Evaluation of Pesticide Incident Reports 2011-4810 and 2011-4464

Background

Pest control products are only registered by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) for use if there is reasonable certainty that no harm to human health or the environment will result from exposure to, or use of the product as directed on the label. Health Canada collects incident reporting data under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act. If a pesticide manufacturer receives information about an incident involving one of their products, they are required by law to submit that information to Health Canada. Members of the public may also submit information about an incident directly to Health Canada. It is important to note that the information presented in incident reports reflects the observations and opinion of the person reporting it, and does not include any assessment by Health Canada, nor does it confirm an association between the pesticide and the effects reported.

Health Canada considers the reported information to determine if there are potential health or environmental risks associated with a pesticide and, if necessary, takes corrective action. Such action could range from minor label changes to discontinuation of the product.

Incident Reports 2011-4810 and 2011-4464

An incident involving adverse effects to cherry trees was reported to the PMRA by United Agri Products Canada on October 12, 2011. The incident was also reported directly to Health Canada through the voluntary incident reporting program on September 13, 2011. According to both reports, the insecticide Lagon 480E (Reg. No. 9382, an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) containing the active ingredient dimethoate) was applied at a rate of 2.25L/ha (910mL/ac) to a cherry block of approximately 3500 plants on 11 to 12 acres outside of Oliver, British Columbia in June, 2011.

It was reported that leaf necrosis and leaf drop was observed on 800 cherry trees of the Lapin variety, with the lower branches affected more than the upper part of the tree. As well, the buds for the 2012 crop were not viable on the lower regions of affected trees.

In accordance with the Pest Control Products Incident Reporting Regulations classification system, this incident was classified as Environment Minor. This incident report is available through the PMRA electronic Public Registry on the Health Canada website.

Health Canada Evaluation

Leaf necrosis and drop were observed in 800 Lapin cherry trees following an application of Lagon 480E insecticide. The sensitivity of Lapin to the active ingredient dimethoate and to products with emulsifiable concentrate formulations (EC) is well documented in British Columbia (BC Ministry of Agriculture Integrated Fruit Production Guide).

The likelihood of the injury being caused by known cherry tree diseases or insect pests is low, given that three other sweet cherry varieties were present in the orchard, and the severe injury was observed on the Lapin cherry variety only.

Health Canada Conclusion

The PMRA has evaluated this incident. The causality of this incident was assessed based on information present at the time of the review and it was concluded that it was highly probable that the injury observed was caused by the application of Lagon 480E. Lapin cherry trees have a documented sensitivity to dimethoate and EC formulations, presenting as leaf necrosis and possible leaf drop.

Health Canada has informed the BC Ministry of Agriculture about this incident and will continue to monitor for future incidents related to this product. Dimethoate is currently under re-evaluation at the PMRA and information from this incident report will be taken into consideration for potential label improvements.

More information about the Pesticide Incident Reporting Program is available on the Health Canada Web site. Should you require further information please contact the Pesticide Incident Reporting Program.