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Reentry and Preharvest Intervals
During the last month before harvest, it is possible to deposit excessive pesticide residues on fruit if time limitations before last spray and harvest are not followed closely. Short residual or high-tolerance materials should be used in preharvest sprays. A spray residue may be within legal limitations and still be highly undesirable for fresh consumption or export because of visible residue. In general, avoid highly colored chemicals or mixtures that leave a heavy, spotted residue in the late cover sprays. The time limitations for pesticides between final spray and harvest are summarized in Table 4-15. Be certain about the control of late-season insects and diseases before ending spray programs. Sprays on apples may be needed until mid-September for tufted apple bud moth in many areas and for sooty blotch, flyspeck, and scab control on varieties ripening after McIntosh.