MSU Extension Ag Alerts

Pesticide applicators and homeowners harboring old stocks of pesticides should be aware of the Montana Pesticide Waste Disposal Program. Delaying removal of unused pesticide products often leads to corroded containers that pose unnecessary risk towards the environmental and human health.  By following a few steps individuals can ensure that unused pesticides are discarded and disposed of safely.

Waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) a highly problematic pigweed, common in the Midwest, has been documented in a cropfield in Montana for the first time. Populations of this species are resistant to many herbicide modes of action. This species has the potential to become very problematic. Now is the time scout, if you suspect you have waterhemp contact your local extension agent or ag professional for positive identification and help developing a management plan.

Measures announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are in place regarding the herbicide active ingredient paraquat (i.e. dichloride salt of paraquat, ortho paraquat CL, paraquat dichloride) due to increased human health concerns. See complete news release for details including mandatory EPA approved paraquat trainings.  

Some areas of Montana are experiencing high populations of alfalfa weevil that have carried over to the second growth after first cutting.

Montana and the surrounding region are currently observing large numbers of “miller” moths congregating near buildings at night where they are attracted to sources of light. In Montana and surrounding states these are typically the adults of the army cutworm, Euxoa auxiliaris. 

Rejuvra™, active ingredient indaziflam, has received approval by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use on rangeland, CRP land, and natural areas, including grazed areas on these sites. Indaziflam was previously marketed as Esplanade™. Rejuvra™ is a pre-emergent herbicide used for control of annual grasses like cheatgrass, Japanese brome, ventenata and medusahead.

False chinch bugs are causing damage to mustards in several Montana locations.

Wireworms are being reported in high numbers in small grains across much of Montana. Wireworms are the soil-dwelling larvae of click beetles. There are several common species in Montana crops.

The Montana State University (MSU) Pesticide Education Program (PEP) is announcing new protocols to testing Private and Commercial Applicators to minimize COVID-19 risks.  The COVID-19 virus and corresponding risks have impacted the Montana agricultural and commercial community in a variety of ways. This includes the temporary inability to take necessary exams to qualify for a Montana Private or Commercial Pesticide License, as well as a loss of on-site pesticide applicator programs offering continuing education credits.  This news release is a guide to pesticide applicators desiring a Montana Private / Commercial Pesticide License, as well as directions on how to accumulate necessary recertification credits to requalify into the next certification cycle.  

Montana residents are contending with difficult times due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, otherwise known as the “Corona Virus”. As of April 15th there are 404 confirmed cases, 51 current and past hospitalizations and 7 deaths (Figure 1). Due to the high infection and mortality rate, Governor Bullock issued a “Stay at Home” order for non-essential businesses until, at least April 24th. This news release will discuss the N95 respirator shortage, available antimicrobials, and correct use of respirators to protect against this virus.

RE: Please disregard the original pesticide and hemp news release sent out on 02/04/2020.  Many previously registered section 3 pesticides were missing.  This ag alert represents a complete listing of pesticide products available in Montana as of 02/05/2020. 

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Industrial hemp, Cannabis sativa L., was removed from the list of controlled substances and legalized through the 2018 Farm Bill if the THC content is less than 0.3%. Hemp production is now legal in 47 states with Montana ranked number one in the nation with 45,000 planted acres reported in 2019, followed by Colorado with 21,000 acres and Kentucky with 19,000 acres. Though this crop thrives in Montana, there has been confusion regarding the legal use of pesticides which vary from state to state. This alert is designed to assist producers/ag leaders in understanding the policies governing pesticides and hemp, as well as the pesticides which are now legal to use on hemp in Montana.