News

Captan fungicide:  EPA comment period about to close

A popular fungicide used by many fruit growers is under review by the Environmental Protection Agency.  The comment period expires July 31^st at midnight for Captan, which is commonly used on apples, peaches, nectarines, cherries, and grapes.

EPA is proposing a reduction in application rates for apples, peaches, and nectarines from four pounds to three pounds, and would require more personal protective equipment for orchard workers along with a six-day restricted entry interval for those crops and a 24 hour wait for cherries.

Tree fruit pathologist Dr. Kari Peter from Penn State University says the EPA does not realize that a lot of hand thinning still occurs, so the proposed 6-day re-entry proposal would likely impact many apple growers.

EPA’s proposed rule would also restrict aerial applications, including drone applications.

Comments can be submitted online at the EPA’s website here.