Scaffolds 99 index

WHITHER GUTHION?

(Art Agnello ama4@nysaes.cornell.edu, Entomology rws9@cornell.edu, Geneva; and Dick Straub, Entomology, Highland)

There have been a lot of rumors bouncing around lately concerning the status of Guthion, partly as a result of some recent label changes, and partly as an anticipated reaction to possible FQPA-generated changes in use that have yet to be made. Apparently, a New England produce broker has suggested that Guthion not be used for fear of another Alar phenomenon -- negative customer reaction to a perceived risk. Growers who want to use Guthion, or other formulations of anizphos methyl, are understandably concerned that their fruit will again be subjected to the same unfortunate circumstance. It's safe to say that not too much is clear on this latter issue (still), but some information can be provided on the label changes.

It is true that the federal label for Guthion has recently been revised, and passed (by the EPA**) to modify the Personal Protective Equipment and extend the Re-Entry Interval (REI) on tree fruits to 14 DAYS instead of the former 48 hours, for CERTAIN ACTIVITIES: propping, hand-thinning, and hand-harvesting. For all other activities -- according to the label "mowing, irrigating, scouting, other activities" -- the REI remains at 48 hours. However, note the following:

** This label change is not yet in effect for NY, according to the latest information we have. Until the NYS DEC signs off on these changes (they are currently reviewing the label change, and approval is expected soon), the old label remains in effect.

** This action by EPA probably signals that other changes regarding uses on apples will not occur this season. In our opinion, EPA would not OK a revised label if it anticipated sweeping changes in the near future. Moreover, we feel it's unlikely that they will issue any edict that would affect this season's crop.

** These changes are not in effect until the new label has been printed and affixed to product not yet shipped. In other words, if growers presently have product on hand, the old label applies to that material. "Old label" material is perfectly legal to use, but it might be circumspect to apply in conformance to the revised label, thereby showing a good faith effort to provide increased protection for workers.

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