Comment submitted by Bryant M. Spivey, NC Cooperative Extension - Johnston County

Tobacco production continues to be a vital part of agriculture and the overall economy in Johnston County, NC. Since the buyout of the federal tobacco program in 2004, tobacco production in Johnston County has increased by more than 25%. With just under 11,000 acres of flue-cured tobacco in 2007, Johnston County is one of the top-producing counties in the state. Income from tobacco contributes over $40 million annually to local farms and even more through associated businesses and industries in the area. Temik is an effective option that tobacco growers use for managing root-knot nematode, aphids and flea beetles. Root-knot nematode is problematic in the sandy coastal plain soils of NC and can be quite destructive to flue-cured tobacco roots. Nematode damage reduces yields and the damage facilitates entry of deadly pathogens like bacterial wilt. Approximately 80% of local acreage receives either a fumigant or aldicarb (Temik) to control nematodes. Due to differences in waiting periods and application methods, Temik can be used in some situations where fumigants are impractical. As a minor crop, limited options exist for pest control in tobacco. It is important to maintain registration of effective products like Temik so that producers can maintain profitability in the future.