Correction: While there is a supply issue with Diazinon at this time, there should be an official statement from Adama soon, hopefully, about their plans to continue production at least of one of their Diazinon formulations. We are not sure how long this will take for the supply to be back up and selling to growers and how much longer they will plan to continue production of Diazinon. I will share more information as it becomes available.

Most of you have probably heard that Diazinon is in short supply this year. The reason for this shortage is that manufacturing companies have, of their own accord, decided to discontinue the production of Diazinon. Diazinon was first marketed in 1956 and was cancelled for residential use back in 2004 following a 4-year phase out process. Diazinon comes in three formulations: Diazinon 50W and AG500 from Adama, and AG600WBC from Loveland and none are in production at this time. Diazinon is mostly used against Lepidopteran pests (black headed fireworm, sparganothis fruitworm), leafhoppers, spanworm and tipworm before bloom; and Lepidopteran insects and flea beetle after bloom.

The reason for the discontinuation of production by companies for agricultural use is likely due to the continued scrutiny of this active ingredient by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) but it does not stem from current direct action from EPA. This comes as a surprise to all of us at this time, though we were expecting the discontinuation to happen in the somewhat near future due to the increased scrutiny by the EPA of this active ingredient due to the impact this compound may cause to farm workers, non-target species, and the environment.

You can still purchase and use Diazinon until the supply dwindles as there is no ban on use from EPA. If you are not able to purchase any for this year and are looking for alternatives to control later season pests such as flea beetle, you can consider other products mentioned in the Cranberry Pest Management in Wisconsin Guide for 2023 or refer to the table from it below.

Reference to products does not mean it is an endorsement of that product. Follow the label and check with your handlers before using any new product.

Happy growing season!

This article was posted in Insects and tagged Christelle Guédot, Cranberries, Diazinon, fruit pest management, insect control, Insecticides, insects, pesticides.