To calibrate a granular applicator, get the recommended setting for your unit from 

 the dealer. Use the setting as a start, then calibrate the units in the field by 

 collecting and weighing the granules dispensed over a known acreage. Remember, the 

 application rate will vary with the ground speed, moisture content of the granules, 

 and many other factors. 



Don't expect the setting to be the same for each applicator unit. Always adjust the 

 setting for each box in the same manner. To check the application rate of each unit, 

 place a strip of masking tape vertically on the inside of the applicator hopper, then 

 fill the hopper a pound at a time. After each pound is added, shake the hopper to 

 settle the material and mark the tape at the level of the chemical. Then, the amount 

 of material used can be easily checked by simply reading the level of the chemical be- 

 fore and after planting a known acreage. 



PLANT DISEASES 



REGISTRATION CANCELLED FOR 



SOME MERCURY-CONTAINING FUNGICIDES 



Recent public and government interest in the use of many fungicides containing mer- 

 cury has prompted the federal Environmental Protection Agency to cancel the registra- 

 tions for these compounds. 



The conclusions and the order from the EPA Pesticide Regulation Division (March 22, 

 1972) stated: "In accordance with Sections 2(z)(2)(c), 2(z)(2)(d), and 2(z)(2)(g) 

 and Section 4(c) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, all 

 present registrations for mercury -containing products create a substantial question 

 of safety as to whether or not their use, even in accordance with label directions, 

 is not injurious to man and living animals. All uses are hereby cancelled. In ad- 

 dition, registration for alkyl compounds and non-alkyl uses on rice seed, in laundry, 

 and marine anti -fouling paint create an imminent hazard and these registrations are 

 hereby suspended." 



This means the use of most of the organic mercury-containing fungicides for seed 

 treatment, turf disease treatment, and algicide treatments, for example, cannot be 

 recommended . Disregard all recommendations for fungicides containing mercury ! A 

 great deal of research will be needed to establish what the acceptable substitutes 

 might be. 



REGISTRATION OF CHLORO-IPC AND SOLO 



The EPA recently proposed the cancellation of registration for Chloro-IPC and Solo. 

 According to EPA officials, the proposal served as a policing function, and was not 

 related to a health hazard. 



Apparently, the manufacturers of Chloro-IPC and Solo have not submitted adequate in- 

 formation to establish new residue tolerances, as the EPA had requested. 



It is illegal to ship, sell, or distribute an economic poison in interstate commerce 

 without a valid registration. 



We understand that both manufacturers have forwarded appeals to the EPA. During the 

 appeal process, which could take some time, we believe that both products will remain 

 available for sale and use. However, no official notification from the EPA regarding 

 die status of these appeals has been received. 



