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West Bridgewater /Brockton Ma. USA

Why some of the pesticides and fungicides that a lot of the growers list here as cures for our pumpkin problems are not legally listed for use on pumpkins ....
In that I have a farm operation were I sell wholesale my produce and as a licensed applicator I just wonder at what justifies the use of these illegal application?
Would it not be wiser to find / use what is listed as approved use products than risk the effects of unapproved usage of a product to both the health and environmental problems it may cause ?

http://www.syngentaprofessionalproducts.com/prodrender/index.asp?ProdID=402&nav=labels


http://extoxnet.orst.edu/pips/captan.htm
http://www.scorecard.org/chemical-profiles/summary.tcl?edf_substance_id=133-06-2

I guess to each their own ......

Let the flames begin ....

Bill G.

8/10/2007 12:09:19 AM

San Jose [email protected]

i am in no way in the pesticide business, but I have to assume that some of the reason for not listing one chemical or the other may be because some people may eat the plant/vegetable

Saying that I for one use as little non organic stuff as possible in the garden.

if pesticide X is ok for decorative gourds, why not GIANT pumpkins

8/10/2007 1:52:57 AM

Nashville, TN

Systemic products such as Merit are generally NOT listed for consumable vegetables - simply because the manufacturer does not want the legal problems of liability IF the product is consumed by humans...

After much discussion with an ecology prof/researcher (Dr. Phil Gantor at TSU) - systemic fungicides/pesticides are considered to be the 'least toxic' to the general ecosystem than surface fungicides/pesticides. Simply put - ONLY the insects that predate the plant are affected by systemics - unlike the surface/contact pesticides (which kill every insect - good or bad).. Also, systemics don't wash off with every rain - like surface pesticides. Systemics are also generally broken down within plant tissue - turning into less-toxic molecules.

8/10/2007 7:26:04 AM

[email protected]

Bill,

I wholesale chemicals & am a licensed applicator so I know exactly what you mean. You're correct; if the pumpkins are to be sold for consumption.

Remember though that the vast majority of the growers here aren't licensed to buy RUP's so they have to make other "effective" arrangements.

If they're only growing for "ornamental" purposes in a non-commercial capacity then the various stare enforcement authorities have little-no concern. Sort of a "no victim = no foul" sort of thing. "Ornamental" pumpkins & "ornamental" pesticides are a logical compromise for the average backyard gardener. They have no other legal alternatives that are still effective.

When in doubt - read the labels.

www.cdms.net

Eagle = Nova
Heritage = Quadris
Compass = Flint
Scimitar = Warrior
Talstar = Capture
Merit = Admire
Astro = Pounce
etc

All of these active ingredients ARE labeled for edible fruits including Cucurbits. In many states the ornamental versions are not RUP's. For better or worse, some are even sold right on eBay or at various quasi-professional outlets. Giving folks guidance keeps them safer than keeping them in the dark.

8/12/2007 1:06:31 AM