In response to increasing industry concerns about complying with maximum residue levels (MRLs) for pesticides in export markets, the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission initiated studies in 2011 in apple and cherry to develop residue data for commonly used insecticides and fungicides to help Washington State growers make informed choices about their spray programs. 

The commission's internal research program recently completed a 2012 study in apple focusing on 11 insecticides and 8 fungicides commonly used in Washington orchards. The study looked at different use patterns of those products, the effects of washing or packing subsamples of fruit, and the use of carbaryl (Sevin) only as a chemical thinner early in the growing season.

The results of that study, as well as previous reports from similar projects on apple and cherry, are now available on the commission’s Web site.