California DPR grants emergency kasugamycin exemption to combat bacterial blast

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has approved a Section 18 Emergency Exemption for the use of kasugamycin (trade name Kasumin 2L) to help control bacterial blast in almonds this spring. The registration allows up to two applications under anticipated cold or freezing conditions on almonds at a use rate of 64 fl. oz. per acre from Feb. 1, 2023, through April 15.

Application after petal fall is prohibited. Kasugamycin may only be used during bloom.

Please contact your local County Ag Commissioner’s office for further details if interested in using this product.

Almond Board of California (ABC) reminds growers and applicators that are applying any product during bloom to reference ABC’s Honey Bee Best Management Practices, as well as the Quick Guide for Applicators (in English & Spanish) to ensure pollinator health is maintained.

As stated in these practices, growers should only use applications when absolutely necessary and should only make applications in the late afternoon or evening, when bees and pollen are not present.

– Almond Board of California