Re: CULT-aphids-pyrethrins

Linda Mann said:

<< I recently ran across some information about environmental impact ratings
for
 pesticides - not sure how valid it is out of context (fruit production) but
 they don't allow use of pyrethrins.[....]  
  
 General pesticides rating listing
 Not permitted
 pyrethroid insecticides and acaricides
 [....]
 This information was cited as from 
 Cross, J.V., and E. Dickler, eds.  1994.  Guidelines for Integrated
 Production of
 pome fruits in Europe:  IOBC Technical Guideline III.  IOBC/WPRS Bulletin
 17(9):1=968.  International Organization for Biological and Integrated
 Control of Noxious Animals and Plants, Montfavet, France.[...] >>

I think all cautions should certainly be taken borne in mind, and we each
must decide what constitutes an acceptible level of risk to ourselves and the
environment. Certainly things may change, however, as of the purchase of my
current bottle in May, the Shultz-Instant Houseplants and Gardens .02%
pyrethin spray, a contact insecticide, is labeled as safe to use on food
products "up to the day of harvest". Among the plants it may be used on, in
addition to irises, which are specifically mentioned, are vegetables,
including those eaten raw, and apples, pears, peaches, plums, strawberries,
grapes, cranberries, lemons and oranges. The cautions include not swallowing
it, not getting it into eyes, not breathing it. It is, however toxic to fish,
and the label urges care in disposing of the container so that water is not
contaminated. 

Anyone ever seen pictures of the ornate little brushes the Victorians had for
dusting aphids off things? Too bizarre for words.

Anner Whitehead, Richmond, Va
Henry Hall  henryanner@aol.com
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