et al. 1999) organochlorine insecticide in close proximity to such habitats poses unnecessary risks of exposure to wildlife. As a consequence of such concerns, lindane is currently being withdrawn from use.
In response to the need to provide growers with an environmentally acceptable alternative to avoid crop damage, which is increasing, the University of Wisconsin Entomology Department, International Crane Foundation, and Wisconsin Department of Trade and Consumer Protection have been working closely together to identify and make available an effective alternative to lindane seed treatment on corn that can be labeled specifically as a sandhill crane deterrent. The three groups, together, submitted a Wisconsin Section 18 Specific Exemption Request to the US EPA to allow use of the bird repellent active ingredient anthraquinone as a seed treatment on field corn to prevent damage from Sandhill Cranes.
Anthraquinone is currently labeled as a bird repellent called Flight Control® , it has not yet been approved for use on corn seed for sandhill cranes. The active ingredient (anthraquinone) has been requested for use as a planter box seed treatment formulation for this purpose. Anthraquinone represents a non-water soluble, low toxicity alternative with demonstrated efficacy in sandhill crane repellency. When used as a seed treatment at low rates, researchers at the UW Madison Entomology Department, International Crane Foundation specialists in Baraboo, WI and the WI DATCP anticipate little or no impact on the environment or endangered species associated with corn production in Wisconsin.
Thanks to Dr. Jeff Wyman (vegetable crop extension entomologist), UW Entomology Department, Jeb Barzen (vertebrate biologist), International Crane Foundation, and Pat Kandziora (chemist/pesticide registration coordinator) for sharing research and technical details pertaining to their Section 18 application packet. The Section 18 request was submitted in January of this year, and while not approved for the current planting season, we are hoping for EPA approval within a year. I will keep you apprised of the situation, and continue to work with Dr. Wyman, the International Crane Foundation and WI DATCP on this matter.
Reference
Walker, K., D. Vallero and R. Lewis. 1999. Factors influencing the distribution of Lindane and other hexachlorocyclohexanes in the environment. Environmental Science and Technology, 33(24): 43734378.
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