Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach this week declared a special crisis exemption for the use of the fungicide Folicur 3.6F to control sunflower rust. The exemption extends for just two weeks, expiring after Monday, Aug. 28.

Folicur 3.6F, manufactured by Bayer Crop Science, uses the active ingredient tebuconazole. The product was granted a similar exemption in 2005.

Because the product is not fully registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, certain restrictions apply for this year’s exemption:

• Applicators could make two applications during the exemption period, but needed to have a minimum of 14 days between treatments. Thus, only one application can be made after Aug. 15.
• A pre-harvest interval of 50 days must be observed. Sunflower rust creates a particular problem for producers growing confectionary sunflower and may affect the potential to garner premium prices.

For additional information, contact Tim Creger at the Nebraska Department of Agriculture Pesticide Program by phone at 402/471-6882.

Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach this week declared a special crisis exemption for the use of the fungicide Folicur 3.6F to control sunflower rust. The exemption extends for just two weeks, expiring after Monday, Aug. 28.