The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has granted the suspension of a rule regarding the application dates of 2,4-D in Wharton County – Section 7.53(oo)(1) and (2) of the special provisions for Wharton County.  The suspension allows for both the ground and aerial application of 2,4-D and 2,4-D containing herbicides by permit on the east and west sides of the Colorado River in Wharton County beginning March 10, 2019 and ending on March 25, 2019.  All other applicable rules for Wharton County continue in effect.  Pesticide applicators are urged to pay special attention to 7.53(oo)(4) “In no case shall 2,4-D be used to treat any area that is nearer than two miles to any susceptible crop.”  Also, in a regulated county no person shall spray regulated herbicides (2,4-D, dicamba, MCPA, or quinclorac) when the wind velocity exceeds 10 miles per hour or as specified on the product label, if the label is more restrictive.  Regulated Herbicide Spray Permit forms, or applications are available at the Wharton Co. Extension Office, or by logging-on at http://texasagriculture.gov/Portals/0/forms/PEST/Applicator/spraypermitq820.pdf

TDA Pesticide license holders are required to submit a regulated herbicide spray permit when 2,4-D, dicamba, MCPA, or quinclorac will be sprayed in Wharton county.  The submission of the regulated spray permit does not only apply to 2,4-D, but also when spraying dicamba, MCPA, or quinclorac in Wharton County.  Completed Regulated Herbicide Spray Permit applications can be faxed to the TDA Regional Office in Houston at (888) 223-5606.