Editor’s note: This article is from the archives of the MSU Crop Advisory Team Alerts. Check the label of any pesticide referenced to ensure your use is included.

The EPA has approved a Section 18 application for Avitec, a non-lethal crane repellent, on corn in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan. The Section 18 was developed by Eileen Cullen at the University of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Department of Ag, Trade and Consumer Protection, in conjunction with many other agencies and groups. The Section 18 was supported by the several Audubon Society chapters as well as the International Crane Foundation. The Section 18 is effective from March 31 to August 15, 2006.

Avitec contains 9,10 anthraquinone, a reduced risk, natural bird repellent produced by plants. Anthraquinone is already used in several products as a goose repellent for parks, golf courses, schools, lawns etc. For agricultural use, the product Avitec will be available as both a powder and a liquid, so producers will be able to apply it as a planter box treatment or have seed treated by a commercial applicator. Avitec is not a restricted use pesticide.

Cranes pluck corn seed and seedlings out of the ground early in the season. Because sandhill cranes are a threatened species, Avitec seed treatment provides a way to repel the birds without harming them. Cranes detect the Avitec, and thus avoid feeding on the corn seed. However, cranes may still be present in a treated field eating other seeds or insects. Note that the Section 18 is to reduce crane damage in newly planted corn seed. It is not for use against any other bird species at this time.

For further information
Arkion Life Sciences LLC - producer of Avitec
Wilmington DE, 1-800-468-6324

http://www.arkionls.com/

International Crane Foundation - supported the Section 18
Baraboo, WI 1-608-356-9462
http://www.savingcranes.org/