By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is seeking public comments until April 27, 2025, regarding a proposed special pesticide registration for Vapam HL soil fumigant. Manufactured by AMVAC and containing metam sodium, Vapam HL is intended for disease, nematode, and weed control in ginseng.
Currently, Vapam HL is registered for post-harvest and pre-planting soil treatment for various Wisconsin crops, but not ginseng. This special registration would permit its use before ginseng planting. Without effective control, ginseng roots are susceptible to infections leading to abnormal growth, reduced fiber, and potential export issues.
This is the second such special registration for Vapam HL, with a proposed expiration date of December 31, 2029. A preliminary environmental assessment suggests a full environmental review is unnecessary.
Interested parties can submit comments by 4:30 p.m. on April 27, 2025, via mail to Alyssa Foss, DATCP, PO Box 8911, Madison, WI, 53708-8911, or email to alyssa.foss@wisconsin.gov. These comments will be included in the preliminary environmental assessment record. Copies of the assessment are available upon request.
The special registration process allows states to address local pest issues with additional pesticide uses not on the federal label, without prior federal approval, when existing federally registered products are inadequate. This helps growers manage challenges like pest outbreaks, fungal diseases, and problematic weeds.
Photo Credit: wisconsin-doa
Categories: Wisconsin, General