APS REGULATORY ALERT

USDA is funding projects to track the spread of soybean rust; The USDA adopts changes to regulations of Pelargonium spp. and Solanum spp.; Draft proposed rule for the registration of microbial and biochemical pesticide
Date: November 3, 2005

USDA is again funding projects to track the spread of soybean rust and create the Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education to provide producers with information about additional legume pests and diseases. More information is available in the USDA News Release at http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2005/10/0465.xml. The soybean rust risk management tool is posted at http://www.sbrusa.net.

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service adopts as a final rule, with changes, an interim rule that amended the regulations of Pelargonium spp. and Solanum spp. imported from countries where the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 (R3B2) is known to occur. Complete information on this certification program can be found in the October 24 Federal Register at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-21168.htm.

EPA announces that the Administrator of EPA has forwarded to the Secretary of Agriculture a draft proposed rule updating and revising data requirements for the registration of microbial and biochemical pesticide products to reflect current scientific knowledge and understanding. Complete information can be found at the October 21 Federal Register at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-21093.htm.