Section 6990.5 - Neonicotinoid Use on Cucurbit Vegetables (Crop Group 9)The provisions of this section apply to any neonicotinoid application made to a crop in the cucurbit vegetables crop group.
(a) Application of a neonicotinoid is prohibited during bloom, with the exception of soil applications of dinotefuran. Soil applications of dinotefuran may be applied during bloom.(b) If both soil and foliar application methods are used on the same crop, or if multiple neonicotinoid active ingredients are applied to the same crop, a total maximum combined application rate of 0.736 lbs. ai/A/season may be applied, provided that: (1) Soil application rate must not exceed 0.536 lbs. ai/A/season; and(2) Foliar application rate must not exceed 0.2 lbs. ai/A/season.(c) Except as provided in subsection (d), if managed pollinators will be used within the growing season, the application rate and timing restrictions listed in the following table apply in addition to the limitations in subsections (a) and (b): | Application Rate and Timing Restrictions for Crops in the Cucurbit Vegetables Crop Group |
| Soil Application | Foliar Application |
| Active Ingredient | Maximum Application Rate | Required Timing | Maximum Application Rate | Required Timing |
| Clothianidin | 0.2 lbs. ai/A/season | Apply only from pre-planting until primary side shoot formation | 0.2 lbs. ai/A/season | Apply only from pre-planting until bloom |
| Dinotefuran | 0.536 lbs. ai/A/season | None | 0.172 lbs. ai/A/season | Apply only from pre-planting until bloom |
| Imidacloprid | 0.172 lbs. ai/A/season | Apply only from pre-planting until fifth true leaf on main stem unfolded | 0.172 lbs. ai/A/season | Apply only from pre-planting until bloom |
| Thiamethoxam | 0.172 lbs. ai/A/season | Apply only from pre-planting until fifth true leaf on main stem unfolded | 0.172 lbs. ai/A/season | Apply only from pre-planting until bloom |
(d) Exceptions: (1)Cucumbers. If managed pollinators will be used for cucumbers during the growing season, then foliar applications of dinotefuran, imidacloprid, or thiamethoxam are prohibited. For foliar applications of clothianidin and soil applications of all neonicotinoids, the rates and timing restrictions listed in subsection (c) apply.(2)Melons. If managed pollinators will be used for melons during the growing season, then soil applications of clothianidin are prohibited. For soil applications of dinotefuran, imidacloprid, or thiamethoxam and foliar applications of all neonicotinoids, the rates and timing restrictions listed in subsection (c) apply.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 3, § 6990.5
1. New section filed 4-10-2023; operative 1-1-2024 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(2) (Register 2023, No. 15). Note: Authority cited: Sections 11456 and 12976, Food and Agricultural Code. Reference: Sections 12824 and 12838, Food and Agricultural Code.
1. New section filed 4-10-2023; operative 1/1/2024 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(2) (Register 2023, No. 15).