For a second year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted Texas cotton growers emergency approval to use Topguard Fungicide to control cotton root rot. This emergency exemption approval will be in effect from February 1, 2013, until June 30, 2013. 

EPA granted the first Section 18 for this use of Topguard on cotton in early 2012. The fungicide, made by Cheminova, was used widely throughout Texas under the 2012 Section 18 in fields where cotton production has been limited by cotton root rot.  Left uncontrolled, cotton root rot is estimated to cause direct yield losses of as much as $30 million per year, according to Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Service estimates.

Cotton growers should see their local dealer or go to www.cheminova-us.com to get more information and view recommended application techniques.