The Endangered Species Act is intended to protect and promote the recovery of animals and plants that are in danger of becoming extinct due to the activities of people. Under the Act, EPA must ensure that use of pesticides it registers will not result in harm to the species listed as endangered and threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or to habitat critical to those species' survival. To implement the Endangered Species Protection Program, labels of certain pesticides direct users to bulletins with information similar to what appears here.

The limitations on pesticide use are not law at this time, but are being provided now for your use in voluntarily protecting endangered species from harm due to pesticide use. (Source: http://www.epa.gov/espp/)

Integrated Pest Management
Integrated pest management (IPM) can be thought of as a systematic approach to solving pest problems by applying our knowledge about pests to prevent them from damaging crops.  The University of Missouri's IPM program has the following objectives related to local agricultural interests:

• Train and provide support for regional extension specialists to serve clientele on the local level.
• Provide training for growers, consultants and IPM professionals in the private sector.
• Develop educational materials to aid in the pest management decision-making process for commodities and pests relevant to Missouri.
• Monitor and document changes in pest management practices.

Ultimately, meeting these objectives will be instrumental in increasing agricultural profitability while minimizing negative environmental effects.

The following University of Missouri Guides provide helpful information on how to appropriately use pesticides:

• Weed Management Systems for Environmentally Sensitive Areas
• Pesticides and the Environment
• Controlling Drift of Crop Protection Materials
• Calibrating Field Sprayers
• Missouri Restricted - Use Pesticide List - December 2005
• Endangered Species Program Update
• Pesticide Storage
• Understanding the Pesticide Label

The Missouri Department of Agriculture Pesticide Database that can be searched to retrieve information, such as pests controlled, label information and manufacturer, on specific pesticides.

Regulations/Law

• Missouri Department of Agriculture Pesticides
• Insect Pests and Weeds, Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 263
• Pesticides and Water Quality in MO

In addition the UM Pesticide Applicator Training program has numerous programs and publications that assist pesticide users in protecting the environment.

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