On July 7, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services approved the registration of MIDAS (iodomethane) for use as a soil fumigant applied during plant bed preparation. MIDAS had previously been available to producers in Florida through an Experimental Use Permit process. National registration for the product was approved in September 2007.
FDACS scientists had numerous questions and concerns before granting the federal registration. The registrant has now provided satisfactory information and agreed to label modifications, clearing the way for FDACS to approve the registration. Highly restrictive provisions will govern its use. Examples of such provisions include: the registrant must provide a training/stewardship program using criteria agreed to by EPA and FDACS; the two formulations of end-use products registered in Florida are both classified as restricted use; and buffer zones are specified based on several factors such as application rate, field size, application method, the type of plastic mulch used and soil characterization. These buffer zones vary from 25 to 490 feet. Application sites are limited to treatment of no more than 40 actual acres per day, and the buffer zone of a field to be treated cannot overlap the buffer zone of another field treated within the last 48 hours.
In addition to the customary RUP recordkeeping requirements, certified applicators also must maintain records that show the method of buffer zone calculations, buffer zone sizes, how applications meet sensitive site requirements and how occupied structures are handled. Use of MIDAS is not allowed within a quarter-mile of any occupied sensitive site such as a school, day-care facility, nursing home, hospital, prison or playground.
Certified applicators must be physically on site while the field is being fumigated. In addition, tractor drivers, co-pilots, workers on the tarp-laying machines, shovelers and other related workers in the field during the time of application must wear respirators that meet OSHA standards. Respirator users must be trained using a program that conforms to OSHA requirements, and they also must be examined by a qualified medical practitioner to ensure physical ability to safely wear a respirator (this step also can be conducted via a web-based examination).
EPA also said that MIDAS will be re-examined later this year to determine what new mitigation or restrictions are necessary to comply with restrictions on the use of certain fumigants announced July 10 (see previous article).
Anyone with questions concerning either the MIDAS registration in Florida or the fumigant cluster analysis is urged to contact FFVA’s Environmental and Pest Management Division at (321) 214-5200.
