It appears that the insecticides associated with apple production have not yet entered the phase of the evaluation process (phase 5) where EPA releases its refined risk assessment and starts to get public comment on management options to minimize risk.

*** When EPA requests public comment on management options to reduce risk for specific pesticides --- this would be an important time for grower input.     And, it appears we may be entering into that phase.

On  Friday,  March 12, 1999,  EPA posted a statement on its web site that it will be releasing information on organophosphate pesticide use patterns for ten food crops: apples, Brussels sprouts, oats and rye, peaches, pears, rice, sorghum, soybeans, sugarcane, and tomatoes.    This information will be posted on their web site and they will be asking for comments by growers and interested parties.  As I write this newsletter, I have not yet seen this information but will be looking for it and will keep you posted.  If you are interested in looking at the current status of the review process, the EPA web site is:  http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/.

Once EPA receives public comment on various management options, i.e., possible changes in use patterns, they will then develop risk management options (phase 6).    Given the time lines, it appears unlikely that there will be significant changes implemented this growing season.

"Right-To-Know" Brochure

As part of the implementation of the FQPA, EPA has written a brochure entitled:  "Pesticides and Food - What you and your family need to know"  and have distributed it to over 40,000 grocery stores nationwide.  EPA has also developed a site on the web that describes how EPA regulates pesticides, what the pesticide residue limits are

on food, and the health problems pesticides may pose.  It also has a section on 'healthy, sensible food practices' which includes the statement that health professionals recommend that you eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day
The web site is: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/food.

Note:  It is interesting to note that although FQPA required EPA to develop and distribute the brochure, apparently, grocery stores are not required to display it. 

Where does all this leave you - the orchardist ?

It will be important to provide comment to EPA on possible management options (or lack thereof) related to specific pesticides. 

As always, it is important to practice IPM, to try to prevent a pest situation from reaching the point where a pesticide is needed, and, if applying a pesticide, to know your tree-row-volume, have your sprayer calibrated, and apply the correct amount of pesticide.    Research is continuing in the Northeast on alternative pest management options, particularly for the plum curculio and apple maggot, including development of better traps and new pesticides. However, totally new options are not commercially available for 1999.