The Sconi

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is currently seeking public comments on a proposed special pesticide registration designed to manage weeds in strawberry fields. The comment period is open until April 28, 2025.

The proposed registration involves the use of the Stinger and Stinger HL herbicides, produced by Corteva AgriSciences, LLC, which contain the active ingredient clopyralid. This registration is part of a manufacturer-led transition through a formulation change of the product. The authorization would allow farmers to apply the herbicides to combat specific broadleaf weeds, such as dandelion, Canada thistle, bull thistle, and perennial clovers, with a restriction of one application per growing season. Currently, there are no other herbicides registered for pre-harvest use in strawberries to manage these weeds.

This would be the fifth special registration for these products to be used on strawberries, valid until December 31, 2029. There have been no reports of negative effects from previous uses.

The preliminary environmental assessment suggests that a full assessment will not be necessary. Comments on the registration can be submitted until 4:30 p.m. on April 28, 2025. Interested parties can request assessment copies or submit feedback via mail to Alyssa Foss at DATCP, or via email. The assessment is also viewable at the DATCP office during regular business hours.

The special registration process permits states to approve additional pesticide uses beyond those listed on federal labels, eliminating the need for federal approval. This flexibility is intended to address local pest issues that federally registered products cannot adequately resolve, including pest outbreaks and competitive grasses and weeds.