SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 22, 2010

Media Contact: Brad Berven, (605) 773-4432

Or (800) 228-5254

Special Local Need Issued for Air Application of Callisto^® Herbicide for Corn

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) has issued a Special Local Need (SLN) for Callisto^® (mesotrione) herbicide that allows aerial application in field corn, production field seed corn, and field corn grown for silage.

The SLN was effective June 18 and expires Aug. 15, 2010.

Wet weather has delayed ground applications of pre- and post-emergence herbicides. Weeds are growing fast, and the wet weather may delay timely post-emergence herbicide applications with ground equipment, possibly resulting in crop yield losses or poor weed control.

SDDA reminds applicators to always follow label directions for use and precautions. Applying Callisto^® near sensitive broadleaf plants may result in injury. A buffer zone of 50 feet must be established between the area being sprayed and the sensitive plant.

A copy of the SLN 24c label for Callisto^® may be printed at: http://sdda.sd.gov/Ag_Services ; then click on the link for the ‘Pesticide Program’. The label must be in possession of the user at the time of application.

Agriculture is South Dakota's No. 1 industry, generating more than $21 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 173,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve the industry for today and tomorrow.  Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov/ .

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