Bird-repellent seed treatment receives Section 18 for corn in upper Midwest

From a press release today...

Arkion Life Sciences LLC has been notified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of approval of a Section 18 application for the States of Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota, to protect corn seed from damage by cranes. This approval has been granted after an Emergency Crisis Exemption was issued last spring for use of their proprietary bird repellent, Avitec.

Each day after planting a single crane can destroy enough young corn plants to decrease yield by 3-1/2 bushels. Over the six weeks of feeding opportunity in the spring, this amounts to almost 150 bushels of corn per bird unless a practical solution is used.

According to Ken Ballinger, Vice President for Arkion Life Sciences, Arkion was given the unusual Emergency Exemption last spring to give farmers in the upper Midwest a way to protect corn with a non-toxic seed treatment. A new liquid formulation of the product is available to pre- treat the seed prior to planting.

Michael Braverman of the IR-4 Project at Rutgers University continues to organize meetings with the USEPA to discuss the risk assessment and registration of Avitec. IR-4 is conducting residue trials to insure the bird repellent is not found in the harvested crop or in the plant tissue.

Jeb Barzen, Wildlife Biologist for the International Crane Foundation, continues to oversee the collaboration between the EPA, various governmental agencies in the three states, four grower organizations and several non-profit conservation organizations involved in the launch of this innovative solution to a growing agricultural problem. "The International Crane Foundation is on the forefront of solving crane conflict situations with agriculture while protecting cranes in their natural habitat."

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