In response to increasing industry concerns about complying with Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for pesticides in export markets, the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC) initiated studies in 2011 in apple and cherry to develop basic residue data for commonly used pesticides to help Washington growers make more informed choices about their spray programs. The WTFRC Internal Program recently completed their 2016 study which featured 13 insecticide/acaricides and 7 fungicides commonly used in Washington apple orchards, including our first assessment of novaluron (Rimon) residues. The study considered different use patterns of those products and the potential influence of popular sunburn protectants vs. the use of overhead cooling on residue persistence. The results of that study, as well as previous reports from similar projects on apple and cherry are now available on the WTFRC homepage: www.treefruitresearch.com
