Section 18 Exemption Approved for Topguard Fungicide

Texas Department of Agriculture has been granted approval by the Environmental Protection Agency to issue a Section 18 exemption allowing the use of flutriafol (Topguard) for the control of cotton root rot in Texas. Cotton is the primary crop in Texas and cotton root rot causes significant economic losses most years in Texas. Depending on the growing conditions, this product has the potential to have an enormous impact on cotton yields and profitability across Texas. Producers are very excited about this product and the economic benefits it can provide.

The news release from the Texas Department of Agriculture indicated that producers can obtain additional information at their local AgriLife Extension office. Agents should be aware of the details related to this Section 18 exemption and be familiar with the product label. Dr. David Drake, AgriLife Extension Agronomist, provided a list of important points that are written into the exemption and the label. These are things to keep in mind as you visit with clientele.

• It can only be applied as a “T band” at planting.
• The rate range is 16 – 32 fluid ounces.
• The higher rate is the maximum per year and there is a limit of one application per year.
• It can NOT be put through any irrigation system.
• Read carefully the fine print about careful placement, need for a rain or irrigation to activate and it not working in dry conditions.
• 180 day replant restrictions of non-labeled crops.
• There is a restriction of 288,000 acres in Texas.
• Section 18 labels have the same user restrictions as restricted use pesticides.

Dr. Tom Isakeit, AgriLife Extension Plant Pathologist, and Rick Minzenmayer, Extension Agent –IPM in Runnels and Tom Green counties, began the research on this product and its effect on cotton root rot. They were also very instrumental in the Section 18 exemption for this product and we hope to see a full label in the near future.

We appreciate the efforts of other agents and specialists across the region and state in providing the needed research and educational programs related to flutriafol and cotton root rot control.

Written by Marvin Ensor West Region RPD