Banned Ontario Pesticides Safe for Minnesota Ash Borer – Dinotefuran, Emamectin Benzoate and Imidacloprid – Ag department concludes EAB insecticide special registration review | Alexandria, Minnesota

A special registration review conducted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has determined that three insecticides commonly used to control emerald ash borer (EAB) are not likely to result in unreasonable risks to human health or the environment when used according to label directions. However, the review makes several recommendations to further minimize potential impacts.

MDA’s review focused on dinotefuran, emamectin benzoate and imidacloprid – the three most common insecticide active ingredients used to control EAB.  The review focused on issues related to potential environmental impacts, as well as label enforcement, interpretation and compliance concerns.  Based on the results of this special registration review, MDA Commissioner Dave Frederickson determined that no modifications to the insecticides’ product registrations are required in Minnesota at this time.  The review and recommendations can be found on MDA's website at www.mda.state.mn.us.

“Emerald ash borer is going to present major environmental and economic challenges for Minnesota,” Commissioner Frederickson said.  “We conducted this review because we wanted to take a fresh look at the products used to fight EAB, and to see what steps might be helpful for tracking potential impacts in the future.”

MDA selected the three insecticides for review because they are widely used to control EAB, and as the tree pest spreads across Minnesota the products are expected to be used more frequently.  The review also was prompted by stakeholder environmental concerns and insecticide product misuse complaints.  In developing the review, MDA scientists conducted extensive literature reviews and worked with researchers, regulators and educators familiar with the EAB insecticides.  MDA is committed to staying current on EAB treatment options, associated pesticide labels and registration information.  The department will consider additional information about these products as it becomes available.

EAB is one of the nation’s most destructive tree pests.  Since its accidental introduction into North America, EAB has killed tens of millions of ash trees in 15 states.  Since May 2009, EAB infestations in Minnesota have been discovered in Ramsey, Hennepin, Houston and Winona County.  More information on EAB prevention, early detection and rapid response can be found on MDA's website.