Rotational Intervals for 1998
  Exceed Label Revised

As I mentioned at the November Pest Management Update meetings, Novartis was planning to revise the rotational intervals for Exceed because of carryover injury to soybeans. The new rotational intervals in Wisconsin and other areas north of I-80 are 18 months before planting soybeans (including STS varieties), alfalfa, clovers, cabbage, dry beans, tobacco, potatoes, and other crops not listed on the label. The intervals stay the same for the following crops: no interval for IR corn hybrids, 4 weeks before planting normal corn, 3 months before sweet corn and small grains, and 10 months before green beans, peas, and snap beans. In fields with a soil pH above 7.8, any broadleaf crop could be injured the year after an Exceed application and only field corn, small grains, sorghum, or proso millet should be planted. These label restrictions will apply to Exceed applications made in 1998 and the rotational crops in the 1999 year.

There are two options for rotational crop decisions in 1998. A farmer may choose to follow the new recommendations which may be a wise way to avoid the risk of crop injury. However, the farmer may also follow the rotational intervals that were listed on the 1997 Exceed label, which allowed rotation to soybeans if the Exceed was applied before June 30 or STS soybeans if applied after June 30. If crop injury and yield loss occurs when following the 1997 label's intervals, the farmer could seek compensation from Novartis. Obviously, if a farmer has flexibility in his rotation, it would be best to avoid this scenario. More information on the risk of Exceed carryover may become available as the winter progresses.