Chemical Updates

Vicky BoydSulfur was the most widely used pesticide in California in 2010.

After declining for four consecutive years, pesticide use in California increased in 2010, according to a recent report from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.

More than 173 million pounds were applied statewide in 2010, up 9.5 percent—or 15 million pounds—from 2009.

The increase was partly due to a 15 percent jump in treated acres to 75 million acres.

Much of the increase in pesticide use was in production agriculture, where applications increased by 12 million pounds, according to the report.

Post-harvest treatments increased by 657,000 pounds; structural pest control by 760,000 pounds; and landscape maintenance by 374,000 pounds.

Sulfur continues to be the most widely used pesticide, both in terms of pounds applied and acres treated. It accounted for 27 percent of all reported pesticide use.

Sulfur use increased by 4.4 million pounds, or 10 percent, during 2010. The fungicide was used on 141,826 acres, up 9 percent from 2009.

Depending on the inert ingredients, sulfur can be used on both conventional and organic fields.

Beginning in 1990, all commercial users of pesticides had to file monthly reports stating the product, amount applied and location of applications. Home-owners who apply pesticides to their own gardens or lawns are exempt from reporting.

The complete report is available at www.cdpr.ca.gov.