At this stage, all licensed pesticide applicators in MA should be aware that the Massachusetts Pesticide Board Subcommittee passed a ruling in March of 2021 regarding the registration and use of neonicotinoids in the Commonwealth.
The ruling will make neonicotinoid products labeled for turf, trees, shrubs, golf courses, and ornamentals state-restricted use starting on July 1, 2022, thereby eliminating access to non-agricultural outdoor applications by people who are not licensed or certified.
Greenhouse and nursery applications are considered for agricultural use.
If a product has been classified as general use for agricultural and is labeled only for agricultural use, the product will remain general use for greenhouse and agricultural production unless otherwise determined by the Pesticide Board Subcommittee.
If a product is labeled for both ag use and ornamental use, the whole product will be re-classified as restricted use and therefore a Commercial Certification license is needed.
Generally speaking, there are four neonicotinoid active ingredients currently labeled for use in MA greenhouses (IRAC sub-group 4A):
- acetamiprid (TriStar)
- dinotefuran (Safari)
- imidacloprid (Marathon)
- thiamethoxam (Flagship)
TriStar, Safari, and Flagship are labeled for both ag and non-ag uses, and therefore will be subject to the new requirements starting July 1. Marathon and Altus are not affected by the reclassification for greenhouse uses.
For more information: 
UMass Amherst
413-545-0111
www.umass.edu