GCSAA has weighed in the proposed cancellation of acephate. On April 30, the EPA released a proposed interim decision to cancel all but one use, tree root injection,  of the pesticide acephate. Acephate is an organophosphate pesticide that is registered for both agricultural uses, such as cotton and soybean, and non-agricultural uses, such as tree injections for forestry and ant mound treatment around homes.

Acephate 97% has been a reliable option for superintendents to address two significant insect pest problems in the southeastern U.S. Mole crickets and fire ants are very common pests extending from the Atlantic coast to Texas and from Virginia to the southern United States border. Both are also serious pests in Puerto Rico. While the red imported fire ant represents a human health risk, mole crickets are the most damaging insect pest on golf courses throughout the Southeast. 

GCSAA shared information with the agency on the current use patterns of acephate on golf courses in order to help refine the risk assessment conducted by the agency. GCSAA also provided the agency with recommended label rate to support continued use for golf course management.

At least 50 GCSAA members also weighed in with public comment during the open comment period. The agency will now review public feedback from all impacted stakeholders for all use sites and make a decision on the future use of the active ingredient.