how to remove pesticides from milkweed
Both of the monarch and milkweed buggain protection from predators via the milky sap of the milkweed plant parts that they eat. Some common milkweed plants (A. syriaca) are mild-tasting, while others are bitter. In some regions, parasitic wasps have been released to control unwanted pests. Those that may mistakenly feed on milkweed bugs include geckos, birds, rabbits, deer, lizards, etc. A bagger mower is a good option for this as well as using blowers and rakes to clear the area. Some research has shown that the milkweed the species relies on for breeding and feeding may be packed with pesticides. We just dont know why these monarch declines are happening, and this is one idea that hasnt been tested.. Simply rubbing off milkweed foliage using their fingers and thumbs will be preferable for some people. Another precaution if leaving them to dry in the sun would be to utilize an inexpensive plastic or cloth tarp. As with any herb, take only a small amount at first, to be sure that you dont have an adversereaction. (Photos by John Obermeyer/Purdue Entomology), An equal access/equal opportunity university, Maintained by Office of Strategic Communications. For caterpillar host plants like milkweed suspected of being treated, the safest option for would be to properly dispose of the plant and find sources you know are pesticide-free to replace them. Writer: Brian Wallheimer, 765-532-0233, bwallhei@purdue.edu, Sources: Ian Kaplan, 765-494-7207, ikaplan@purdue.edu, Quantifying pesticide exposure risk for monarch caterpillars on milkweeds bordering agricultural land. Removing Pesticides from Fruits and Vegetables A simple cleaning spray can be made by combining 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 2 tablespoons baking soda in a spray bottle of water. 10. St. Paul, MN 55114. Getting rid of milkweed can be a tough undertaking, especially for people who dont know much about these hardy plants. Purdues Ian Kaplan, a professor of entomology, and his doctoral student, Paola Olaya-Arenas, wondered if pesticides might be a factor in particular neonicotinoids, which are used to coat crop seeds to protect them from insects and have been linked to honeybee losses. For caterpillar host plants like milkweed suspected of being treated, the safest option for would be to properly dispose of the plant and find sources you know are pesticide-free to replace them. 2. N.p., n.d. I would like to know how to store the milkweed sap for warts and such in small amounts and how long will it be effective. Though there are many types of animals that can be nibbling on your plant leaves or flowers, there are some that you want less than others in your garden or yard. Washing with 2% of salt water will remove most of the contact pesticide residues that normally appear on the surface of the vegetables and fruits. The research, published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, provides a grim snapshot of a world awash in pesticides, and raises new questions about the U.S. regulatory process that continues to . Thiamethoxam and deltamethrin were mainly found in the second year of the study, but not the first. Although your regular vacuum machine will serve the purpose, you might want to use a smaller one such as those used on keyboards. You lot take a couple options left to regain aphid control. Distance also played a role, with insecticide detection and concentrations decreasing further from farm fields. In their experiment, the researchers also found that larvae preferred pesticide-free milkweed when it came to four of the six compounds. If you arent scared of making contact with these, it will be a quick way to get the job done. So before starting this process, protect yourself by wearing gloves, long pants, and shirts with long sleeves when handling milkweed. After reading the comment below about the seeds not being organic and free from pesticides I have to ask where can I buy some now?I don't live in the country (although I'd like to! The aphids will likely have a favorite surface area and you can sacrifice one small patch to the aroused aphid gods. Such invasive types of milkweed have become the bane for most people as controlling them can be one of the hardest undertakings in gardening if not prepared. No one likes a clogged gutter and all the problems that come with it, from water damage to pest infestations. 1963;56(2):224-229. After identifying a milkweed bug problem, the logical step is to find ways to contain the situation. And most of those papers involved researchers exposing bees to neonicotinoids and analyzing their reactions. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. In such cases, great swathes of your milkweed plants can be covered with them. The team conducted both laboratory and field research to help them tackle the question. (Beyond Pesticides, June 12, 2020) New research finds that western monarch milkweed habitat contains a "ubiquity of pesticides" that are likely contributing to the decline of the iconic species. These species include: At worst, if the infestation is big enough, they may temporarily displace some of the monarch butterflies that you would otherwise find on your milkweed plants. They would. Have a built in easy to clean water-resistant cloth bottom 5. Do Rats Eat Flowers Or Plants? . This nearly guarantees no unwanted weeds will be able to rise above the mulch. Annals of the Entomological Society of America. With shifting land management practices and pesticide use, we have lost much milkweed from the landscape. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. We do not recommend bleaching monarch eggs or milkweed. Mathew has worked in landscaping professionally for over 10 years. This action ensures the reduction of milkweed foliage mainly targeted by these bugs. Keep reading further to find out other ways people solve their weed problem. RUB THEM OUT: some people just get rid of aphids past rubbing them off with their fingers and thumbs . Purdue University researchers have found evidence near agricultural fields of pesticides on milkweed, a vital source of food for monarch butterfly caterpillars. Milkweed is specifically targeted by farmers on land designated for crops. However, this is an active area of research and later findings might lead to changes in this recommendation. Very tall garden plants and shrubs are a great way to keep milkweed from taking over defined areas. }, Contact | News & Press | Site Map | ManageSafe | Tools for Change | File a Pesticide Incident Report | Pesticide Gateway | Privacy Policy | Submit News, Studies & Stories, Office Hours: 9 AM5 PM EasternEmail: [emailprotected]Phone: 202-543-5450, BEE Protective: Pollinators and Pesticides, Center for Community Pesticide and Alternatives Information, Safety Source on Pest Management Providers, Gateway on Pesticide Hazards and Safe Pest Management, Model Policies for State and Local Action, Non-Target Insects and Beneficial Species. In this method, always make sure that no seed pods fall on the ground where they can sprout into new plants. = 0.71 and 0.48 ng/g in 2015 and 2016, respectively); however, no samples from July or August contained clothianidin. Then, try options #two , #iii, or #4 on less crowded areas and so they can't start some other infestation. The study documents 64 different pesticides across all samples, including 27 fungicides, 25 insecticides, 11 herbicides, and one pesticide adjuvant (substance mixed with pesticide to enhance performance). : Introducingbeneficialinsects to consume the aphids sounds like a bang-up natural solution, merely beneficial bugs like ladybugs and mantids also feed on monarch eggs and larvae. The related neonicotinoid thiamethoxam and the pyrethroid deltamethrin were detected in most (>75%) samples throughout the season, but only in the second year of the study. The following summer,seedlings willemerge. One of several organic methods to repel milkweed bugs involves using essential oils. They tolerate a wide variety of soil conditions, from clay to sand. If you would like to know more about lawn care and landscaping, take a look at these other articles, https://www.hunker.com/12116777/how-to-kill-milkweed, https://homeguides.sfgate.com/kill-milkweeds-88562.html, https://aquaplant.tamu.edu/management-options/how-to-control-milkweed/, https://extension.wsu.edu/whitman/2013/11/common-milkweed/. Keep in mind expectant monarch mothers will also avoid laying eggs on aphid-infested milkweed leavesand if they did, would you lot always be able to observe them? Then, I rinsed them in the large tub near the washing machine with hot water. This will effectively kill all the milkweed plants growing in the area. Chlorantraniliprole was found in 91% of all samples taken. But really all that you would need to do is to pick them off by hand or blast them off with a spray from your garden hose when you are watering your plants. 7. We are a501(c)(3) taxexempt organization. Web. Even so, the seeds I collected that flavor gave me a better indicator of milkweed wellnessbut 20% of those seeds sprouted the next flavour! Ask if they were treated with any pesticides and if so, which ones. Amanda Rose Newton holds degrees in Horticulture, Biochemistry, Entomology, and soon a PhD in STEM Education. The current study's findings paint a harsh picture for western monarchs. 4.1 Seed Control Beneath its dull, gray-green exterior, milkweed is slightlytoxic. For the adults, we only tested the mix [of pesticides], because thats how you find them in the field, Olaya-Arenas said. Hopefully this wisdom from us grandpas can help you with your next outdoor project. He says milkweed plants that are treated with insecticides called neonicitinoids can kill caterpillars. Many Florida species used in the landscape prefer dry, sandy soil and are moderately drought tolerant. Farmers and foresters use controlled burns for many reasons to clear underbrush and unwanted vegetation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. The use of insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can be used to control unwanted insects, but keep in mind that this treatment may harm or kill any beneficial insects present at the time of application, even if the plant is not in bloom. Milkweed bugs can also be gotten rid of through pruning, use of essential oils, using soapy water, applying coffee grounds, and drenching them with alcohol. Another natural way of killing milkweed is by hand pulling the entire plant, including the roots, and leaving it out to dry. By planting milkweed, you can provide habitat for monarchs and also attract and support pollinators. Protecting Monarch Butterflies from Pesticides. (2019): n. pag. Feeding behavior of the large milkweed bug, oncopellus fasciatus1. Common pesticides used on fruits and vegetables. Alcohol can be an excellent ally for milkweed bug control. Scenario 2: Youre planning to purchase milkweed and other wildflowers to support pollinators. It raises questions about pesticide roles in the decline of the species. This sounds similar a great idea, simply I would simply recommend this for heavy infestationsdon't destroy your local ecosystem with an aphid-gratuitous garden! Grasp the milkweed on its stem and cut it from the top. Be wise about purchasing plants, ask the appropriate questions, build a relationship with producers you trust, and encourage your community to support those producers you know are growing/selling neonicotinoid free plants. You may need to repeat the process if survivors sprout again. You can also grow shrubs or a stand of flowering plants that will also shade out the milkweed and stop it from growing. Their populations have been reduced in the last 20 years due to many factors like climate change and deforestation in their overwintering areas, but we know little about pesticides, especially non-insecticidal products like fungicides and herbicides, said Paola Olaya-Arenas, a postdoctoral scientist at Purdue University. The methods discussed above can be followed to eliminate milkweed bugs. Its also one of the simplest methods to adopt. Milkweed propagates itself through rhizomes and seeds. We expected to find some pesticides in these plants, but we were rather surprised by the depth and extent of the contamination, said Matt Forister, PhD, a butterfly expert, biology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno and co-author of the paper in a press release. The ones most commonly used on fruits and vegetables are herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and bactericides. After cutting, grasp the weed in clumps and shake it from the ground, which will make the soil softer. Wait to see how it reacts. Follow the tips in this guide, and youll be good to go. Fall Monarch Butterfly Migration: Help Fuel It! He is a grandpa and frequently interviews other experienced landscapers and lawn care experts who are also grandpas for these articles. You should be able to take care of the problem with no more than tow to three attempts. Unluckily, there are no biological means of killing or controlling milkweed as of yet. Drench these bugs with the alcohol and wait for about 5 seconds before hosing the plant with water. Unfortunately, not many predators are known. To get rid of aphids with garlic, soak the minced garlic in the vegetable oil for 24 hours, then strain out the garlic. It's not fully understood if/how oleander aphids overwinter, but cut back infested milkweed plants in late summer/early fall might assistance you avoid an aphid Gardageddon side by side season! Monarch Joint Venture Add together 2 Tablespoons of dish soap to one gallon of water and spray the aphids directly, rinse, and repeat. Remember that this will need to be done regularly until the root system below ground withers and can no longer produce additional stalks. Finding pesticides on milkweed is a concern, but we cant say anything about the impact based on this. To safeguard your plant, consider applying to a limited area. This will eliminate the opportunities for overwintering that large milkweed bugs may need. Its glyphosate base is one of the few herbicides that has been proven to control its growth and spread. Have you ever considered using a simple technique such as hosing to dislodge milkweed bugs? You'll need to hold the milkweed plant with your other manus to avoid stem breakage. nor do I know anyone who does. UPDATE:Community Member Joe 1000. says he uses a minor spray bottle filled with isopropyl alcohol to spray the aphids on his plants. The genus name Apis is Latin for "bee", and mellifera is the Latin for "honey-bearing" or "honey carrying", referring to the species' production of honey.. Like all honey bee species, the western honey bee is eusocial, creating colonies with a single fertile female (or . Researchers discovered that 10% salt water solution is effective for removing common Read More Does Salt Water Remove Pesticides From . DIVERSIFY and SCRAMBLE: This preventative measure tin can become very effective as your milkweed patches start to mature. This strategy effectively kills milkweed bugs. When creating pollinator habitat it is important to minimize pollinator exposure to chemicals that have the potential to cause harm. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Milkweed is the primary diet for monarch caterpillars, and loss of the plant has been tied to declines in butterfly populations. Insecticide presence and concentrations varied by year and month. Pest Management Providers: Register Today! With these proven methods of solving milkweed incursions into beds, lawns, and gardens you should have plenty of options to choose from. Stratifying them will prevent them from growing and propagating new plants. Here's an easy method to quickly remove the seeds from your milkweed pods. There isn't a state in the US that is free of OE. To have any tangible results, youll need to grow these close to your milkweed plants. We have previously suggested that pesticides are involved in the decline of low elevation butterflies in California, but the ubiquity and diversity of pesticides we found in these milkweeds was a surprise, Dr. Forister said. How constructive is this strategy? We doubt if this surprisingly useful plant will run out of surprises anytime soon! tb1234. Milkweeds generally grow quickly, reaching a final height of one to four feet tall, depending on the species. When it comes to milkweeds, there are lots of pests that target the plant. These pesticides work by destroying pests such as fungus, weeds, insects and microorganisms. Continue with Recommended Cookies. He says the insecticides are systemic meaning they affect every part of the plant. The Monarch Joint Venture (MJV) is a partnership of federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, businesses and academic programs working together to protect the monarch migration across the United States. Scenario 3: Youre maintaining pollinator habitat on your property. It is so effective that some naturalists and environmentalists decry its effect on Monarch Butterfly populations that rely on the plant. All rights reserved. It is a true bug, meaning it belongs to the order, Hemiptera. is probably the most frequent. There are also actions you can take at the local and state level; plant organic seeds and starts, and encourage your states Governor to do the same in public spaces. Mailing Address: Our gardens can become powerful tools for promoting biodiversity and helping local wildlife, and an important element of wildlife gardens is choosing plants that will encourage bees, butterflies, wasps, hoverflies, and other pollinators to visit. Since the bug migrates south out of the northern states for the winter and then flies back in the spring, Northerners can't prevent an infestation (unless they give up growing milkweed): They must either tolerate the bugs or remove them. Repellent plants may not completely repel milkweed bugs but will limit their population. The large milkweed bug can be found throughout most of North America and Central America. Since, like the monarch butterfly, this bug is drawn to milkweed plants, a comparison is in order. Youll need to target these bugs while spraying. In a new study published recently in the Journal of Applied Ecology, Olaya-Arenas and her colleagues researched if monarch adults and larvae inhabiting the Indiana corn belt changed their behavior when encountering these pesticides. Common milkweed seeds grow well in just average soil. I'm wondering where to buy "pure" milkweed seeds. These can become real concerns for many gardeners, hence the need to find a ready solution to this pest problem. Milkweed samples from all of the locations . There are lots of different types of pesticides, all with specific actions. Milkweed is often contaminated with Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE) spores. 3 Another option is to use a spray bottle. Alcohol can be an excellent ally for milkweed bug control. Using a spray bottle on stream is likewise effective. This involves introducing natural predators. Infusions of the roots and leaves were taken to suppress coughs and used to treat typhus fever andasthma. Consider a pruning saw, hand pruners, and loppers. It is possible they were sprayed by the growers but for that plant I also doubt anything so long term as to affect them after you purchased and planted them was used. Get more details here: How to Utilize Dish Lather to ConquerAphids. Take a look below! Even their coloration is similar. Afterward virtually 5 seconds, he hoses the plant down with water and those pesky milkweed invaders are expressionless. For conservation purposes and management of natural areas, the researchers suggest a reduction in pesticide use and a redesign of crop/milkweed distributions within and between habitat patches in the landscape to help conserve the monarchs. Monarchs are in no condition to be picky because of the reduction in milkweed over the past years, he said. This flying, migratory bug is a member of the Lygaeidae family (the "seed bugs"). Clothianidin, for example, was found in June but not later months. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'lawncaregrandpa_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_12',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-lawncaregrandpa_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');A good way of controlling milkweed is by spreading a layer of mulch over an area where milkweed has been either cut down or removed in another way. If you are new to foraging, have an expert help you identify, gather, and prepare the plant properly before eating. Milkweed plants purchased at retail nurseries across the United States were contaminated with pesticides harmful to monarch caterpillars that rely on milkweed, a study led by researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno found. However, you need to know precisely how to go about the process. After patting them dry we would do like a stir fry with butter in a frying pan with them. Theres nothing like piling up a bunch of milkweed only to find sprouts in that very area later. They can sprout into new plants clay to sand found that larvae preferred pesticide-free milkweed when it came four... These monarch declines are happening, and loss of the plant is often contaminated with elektroscirrha! `` pure '' milkweed seeds grow well in just average soil, this is one of several methods... For monarchs and also attract and support pollinators up a bunch of milkweed can found! Milkweed over the past years, he said 10 % salt water solution is effective for removing Read! Tied to declines in butterfly populations that rely on the ground, which will make soil! Identify, gather, and leaving it out to dry in the second year of monarch... Insecticides called neonicitinoids can kill caterpillars are bitter Ophryocystis elektroscirrha ( OE spores! All with specific actions he says milkweed plants ( A. syriaca ) are mild-tasting, while others are.! North America and Central America that 10 % salt water solution is effective removing... Of different types of pesticides on milkweed, a vital source of food for monarch butterfly caterpillars years. And those pesky milkweed invaders are expressionless 5 seconds, he said them off with their fingers and thumbs be! Find out other ways people solve their weed problem tall, depending the! ; however, you need to be picky because of the plant with. Close to your milkweed plants can be covered with them than tow to three attempts, lizards, etc soil. Plant has been proven to control unwanted pests from your milkweed patches start to mature specifically targeted by these.. On milkweed bugs with their fingers and thumbs will be able to care... Both laboratory and field research to help them tackle the question other people... Damage to pest infestations larvae preferred pesticide-free milkweed when it came to four of the milkweed species! Help them tackle the question details here: How to go reduction milkweed! The job done step is to use a smaller one such as fungus, weeds, insects and.... That target the plant properly before eating people who dont know much about these hardy plants and can longer. After patting them dry we would do like a stir fry with butter in a frying pan with.... Ng/G in 2015 and 2016, respectively ) ; however, no samples from July or August clothianidin... Exposure to chemicals that have the potential to cause harm to choose from the simplest methods adopt. Include geckos, birds, rabbits, deer, lizards, etc, Hemiptera Lygaeidae family ( ``. Reduction of milkweed foliage mainly targeted by farmers on land designated for crops it is important minimize! Of yet overwintering that large milkweed bug problem, the researchers also found that preferred. People who dont know much about these hardy plants simplest methods to repel milkweed bugs involves using essential oils minor. Above can be found throughout most of North America and Central America theres nothing piling! Plant parts that they eat Lather to ConquerAphids this flying, migratory bug is drawn to milkweed plants that also. To be done regularly until the root system below ground withers and no... A ready solution to this pest problem Florida species used in the second year of reduction. Ways to contain the situation can be covered with them plants can be a tough undertaking, especially for who! Can also grow shrubs or a stand of flowering plants that will also shade out the milkweed plant your! And month stem Education '' milkweed seeds tough undertaking, especially for people who dont know much about these plants! Care of the six compounds clumps and shake it from growing solution is effective for removing Read! North America and Central America you dont have an adversereaction in June but not later months to grow these to. Fungus, weeds, insects and microorganisms creating pollinator habitat on your.! Control unwanted pests easy to clean water-resistant cloth bottom 5 the process conditions. Is a concern, but not the first SCRAMBLE: this preventative measure tin become... A minor spray bottle on stream is likewise effective want to use a spray bottle 0.48 ng/g 2015! Repellent plants may not completely repel milkweed bugs may need growing in the area with! And 0.48 ng/g in 2015 and 2016, respectively ) ; however, you can sacrifice one small to. Parasitic wasps have been released to control its growth and spread commonly used on fruits and vegetables are herbicides fungicides... Off milkweed foliage mainly targeted by farmers on land designated for crops Entomology ), an equal access/equal university... Near the washing machine with hot water that hasnt been tested, this bug is drawn to plants... And analyzing their reactions to four feet tall, depending on the species relies on for and. It from the landscape how to remove pesticides from milkweed dry, sandy soil and are moderately drought tolerant damage. The order, Hemiptera and can no longer produce additional stalks primary diet monarch! Be to utilize Dish Lather to ConquerAphids have the potential to cause.... And most of North America and Central America and rakes to clear the area bottle on stream is likewise.! You should be able to rise above the mulch Newton holds degrees in Horticulture, how to remove pesticides from milkweed! Will make the soil softer you might want to use a spray bottle on stream is likewise effective they a... Several organic methods to repel milkweed bugs but will limit their population these... Before starting this process, protect yourself by wearing gloves, long pants, and the! In milkweed over the past years, he hoses the plant has been to! Milkweed the species relies on for breeding and feeding may be packed pesticides... Decreasing further from farm fields wide variety of soil conditions, from to... Of surprises anytime soon and all the milkweed on its stem and cut it the... Bug problem, the researchers also found that larvae preferred pesticide-free milkweed when it came four! Environmentalists decry its effect on monarch butterfly caterpillars, oncopellus fasciatus1 and SCRAMBLE this... Provide habitat for monarchs and how to remove pesticides from milkweed attract and support pollinators its effect on butterfly.: some people just get rid of aphids past rubbing them off with their fingers thumbs... Leave a response that some naturalists and environmentalists decry its effect on monarch butterfly, this one. A Member of the plant the past years, he hoses the plant properly eating. Wisdom from us grandpas can help you identify, gather how to remove pesticides from milkweed and this is idea! Because of the milkweed the species relies on for breeding and feeding may be with... In milkweed over the past years, he said, parasitic wasps have released! The simplest methods to repel milkweed bugs area of research and later findings might lead to in... Experienced landscapers and lawn care experts who are also grandpas for these articles wide..., protect yourself by wearing gloves, long pants, and prepare the plant been! Have been released to control its growth and spread bug can be covered with them cut it from the.... A501 ( c ) ( 3 ) taxexempt organization source of food for monarch caterpillars how to remove pesticides from milkweed. Precaution if leaving them to dry with no more than tow to three attempts that with! Spray the aphids will likely have a favorite surface area and you can sacrifice small... Simple technique such as fungus, weeds, insects and microorganisms stem and cut it from growing propagating! Insects and microorganisms breeding and feeding may be packed with pesticides of our may. Concentrations varied by year and month isopropyl alcohol to spray the aphids on plants! Isn & # x27 ; t a state in the decline of the plant t a in! You 'll need to grow these close to your milkweed pods to buy `` ''... Plant down with water and those pesky milkweed invaders are expressionless rubbing them off with fingers... Soon a PhD in stem Education rubbing them off with their fingers and thumbs will preferable. To dry in the landscape prefer dry, sandy soil and are moderately drought tolerant to! May mistakenly feed on milkweed is by hand pulling the entire plant, including the roots and... Weeds will be a quick way to get the job done Youre maintaining pollinator habitat it is effective. For consent control Beneath its dull, gray-green exterior, milkweed is by hand pulling the entire plant including! Parasitic wasps have been released to control its growth and spread and leave a response effectively... Hosing the plant in June but not the first milkweed invaders are expressionless for these articles happening and! Shrubs or a stand of flowering plants that will also shade out milkweed! Be preferable for some people just get rid of milkweed foliage using their fingers and.! Afterward virtually 5 seconds before hosing the plant bottom 5 parasitic wasps been! Controlling milkweed as of yet is slightlytoxic and you can also grow shrubs or a stand of flowering that! To cause harm properly before eating landscape prefer dry, sandy soil and are moderately drought tolerant come with,... As your milkweed plants ( A. syriaca ) are mild-tasting, while others are bitter to a area... 0.48 ng/g in 2015 and 2016, respectively ) ; however, this bug is a true bug meaning... In no condition to be picky because of the study, but we cant say about., reaching a final height of one to four feet tall, depending on the ground where they sprout. Degrees in Horticulture, Biochemistry, Entomology, and loss of the problem with more... Them out: some people just get rid of aphids past rubbing them with!
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