Captan is under review by the EPA. The review document is below, and a synopsis of information for peach is given below by Dr. Julius E. Fajardo. EPA is proposing several mitigations for the continued use of Captan. Any responses are currently due by 27 June, but you can request an extension (see below). Please take a look at this information, and please let EPA know if their proposed actions will impact your ability to control diseases of peach. Submit comments to EPA with this link: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/EPA-HQ-OPP-2013-0296-0285
The following message is from Julius E. Fajardo with the USDA.
Below is a summary of the proposed mitigations for orchard crops and comments are due on June 27. EPA’s mitigation proposal for orchard crops (almonds, apples, apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, and prunes) is as follows:
∙ Prohibit aerial application of DF/WDG and WP formulations.
∙ Reduce maximum application rate for apples, peaches, and nectarines, from 4 to 3 lbs.ai/A.
∙ Reduce maximum application rate for cherries from 3.16 lbs. to 3 lbs. ai/A.
∙ Require PF50 respirator, single layer, and chemical-resistant gloves for handlers mixing/loading DF/WDG and WP formulations for airblast application.
∙ Require enclosed cabs and single layer PPE for airblast applicators.
o Alternative option: applicator may use an open cab and PF10 respirator but is limited to treating 30 acres/day for all crops (apples, peaches, nectarines, and cherries) except for almonds.
- For almonds, an applicator using an open cab and PF10 respirator may only treat 20 acres/day.
∙ Require enclosed cabs and single layer PPE for groundboom applicators treating all orchard or PF10 respirator and single layer PPE.
∙ Require PF10 respirator and limit amount handled by applicators using mechanically pressurized handguns.
o Almonds ≤ 220 gal/day
o Apples, nectarines, and peaches ≤ 245 gal/day
o Cherries ≤ 315 gal/day
o Apricots ≤ 395 gal/day
o Plums and prunes ≤ 325 gal/day
∙ No changes to current REI (default WPS REI based on acute toxicity).
For the post-harvest use of captan as a fruit dip for apples, cherries, and pears, fruit sorters and packers must wear a PF50 respirator. All other packing house workers wear a PF10 respirator.
Inhalation MOEs range from 1.3 (with no respirator) to 63 (with a PF50 respirator), and the LOC is 30. Therefore, this mitigation will completely address inhalation risk concerns from this scenario.
However, I have heard from other stakeholders that they need more time to provide their comments and now is the time to write EPA to request for an extension. Address your request to the Chemical Review Manager and copy in the Division Director:
Christina Scheltema, Chemical Review Manager (scheltema.christina@epa.gov)
Mary Reaves, Director (reaves.elissa@epa.gov)
Pesticide Re-Evaluation Division, Office of Pesticide Programs
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460-0001
Just wanted to know if the mitigation measures are workable and reasonable in your geography and that this would not impact your current protection and production practices. Please forward this message to other stakeholders as you see fit.
