Environmental Questions
Product Questions
The MDA uses the product SPLAT GM-O for mating disruption. SPLAT GM-O is used in areas where low populations of spongy moth have been detected.
Mating disruption uses pheromone-based products to confuse adult moths and prevent them from reproducing. Mating disruption floods the area with the scent of the female moth and confuses male spongy moths so they cannot find females. They die without reproducing. The product does not actually kill moths.
Pheromones are non-toxic compounds that insects use to communicate. The female spongy moth does not fly and must attract the male moths with pheromones.
SPLAT GM-O is an certified organic, non-toxic, biodegradable product for the control of spongy moth. It is made of food grade materials and has the consistency of hand cream. SPLAT GM-O uses pheromone to disrupt spongy moth mating habits without impacting other insects, mammals, or the surrounding environment.
IMPORTANT MANAGEMENT UPDATE
For decades, a partnership between the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), ten states, and the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Forest Service, the national Slow the Spread (STS) program has effectively reduced the spread of spongy moth populations; an invasive and destructive forest pest, by greater than 60%. The MDA has used aerial spongy moth management to protect our state from devastating forest damage and significant economic losses.
Due to budget uncertainties and significant allocation delays within the USDA Forest Service, the MDA was notified that Minnesota would not receive the federal funding needed in time for proper implementation of Btk aerial management operations. This has forced the MDA to cancel all Btk management for 2025, which was 12 high-priority spongy moth infestations in five Minnesota counties totaling 2,752 acres.
Specifically, these cuts affect treatments in Anoka, Carlton, Itasca, St. Louis, and Winona counties, and the cities of Coon Rapids, Grand Rapids, and Winona.
As a result, the MDA will be removing all proposed Btk management areas from our treatment map and closing all Btk email/text notification signups.
The MDA is still moving forward with all mating disruption (product SPLAT GM-O) treatments. The MDA will continue to work within our state program to monitor spongy moth populations and to advocate for the best possible management strategies in the future.
This newsletter provides information about the MDA Retail Food Program events, policies, and regulations. Endorsement of products or companies is neither intended nor implied.
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This newsletter provides information about the MDA Retail Food Program events, policies, and regulations. Endorsement of products or companies is neither intended nor implied.
Retail Food for Thought
Electronic distribution list for the Retail Food for Thought Newsletter
To subscribe/unsubscribe to the "Retail Food for Thought Newsletter", please complete this online form.
