U.S. EPA clears emergency exemptions of Transform WG insecticide for four states

In response to the states’ requests, the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) has granted Section 18 emergency use exemptions in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia and Texas for the application of Transform WG insecticide for control of sugarcane aphids in sorghum. Section 18 approvals are pending in five other states, according to Dow AgroSciences.

Transform is an insecticide from a proprietary class of chemistry from Dow AgroSciences that was introduced commercially in 2013 in cotton, potatoes, canola, soybeans and other crops. Last year, Section 18s were granted in several states for control of sugarcane aphids in sorghum.
“Sorghum growers in affected states need effective tools to combat the devastating impact of sugarcane aphids,” says Nate Feauto, product manager, Dow Agrosciences.

Sugarcane aphids first appeared in sorghum in 2013, mostly in Texas and Louisiana. By last year, the aphids had spread to 300 counties and parishes in 12 states. The insect pest feeds on plant sap, causing the foliage to turn purple and yellow and reducing yield. The aphid also produces a sticky honeydew that collects on leaves and stalks, creating reduced harvest efficiency and clogged combines.

Transform offers a short 7-day pre-harvest interval for forage and 14-day pre-harvest interval for grain. Transform also has a short 24-hour re-entry interval and has minimal impact on beneficials.
Refer to individual state Section 18 labels for complete application guidelines and limitations.