BMPs are vital with re-registration of herbicide atrazine As
part of the re-registration of the popular herbicide atrazine,
farmers should adopt best management practices, or BMPs, to
prevent runoff and ensure that atrazine remains a viable
product, says a University of Missouri Extension water quality
specialist. Pesticide re-registration involves reviewing the
scientific data for pesticides registered before November 1984
to ensure they meet today’s scientific standards, explains Bob
Broz. “Re-registration does not imply that there is anything
wrong with the product, but simply that it makes sense to ensure
that products meet the most current standards.” Atrazine has
been in use for 50 years, and continues to be one of the most
effective products for control of grasses and broadleaf weeds in
corn, grain sorghums and sugarcane fields. Based on the review
of available scientific studies, the U.S. EPA determined in 2000
that atrazine is not likely to cause cancer in humans.
Additional studies in 2003 and 2006