The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is prepared to authorize a label change for Super Tin 80WP on sugar beets. This 24c registration will modify the pre-harvest interval (PHI) from 21 days to 7 days. Residue data and a supporting package of information summarizing the need for this change was submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency on July 20^th. EPA reviewed the material and contacted MDA on 7/27 that this change was allowable as a Special Local Need. MDA published the intent to register this 24c on July 9^th. A label authorizing the change will be issued August 8^th (following the required 30 day comment period). The only change to the existing label language is the PHI modification.

The EPA recently completed it’s Special Review of triphenyl tin hydroxide (TPTH). In this review, it was recommended that registrations for TPTH on pecans, potatoes and sugar beets should continue. Concern was expressed over toxicology issues in aquatic ecosystems and the newest Federal labels for TPTH will include setback restrictions designed to keep TPTH out of lakes, rivers, and streams. TPTH should not be applied within 100' of bodies of water when using ground equipment and within 300' for aerial applications. In addition, new Spray Drift Management language is incorporated into the most recent label. Please make note of these changes when applying products containing TPTH.

A 7 day PHI should allow sugar beet growers to better manage Cercospora leaf spot, especially late in the growing season. Late-season Cercospora has been a critical aspect of the losses caused by this disease in recent years. EPA’s authorization of Eminent (tetraconazole) under Section 18 authority during the last three years has been instrumental in reducing the devastating losses due to Cercospora suffered by Minnesota sugar beet growers in the mid-1990's. The completion of the Special Review of TPTH and the allowed use of 15 ounces (formulated product) per season coupled with the availability of Eminent allows growers to apply Eminent and follow it with alternations of TPTH right up until harvest and economically prevent late-season losses. A 7 day PHI could even allow producers to harvest pre-pile acreage and then make a final application of TPTH to the main crop if that final harvest were at least 7 days away. Full rate (5 ounce) applications of Super Tin or other TPTH products are recommended.