Re: [CH] Resending: question re pesticides
YODA (yoda@clark.net)
Tue, 30 Jun 1998 12:10:48 -0400 (EDT)
If you use insectacides which are labeled as systemic -
do not eat the fruit for a long period of time ( 90 days to never ).
Even very toxic non-systemics ( parathion et al ) will wash off of the
plant with a few days to a few weeks, so unless the plant can physically
trap the poison ( like cauliflower heads, artichokes, etc ) they soon
become safe to eat.
Systemics work from inside the plant, they are actively absorbed by the
roots and spread to all parts of the plants. Rose and azelea foods and
insectacides are often of this type. If things were perfect, you could
never again eat from the plant thus treated. Dilution and loss of the
systemic agents does occur over a period of weeks and months, rendering
the plant and it's fruit safe to eat some months later.
I avoid systemics, except in a prepackaged rose food. I use malathion
cube resins ( pyrithirium ) and sevin to kill the little beasties.
Malathion early in the season and sevin later ( sevin claims it can be
safely applied up to 1 day before harvest ).
> After spraying I read the instructions and found that it was not for
> edible plants and harmful to breathe or eat. So I washed off the
> plants with water.
--
Jim W My opinions are just that, not my wife's or my employer's
!!Do not assume that your freedoms are assured!! The truth is out there!
Brew and let Brew... Homebrewing is fun. For a Hot Time -- Eat Chiles.