The Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission announced the recent completion of the 2023 pesticide residue study for apple. 

This year’s apple study included 17 insecticides/acaricides, six fungicides and one plant growth regulator in two distinct application scenarios in a modern, high-density Gala orchard.

The 2023 report is now available on the research commission website at: treefruitresearch.org/pesticide-residue-studies. Previous summaries and annual reports from similar projects on apple and cherry are also available. 

Since 2011, the research commission has conducted studies in apple and cherry to generate residue data for commonly used pesticides and help Washington growers make more informed choices about their spray programs. 

For current information on maximum residue levels and other regulatory issues, consult the Northwest Horticultural Council website at: nwhort.org/export-manual. 

—by Jonelle Mejica