Use of Chlorpyrifos on mangoes regulated

The Department of Agriculture has regulated the use of Chlorpyrifos insecticide on mango and other crops due to its negative effects in the mango export industry.

This was learned after the DA found out that improper use of Chlorpyrifos produced residues beyond the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.05 ppm (parts per million) set by Japan for Philippine mangoes.

In a report, Japan Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare had implemented last year the new MRL of this chemical from 0.5 ppm to 0.05 ppm.

Japan is a major market for local mangoes, representing 30 percent of the total export of fresh mangoes.

Japan also imports mango puree, dried mangoes and mango juice and other mango concentrates from the Philippines.

In the joint committee on agricultural and fishery council resolution no. 2, the Bureau of Plant Industry submitted its recommendation to DA Secretary Domingo Panganiban to regulate the application of Chlorpyrifos chemicals on mango and other crops because of its negative effects.

To regulate the application of chlorpyrifos on mango, BPI advised growers that the insecticide is recommended for control of mango leafhoppers and should be sprayed only within 30 days after flower induction.

The pre-harvest interval is recommended in less than 50 days to prevent excessive residues greater than 0.05 ppm.

BPI requires a certificate of inspection and residue analysis from NPAL and Phytosanitary certificate from PQS prior to exportation of mangoes to Japan.

Exporting firms are required to submit a pesticide residue management program approved by Japan and monitored by BPI.

Information campaigns on the proper use of this chemical were conducted in Bataan, Quezon, Cebu, Davao, Zamboanga, and La Union. Other mango growing areas were also scheduled.

BPI initiated dialogue with chemical companies for the possible withdrawal of these chemicals in the market.

The BPI suggested to exporters for a "supervised" management of growers in order to undertake a successful implementation of GAP in mango, particularly on pest control.

The BPI identified the problematic areas so that it can undertake information campaign on the proper use of pesticides, particularly chlorpyrifos. - Jasmin R. Uy