Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/298602
www.goodfruit.com GOOD FRUIT GROWER MAY 1, 2014 45 Pacific Northwest growers have done a great job responding to complex international regulations on pesticide residues. In support of these efforts, the Northwest Horticultural Council provides a view behind the complexity and a peek into the future. n the United States, a legal pesticide residue on a crop is termed a tolerance. In the rest of the world, this tolerance is referred to as a maximum residue level or limit, also referred to as MRL. Maximum residue limits are established for all fresh and processed foods based on risk assess- ments done by the pesticide regulatory agency in each country (see "How MRLs are set"). In the United States, tolerances are established using the result of residue studies done at the maximum label rate and number of applications, with treatments timed as close to harvest as the label allows. However, in practice, pesticides are usually applied in mod- eration, which often results in residues significantly lower than the tolerance. Other countries set MRLs based on how the product is likely to be used, which may result in an MRL lower than the U.S. tolerance. However, differences in allowable residues don't always result in violations because growers' pest management programs, which are aimed at efficacious but minimal use, almost always result in residues lower than the tolerance. This understanding should be confirmed for critical chemicals on a crop- by-crop basis. Studies done by the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission and posted on its website (http://www.treefruitresearch.com) support this understanding. Also, registrants can provide information about likely residues for products that are new to the market, helping producers decide how best to use new materials that may not have MRLs in export markets. (Continued on page 46) GOOD TO KNOW A report from Deborah Carter and Dr. Mike Willett, Northwest Horticultural Council Destined for export Understanding pesticide residue policy. It is a large international regulatory body with inherent inertia. Effects of Using Nutri-Cal with Nutri-K on Cherries Effects of Using Nutri-Cal with Nutri-K on Cherries s Ask For s Ask For s Ask For ® ® C.S.I. CHEMICAL CORP. 800-247-2480 • www.nutri-cal.com 10980 Hubbell Ave., Bondurant, IA 50035 C.S.I. CHEMICAL CORP. 800-247-2480 • www.nutri-cal.com 10980 Hubbell Ave., Bondurant, IA 50035 PACIFIC NORTHWEST Walt Grigg: 509-952-7558 PACIFIC NORTHWEST Walt Grigg: 509-952-7558 Application Rate of 2 Quarts Nutri-Cal & 1 Quart Nutri-K Applied 6 times beginning at Petal Fall 2011 Application Dates: May 23, May 27, June 3, June 11, June 19, June 24 Ron Britt & Associates, Yakima, WA 2012 20 56.7 80 44.2 PREMIUM MEDIUM % MARKETABLE GRADES OF BING CHERRIES 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 Nutri-Cal 36% Increase in Premium Grade 8.5-9! 17.00% 21.25% BRIX QUALITY OF BING CHERRIES 0 5 10 15 20 25 366.28 g 369.50 g GRAMS FORCE TO SQUEEZE SKIN 1mm 364 365 366 367 368 369 370 FIRMNESS EVALUATION OF BING CHERRIES COMBINED MAHOGANY & DARK MAHOGANY % PREMIUM COLORS OF BING CHERRIES 89.25 95.75 75 80 85 90 95 100 VINEYARD CONCEPTS is proud to introduce the temperature-regulating CONCEPTCOVER. This easy-to-use cover fits right over the harvest bin and protects your high-quality fruit from heat and adverse weather. It also aids in storage and protection from outside contamination. ELISSA HOLDENER STEPHEN COLLUM 707-349-9479 • elissa@vydconcepts.com 209-743-2773 • www.vydconcepts.com VINEYARD CONCEPTS A VINEYARD MANAGEMENT COMPANY