Georgia cotton growers have been granted a Section 18 emergency exemption use for Counter 20G by the Environmental Protection Agency to manage cotton nematodes and thrips.

The announcement was reported on several University of Georgia Extension blogs, including the blog of Andrew Sawyer, UGA Extension agent in Thomas County.

UGA Extension plant pathologist Bob Kemerait says about the Section 18 use and Counter:

“Please note the restrictions on the label for use of herbicides.  Of significant concern is the potential for adverse interactions with specific herbicides (see notes on label).  Dr. Culpepper is conducting further studies now to refine the potential for interactions.  As one person associated with the product told me, “We have been super cautious with regards to limiting use of herbicides in conjunction with Counter 20G.

Unfortunately, we do not have much of the data we would like to have in making recommendations for this product.  I believe that most growers who use COUNTER 20G for nematodes will use a 6.5 lb/A rate."

The special use expires July 1.

The Section 18 emergency exemption applies to Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baker, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bleckley, Brooks, Bulloch, Burke, Calhoun, Candler, Clay, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dooley, Early, Emanuel, Grady, Houston, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Lee, Macon, Miller, Mitchell, Montgomery, Pierce, Pulaski, Randolph, Screven, Seminole, Sumter, Tattnall, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Turner, Ware, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox and Worth counties.