As we turn the calendar page to a new year, many changes have taken place in the gardening world. Most notable is a change in the way we control pests. Gone are some of the most trusted and well-known insecticides that could be used in and around the home. So if you head to the nursery or garden center this year, be prepared to find new products on the shelves.
As of Dec. 31, 2001, it is no longer legal for retail establishments to sell the insecticide Dursban (chlorpyrifos). However, it will still be legal for gardeners to use the Dursban they have on hand. Dursban was one of the most popular products used by home gardeners.
A concern with the loss of Dursban is borer control. However, the permethrin/esfenvalerate products may help. Esfenvalerate can be found in Ortho Concentrate Bug-B-Gon Multi-Purpose Insect Killer.
Another organophosphate being pulled from the shelves is diazinon. In an agreement reached with the Environmental Protection Agency, diazinon will be phased out for most current uses by the end of 2004.
Indoor use of the chemical will end in 2002. In 2003, production, formulation, and sales to retailers of outdoor products will end. In 2004, registrants will buy back any unsold products from retailers. It is still legal to purchase and use diazinon products according to label directions and precautions. Use of these products according to label directions does not pose an imminent hazard.
A less common but highly effective chemical being lost is the miticide Kelthane. Most residential uses of the chemical have been eliminated from labels and voluntarily canceled. Current stock of Kelthane with the old label may still be sold and used according to label directions.
Kelthane has been commonly recommended for mite control for ornamentals and certain vegetables for years. For vegetables, consider using horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps. These products can be used on ornamentals as well. Commercial gardeners often use Talstar and Capture for control of mites on ornamentals. The active ingredient of both products is bifenthrin and can be found in Ortho Rose & Flower Insect Killer.
Finally there's Lindane, the most commonly used product for bore control. It is undergoing an EPA Preliminary Risk Assessment. I have not seen it in retail stores for some time and suspect it is already gone for homeowner use. However, the permethrin/esfenvalerate product mentioned earlier is a suitable substitute.
Bruce Chladny is horticulture agent at K-State Research and Extension-Douglas County. For more information, call him at 843-7058 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
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