RE: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

2010-05-20 Thread Con.Traas 
Hello all,

In the light of the scientific doubt cast on this study on a link
between organophosphates and ADHD, I recall a much more robust study
published in The Lancet about two years ago, linking ADHD with food
colourants. To my mind this also dovetails with anecdotal evidence of
short-term effects of consumption of certain sweets and carbonated
drinks on the behaviour of children suffering with ADHD.

However, to my recollection, after a short while, publicity from this
study also died down (unfortunately).

Con Traas

The Apple Farm

Cahir

Ireland

 



From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net
[mailto:apple-c...@virtualorchard.net] On Behalf Of John Henderson
Sent: 19 May 2010 21:07
To: Apple-Crop
Subject: Re: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

 

A Facebook friend posted with concern the article on OPs. In response I
paraphrased Richard's bragging paragraph.  The following comment thanked
me for the info with the note "I wondered why apples were not on the
list." So with this limited evidence, I think the positive approach
might work -- except it looks like this controversy may quickly be
forgotten.

 

John Henderson

Sage Hen Farm

Lodi, NY

 

On May 18, 2010, at 9:50 AM, Richard Weinzierl wrote:

 

All,

Let me confess to being a research and extension person and not a
commercial apple or peach grower.  I do, however, spend a lot of time
working with commercial growers.  With that disclaimer, I'll offer a few
thoughts.

I agree with the sentiments that the recently reported research on OPs
and ADHD seems preliminary and somewhat flawed.   That said, folks,
we've been reducing use of OPs on apples in the US since FQPA in 1996.
The regulations have been driven by both scientific and emotional
concerns that OPs as residues on foods present more risks than the EPA
finds acceptable.  Let's admit that there has been an underlying concern
out there for some time, and it is not all driven by fanatics or
anti-pesticide groups.  After we admit that to ourselves .

. let's brag on the fact that we have responded to the concerns and
the regulations by reducing OP use.  Penncap-M is no longer used at all;
Lorsban is used only in ways that should result in NO residues on apples
or peaches; Guthion is not used on peaches and is nearly gone from our
spray programs in apples; and Imidan is used far less than it used to
be.  We might be wise to spend only a minimum amount of effort
criticizing this particular study and instead tout our progress.  Such
an approach is likely to be more beneficial for marketing and customer
relations than any organized dispute of this particular research.  

I realize that successive rounds of investigations will target newer
groups of insecticides, and we'll have to face truths and rumors that
result from them as well.  For now, energy might be best spent on making
our progress very evident to the public.  The alternative -- the idea
that organic produce is the only answer -- will certainly not meet the
needs of the nation's or the world's consumers any time in the
foreseeable future.

Rick Weinzierl



Richard Weinzierl, Professor and Extension Entomologist
Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois
S-334 Turner Hall, 1102 South Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
weinz...@uiuc.edu, Ph. 217-244-2126

Re: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

2010-05-19 Thread John Henderson 
A Facebook friend posted with concern the article on OPs. In response  
I paraphrased Richard's bragging paragraph.  The following comment  
thanked me for the info with the note "I wondered why apples were not  
on the list." So with this limited evidence, I think the positive  
approach might work -- except it looks like this controversy may  
quickly be forgotten.


John Henderson
Sage Hen Farm
Lodi, NY

On May 18, 2010, at 9:50 AM, Richard Weinzierl wrote:

All,

Let me confess to being a research and extension person and not a  
commercial apple or peach grower.  I do, however, spend a lot of time  
working with commercial growers.  With that disclaimer, I'll offer a  
few  thoughts.


I agree with the sentiments that the recently reported research on OPs  
and ADHD seems preliminary and somewhat flawed.   That said, folks,  
we've been reducing use of OPs on apples in the US since FQPA in  
1996.  The regulations have been driven by both scientific and  
emotional concerns that OPs as residues on foods present more risks  
than the EPA finds acceptable.  Let's admit that there has been an  
underlying concern out there for some time, and it is not all driven  
by fanatics or anti-pesticide groups.  After we admit that to  
ourselves 


. let's brag on the fact that we have responded to the concerns and  
the regulations by reducing OP use.  Penncap-M is no longer used at  
all; Lorsban is used only in ways that should result in NO residues on  
apples or peaches; Guthion is not used on peaches and is nearly gone  
from our spray programs in apples; and Imidan is used far less than it  
used to be.  We might be wise to spend only a minimum amount of effort  
criticizing this particular study and instead tout our progress.  Such  
an approach is likely to be more beneficial for marketing and customer  
relations than any organized dispute of this particular research.


I realize that successive rounds of investigations will target newer  
groups of insecticides, and we'll have to face truths and rumors that  
result from them as well.  For now, energy might be best spent on  
making our progress very evident to the public.  The alternative --  
the idea that organic produce is the only answer -- will certainly not  
meet the needs of the nation's or the world's consumers any time in  
the foreseeable future.


Rick Weinzierl
Richard Weinzierl, Professor and Extension Entomologist
Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois
S-334 Turner Hall, 1102 South Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
weinz...@uiuc.edu, Ph. 217-244-2126

Re: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

2010-05-18 Thread Nick Lucking 
I'll admit, I still use Imidan and it is the most used out of the 5  
insecticides I rotate with including the newer chemistries.  I know  
it's days are numbered since there will be a reregistration coming  
back around for it.  I did an internship for Gowan Co couple of years  
back and I know we were trying to push it for some crops like  
cranberries as well.


As far as producing apples in more natural ways, since I am a small  
grower I have tried a few novel ideas.  About 5 years back when I had  
a light crop when I first took over my parent's orchard I used clear  
plastic bags over all the apples.  The Ziploc bags with the slide  
lock were the fastest to install.  I had perfect looking apples but  
the amount of plastic I used was absurd on the one acre I decided to  
treat.


Maybe I'll try Kaolin clay and oil as my only sprays one year, or  
maybe I'll try importing more beneficial insects specific to the  
pests I have in the orchard.  Tough to get away from conventional  
pesticides though as I need marketable apples every year for return  
on investment to keep my farm sustainable.  I totally agree with the  
others that stated that people will just import the food from  
somewhere else where the regulations are not as tight.


Nick Lucking
Cannon Valley Orchard
MN




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The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard 
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Clements .


Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent 
"official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for 
the content.

Re: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

2010-05-18 Thread David Kollas 



Rob Walton:

It does not matter much that many growers try to find ways to 
produce
apples in a natural way, or any other way, unless they are successful  
in their effort.
I, and others, have been trying for years to chip away at the many  
pest problems of
Northeastern USA orchards, using alternative chemicals, reduced  
chemicals, and
non-chemical methods, and have yet to put together a commercially  
profitable system
that greatly reduces the use of standard approved chemicals below the  
current norm.

But we do continue to try.

David Kollas
Kollas Orchard, Tolland, Connecticut

On May 18, 2010, at 9:16 PM, Robert Walton wrote:

Consumers need to eat more fruits and vegetables, and are harmed  
by scare
tactics which drive them away.   The nutritional benefits of  
eating fruits
and vegetables by far outweigh any risk posed by low levels of  
pesticide
residues.  Also, we all know that pesticide use is highly  
regulated and
pesticides go through many, many safety tests before being  
approved by EPA..




I usually lurk here, but have got to chime in. It's really, really
scary seeing apple producers shrug things like this off. We all know
the failings of the EPA and I am really hesitant to put my trust in
them. I know the advantages of using chemicals in growing apples. I
know the pressures the the "eat with their eyes" consumers put on
producers. But...I sure wish that there were more producers trying to
find ways to produce apples in a more natural way,

Rob


-- 



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 and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon
Clements .

Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not  
represent
"official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility  
for

the content.









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 and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon 
Clements .


Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent 
"official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for 
the content.

Re: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

2010-05-18 Thread Robert Walton 
> Consumers need to eat more fruits and vegetables, and are harmed by scare
> tactics which drive them away.   The nutritional benefits of eating fruits
> and vegetables by far outweigh any risk posed by low levels of pesticide
> residues.  Also, we all know that pesticide use is highly regulated and
> pesticides go through many, many safety tests before being approved by EPA..
>

I usually lurk here, but have got to chime in. It's really, really
scary seeing apple producers shrug things like this off. We all know
the failings of the EPA and I am really hesitant to put my trust in
them. I know the advantages of using chemicals in growing apples. I
know the pressures the the "eat with their eyes" consumers put on
producers. But...I sure wish that there were more producers trying to
find ways to produce apples in a more natural way,

Rob


--

The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard
 and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon
Clements .

Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent
"official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for
the content.

RE: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

2010-05-18 Thread Nancy Foster 
Interesting discussion today here about the ADHD/OP study.  Thanks to
Deborah and others for their thoughtful comments.  Some thoughts:

 

Consumers need to eat more fruits and vegetables, and are harmed by
scare tactics which drive them away.   The nutritional benefits of
eating fruits and vegetables by far outweigh any risk posed by low
levels of pesticide residues.  Also, we all know that pesticide use is
highly regulated and pesticides go through many, many safety tests
before being approved by EPA.

 

Consumers also need to hear - and hear often - the good news about
apples.  

 

Apples taste great, with a juicy crunch, for on-the-go snacks or as part
of a meal.  They're a great source of fiber, about equal to a bowl of
bran cereal.  Research confirms that apple fiber helps to lower
cholesterol.  (Adding just one large apple to the daily diet has been
shown to decrease serum cholesterol 8-11%.  Eating 2 large apples a day
has lowered cholesterol levels by up to 16%.)  

 

And over two-thirds of this fiber, and almost all of its antioxidants,
are found in the peel.  More research has linked apples and apple
products (sauce, juice) to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease,
asthma, various cancers,  and diabetes.  They're zero fat, sodium-free
and can also aid in weight loss.  

 

I know that this list serve is for information and not promotion, but
anyone who wants more information can link to:
http://www.usapple.org/educators/research/index.cfm

for apple health benefits (and research) and to
http://www.usapple.org/consumers/recipes/index.cfm for new ways to enjoy
apples.  To reach more consumers, there's also apple information on
Twitter:@USAppleAssoc <http://twitter.com/USAppleAssoc>  and  Facebook
<http://bit.ly/USApple> .

 

Nancy

 

Nancy Foster

President & CEO

U.S. Apple Association

Vienna, VA

(703) 442-8850

  

 

From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net
[mailto:apple-c...@virtualorchard.net] On Behalf Of Deborah I Breth
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 7:49 AM
To: Apple-Crop
Cc: Christopher Brian Watkins; Helene R Dillard
Subject: RE: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

 

Thank you for addressing  this issue.  Although apples are not in the
report, this report will certainly reinforce the concern  that family's
feel the need to  go organic in general.  It will be important for
commodity groups to get out there in the media and put this in
perspective.  The organic production will not meet the needs of the
general population at this point.  

 

Deborah I. Breth

Cornell Cooperative Extension - Lake Ontario Fruit Program

Team Leader and IPM Specialist in Tree Fruit and Berries

12690 Rt. 31

Albion, NY   14411

 

phone: 585.798.4265 x 36

mobile:  585.747.6039

fax:  585.798.5191

 

email: d...@cornell.edu

LOF website <http://www.fruit.cornell.edu/lof> 

 

From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net
[mailto:apple-c...@virtualorchard.net] On Behalf Of Nancy Foster
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 7:31 PM
To: Apple-Crop
Subject: RE: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

 

Since today's ADHD-Organophosphate story was mentioned on Apple
Crop/Virtual Orchard this morning, I wanted to share some information
about it.  

 

As you may have seen in the news clip below, the new study claims that
exposure to certain organophosphate pesticides-specifically found on
frozen blueberries, fresh strawberries and celery-appears to boost the
chances that children will be diagnosed with attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder.  To read more about what is being reported in
the popular press go to the following link:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37156010/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/#ixz
z0oDafw65a.  The study is published in the journal Pediatrics.

 

The study has been picked up by over 400 national and local media
outlets, including the national morning news shows.  For those
interested, USApple analyzed the study and found:

 

Apples or apple products are not mentioned in the study's full report or
any popular press articles.

No data in the study directly links cause and effect, just an
association.  The study itself says "prospective studies are needed to
establish whether this association is causal."

Research methods used were questionable - one-time urine sample and
telephone interview.

* A single urinalysis which detected OP metabolites was used to
determine correlation with long-term disorder (ADHD).

* The study's subjects - children - were determined to have ADHD
based on telephone interviews with caregivers, not a doctor's diagnosis
or extensive medical check.  

The researchers did not consider the children's overall diet or other
possible sources of exposure to OP's.

Information on the use of pesticides in this study does not reflect the
significant decline in OP use over the past decade.  If exposure to OP
pesticides were significant in effecting the diagnosis of ADHD, then

Re: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

2010-05-18 Thread Juliet E. Carroll 
Prepare yourself for the hysteria with this beautiful poster from the NYS 
IPM Program and arm yourself with the truth.  Many apple growers in New 
York use it to their advantage.  Copies available from NYS IPM 
http://nysipm.cornell.edu/fruits/apple_poster.asp; contact Michele Kaufman 
.

- Julie

At 12:04 AM 5/18/2010, you wrote:

I hope everyone prepares themselves for this season of hysteria when the
people come to the farm and farmers markets.  Arm yourselves with the truth
about pesticides and tell John Q. Public.

Tommy Bruguiere

Dickie Bros. Orchards
Roseland, Va.




--

The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard
 and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon
Clements .

Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent
"official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for
the content.


Juliet E. Carroll, PhD
Fruit IPM Coordinator, New York State IPM Program
Joint Faculty, Plant Pathology & Plant-Microbe Biology
Leader, Network for Environment & Weather App's (NEWA)
Cornell University, 630 W. North St., Geneva, NY 14456
315-787-2430 (Fax -2360), j...@cornell.edu

NYS IPM Program  www.nysipm.cornell.edu/
Cornell Fruit Resources   www.fruit.cornell.edu/
NEWA  www.newa.cornell.edu/
Trac Software   www.nysipm.cornell.edu/trac/
Integrated Pest Management
Cornell Cooperative Extension

Apple-Crop: Organophosphates

2010-05-18 Thread Rob Crassweller 
Below is a link to the original article in Pediatrics journal click on
the manual download button

 

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/peds.2009-3058v1 

 

 

 

Robert M. Crassweller
Professor of Tree Fruit
Penn State University
102 Tyson Building
University Park, PA 16802
(814)-863-6163 phone

Phone: 814-863-6163
e-mail: r...@psu.edu

RE: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

2010-05-18 Thread Fleming, William 
According to what read in the past the majority of pesticides and chemical 
fertilizers are used by homeowners who more often overuse them without reading 
the label.
Malathion is a popular insecticide available to homeowners at any supermarket 
or hardware store. I have to wonder if the study even looked at this aspect.

Bill Fleming
Montana State University
Western Ag Research Center
Corvallis, MT 59828
(

From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net [mailto:apple-c...@virtualorchard.net] On 
Behalf Of Deborah I Breth
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 5:49 AM
To: Apple-Crop
Cc: Christopher Brian Watkins; Helene R Dillard
Subject: RE: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

Thank you for addressing  this issue.  Although apples are not in the report, 
this report will certainly reinforce the concern  that family's feel the need 
to  go organic in general.  It will be important for commodity groups to get 
out there in the media and put this in perspective.  The organic production 
will not meet the needs of the general population at this point.

Deborah I. Breth
Cornell Cooperative Extension - Lake Ontario Fruit Program
Team Leader and IPM Specialist in Tree Fruit and Berries
12690 Rt. 31
Albion, NY   14411

phone: 585.798.4265 x 36
mobile:  585.747.6039
fax:  585.798.5191

email: d...@cornell.edu
LOF website<http://www.fruit.cornell.edu/lof>

From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net [mailto:apple-c...@virtualorchard.net] On 
Behalf Of Nancy Foster
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 7:31 PM
To: Apple-Crop
Subject: RE: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

Since today's ADHD-Organophosphate story was mentioned on Apple Crop/Virtual 
Orchard this morning, I wanted to share some information about it.

As you may have seen in the news clip below, the new study claims that exposure 
to certain organophosphate pesticides-specifically found on frozen blueberries, 
fresh strawberries and celery-appears to boost the chances that children will 
be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.  To read more about 
what is being reported in the popular press go to the following link: 
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37156010/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/#ixzz0oDafw65a.
  The study is published in the journal Pediatrics.

The study has been picked up by over 400 national and local media outlets, 
including the national morning news shows.  For those interested, USApple 
analyzed the study and found:

Apples or apple products are not mentioned in the study's full report or any 
popular press articles.
No data in the study directly links cause and effect, just an association.  The 
study itself says "prospective studies are needed to establish whether this 
association is causal."
Research methods used were questionable - one-time urine sample and telephone 
interview.

* A single urinalysis which detected OP metabolites was used to 
determine correlation with long-term disorder (ADHD).

* The study's subjects - children - were determined to have ADHD based 
on telephone interviews with caregivers, not a doctor's diagnosis or extensive 
medical check.
The researchers did not consider the children's overall diet or other possible 
sources of exposure to OP's.
Information on the use of pesticides in this study does not reflect the 
significant decline in OP use over the past decade.  If exposure to OP 
pesticides were significant in effecting the diagnosis of ADHD, then there 
would be a corresponding drop in ADHD diagnosis.

Nancy

Nancy Foster
U.S. Apple Association
(703) 442-8850
www.usapple.org<http://www.usapple.org>


From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net [mailto:apple-c...@virtualorchard.net] On 
Behalf Of Mark Longstroth
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 9:02 AM
To: 'Apple-Crop'
Subject: RE: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

Yes, I saw it this morning on NBC Today show.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/
It was the lead story at both 7 and 8 AM
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37156010/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

My thought was that is the end of the OPs

***
Mark Longstroth
MSUE Fruit Educator
http://www.canr.msu.edu/vanburen/disthort.htm

From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net [mailto:apple-c...@virtualorchard.net] On 
Behalf Of David Doud
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 7:44 AM
To: Apple-Crop
Subject: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

monday morning reading - it's going to be a long fall talking to people about 
this

"Led by Maryse Bouchard in Montreal, researchers based at the University of 
Montreal and Harvard University examined the potential relationship between 
ADHD and exposure to certain toxic pesticides called organophosphates"

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1989564,00.html?xid=rss-topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+time%2Ftopstories+%28TIME%3A+Top+Stories%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

David Doud
grower - Indiana

___

Re: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

2010-05-18 Thread Dave Rosenberger 
I appreciate US Apple's intelligent response to the organophosphate 
news story.  I compiled the response below yesterday before I 
received the US apple response, but inadvertently hit reply and sent 
it only to David Doud who provided the first item in this thread. 
Since then several folks have mentioned parallels to Alar, but I 
think (hope??) the US public is a bit more wary of scare-mongering 
now than they were in the late 1980's.  Nevertheless, both this story 
and the example noted in my last paragraph below illustrate that our 
country still has an abundance of folks who shroud themselves in 
ignorance so as to avoid reality, and that propensity is not limited 
by political affiliation or educational level.


Message compiled yesterday:
The organophosphate/ADHD report will undoubtedly raise many 
questions, but the information in the on-line links raises huge 
questions about the validity of the methods.  I would certainly like 
to see the details of the methods and hear a discussion of this 
issue by other toxicologists.  In my comments below, I don't mean to 
discount the importance of the findings:  I am only indicating that 
what the news media is presenting basically makes no sense to me as 
a scientist.  (Of course, given the quality of our media today, why 
should I expect that it would !!??)


 Following are some items from the on-line reports that require 
additional explanations:
	1.  One of the on-line reports indicated that that OP 
metabolite that was tested stays in the body only 3-5 days, and the 
report then went on to suggest that the fact that it was detected 
and correlated with ADHD probably means that these kids have a 
constant exposure.  I would like to know from a toxicologist or from 
previous studies how much this OP metabolite level fluctuate in 
someone eating a normal diet who is tested every 3 days over a 
period of several weeks or months.  It would seem to me that dietary 
exposure would be extremely variable from day to day.  If there is a 
constant exposure, then it is more likely environmental than 
dietary:  e.g., products used in the home, schools, home lawns, etc.
	2.  The kids examined were 8-15 yr old, but my impression 
(from my wife who is a nursery school teacher) has been that most 
kids with ADHD show symptoms beginning at a relatively young age. 
If there is a link to pesticides, then the cohort used for this 
study would seem totally inappropriate because the trigger for their 
ADHD would presumably have occurred at least four and perhaps 8-10 
years prior to the analysis of urine samples.  Thus, the need for 
more information on the natural fluctuations of this OP metabolite 
over time become even more important to understanding the results. 
Without that data, I'm not willing to believe that kids with a high 
OP metabolite level today are the same kids that had high chronic 
exposures during their prenatal periods or during their childhood 
from birth to 8 years old (the time periods when ADHD is presumably 
triggered).
	3.  So then the obvious questions are whether there may be 
alternative sources (other than OP pesticides) for the metabolite 
that was measured, or whether differences in body chemistry cause 
differences in how and where this metabolite shows up?  Is there any 
chance that the body itself can produce this metabolite if a 
disorder like ADHD is affecting nerve cells?  That may be a stupid 
question, but it is critical to understanding the results.


This report needs considerably more detail before it becomes useful 
other than as a scare tactic.  I recently heard that about 41 
percent of "tea party" folks in the US don't believe that Barack 
Obama was actually born in United States.  If those concerned about 
pesticides showed an equally "healthy??" level of skepticism, then 
99% would discount this report about an OP/ADHD link.  Of course, in 
the real world, we know that won't happen.



monday morning reading - it's going to be a long fall talking to 
people about this


"Led by Maryse Bouchard in Montreal, researchers based at the 
University of Montreal and Harvard University examined the potential 
relationship between ADHD and exposure to certain toxic pesticides 
called organophosphates"


http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1989564,00.html?xid=rss-topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+time%2Ftopstories+%28TIME%3A+Top+Stories%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

David Doud
grower - Indiana



--
**
Dave Rosenberger
Professor of Plant PathologyOffice:  845-691-7231
Cornell University's Hudson Valley Lab  Fax:845-691-2719
P.O. Box 727, Highland, NY 12528Cell:

Re: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

2010-05-18 Thread Richard Weinzierl 

All,

Let me confess to being a research and extension person and not a 
commercial apple or peach grower.  I do, however, spend a lot of time 
working with commercial growers.  With that disclaimer, I'll offer a 
few  thoughts.


I agree with the sentiments that the recently reported research on 
OPs and ADHD seems preliminary and somewhat flawed.   That said, 
folks, we've been reducing use of OPs on apples in the US since FQPA 
in 1996.  The regulations have been driven by both scientific and 
emotional concerns that OPs as residues on foods present more risks 
than the EPA finds acceptable.  Let's admit that there has been an 
underlying concern out there for some time, and it is not all driven 
by fanatics or anti-pesticide groups.  After we admit that to ourselves ...


 let's brag on the fact that we have responded to the concerns and 
the regulations by reducing OP use.  Penncap-M is no longer used at 
all; Lorsban is used only in ways that should result in NO residues 
on apples or peaches; Guthion is not used on peaches and is nearly 
gone from our spray programs in apples; and Imidan is used far less 
than it used to be.  We might be wise to spend only a minimum amount 
of effort criticizing this particular study and instead tout our 
progress.  Such an approach is likely to be more beneficial for 
marketing and customer relations than any organized dispute of this 
particular research.


I realize that successive rounds of investigations will target newer 
groups of insecticides, and we'll have to face truths and rumors that 
result from them as well.  For now, energy might be best spent on 
making our progress very evident to the public.  The alternative -- 
the idea that organic produce is the only answer -- will certainly 
not meet the needs of the nation's or the world's consumers any time 
in the foreseeable future.


Rick Weinzierl

Richard Weinzierl, Professor and Extension Entomologist
Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois
S-334 Turner Hall, 1102 South Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
weinz...@uiuc.edu, Ph. 217-244-2126

RE: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

2010-05-18 Thread Deborah I Breth 
Thank you for addressing  this issue.  Although apples are not in the report, 
this report will certainly reinforce the concern  that family's feel the need 
to  go organic in general.  It will be important for commodity groups to get 
out there in the media and put this in perspective.  The organic production 
will not meet the needs of the general population at this point.

Deborah I. Breth
Cornell Cooperative Extension - Lake Ontario Fruit Program
Team Leader and IPM Specialist in Tree Fruit and Berries
12690 Rt. 31
Albion, NY   14411

phone: 585.798.4265 x 36
mobile:  585.747.6039
fax:  585.798.5191

email: d...@cornell.edu
LOF website<http://www.fruit.cornell.edu/lof>

From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net [mailto:apple-c...@virtualorchard.net] On 
Behalf Of Nancy Foster
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 7:31 PM
To: Apple-Crop
Subject: RE: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

Since today's ADHD-Organophosphate story was mentioned on Apple Crop/Virtual 
Orchard this morning, I wanted to share some information about it.

As you may have seen in the news clip below, the new study claims that exposure 
to certain organophosphate pesticides-specifically found on frozen blueberries, 
fresh strawberries and celery-appears to boost the chances that children will 
be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.  To read more about 
what is being reported in the popular press go to the following link: 
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37156010/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/#ixzz0oDafw65a.
  The study is published in the journal Pediatrics.

The study has been picked up by over 400 national and local media outlets, 
including the national morning news shows.  For those interested, USApple 
analyzed the study and found:

Apples or apple products are not mentioned in the study's full report or any 
popular press articles.
No data in the study directly links cause and effect, just an association.  The 
study itself says "prospective studies are needed to establish whether this 
association is causal."
Research methods used were questionable - one-time urine sample and telephone 
interview.

* A single urinalysis which detected OP metabolites was used to 
determine correlation with long-term disorder (ADHD).

* The study's subjects - children - were determined to have ADHD based 
on telephone interviews with caregivers, not a doctor's diagnosis or extensive 
medical check.
The researchers did not consider the children's overall diet or other possible 
sources of exposure to OP's.
Information on the use of pesticides in this study does not reflect the 
significant decline in OP use over the past decade.  If exposure to OP 
pesticides were significant in effecting the diagnosis of ADHD, then there 
would be a corresponding drop in ADHD diagnosis.

Nancy

Nancy Foster
U.S. Apple Association
(703) 442-8850
www.usapple.org<http://www.usapple.org>


From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net [mailto:apple-c...@virtualorchard.net] On 
Behalf Of Mark Longstroth
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 9:02 AM
To: 'Apple-Crop'
Subject: RE: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

Yes, I saw it this morning on NBC Today show.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/
It was the lead story at both 7 and 8 AM
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37156010/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

My thought was that is the end of the OPs

***
Mark Longstroth
MSUE Fruit Educator
http://www.canr.msu.edu/vanburen/disthort.htm

From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net [mailto:apple-c...@virtualorchard.net] On 
Behalf Of David Doud
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 7:44 AM
To: Apple-Crop
Subject: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

monday morning reading - it's going to be a long fall talking to people about 
this

"Led by Maryse Bouchard in Montreal, researchers based at the University of 
Montreal and Harvard University examined the potential relationship between 
ADHD and exposure to certain toxic pesticides called organophosphates"

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1989564,00.html?xid=rss-topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+time%2Ftopstories+%28TIME%3A+Top+Stories%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

David Doud
grower - Indiana

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For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email
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For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email
__

RE: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

2010-05-18 Thread edwdollx2 
It sounds like another ALAR episode for the fruit industry, with less data a 
facts than before, and on unsuspecting crops of strawberries and blueberries.  
Will history repeat itself?
 
Chris Doll, Edwardsville, Il.




-Original Message-
From: Nancy Foster <nfos...@usapple.org>
To: Apple-Crop <apple-crop@virtualorchard.net>
Sent: Mon, May 17, 2010 7:00 pm
Subject: RE: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

Since today’s ADHD-Organophosphate story was mentioned on Apple Crop/Virtual 
Orchard this morning, I wanted to share some information about it.  
 
As you may have seen in the news clip below, the new study claims that exposure 
to certain organophosphate pesticides—specifically found on frozen blueberries, 
fresh strawberries and celery—appears to boost the chances that children will 
be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.  To read more about 
what is being reported in the popular press go to the following link: 
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37156010/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/#ixzz0oDafw65a. 
 The study is published in the journal Pediatrics.
 
The study has been picked up by over 400 national and local media outlets, 
including the national morning news shows.  For those interested, USApple 
analyzed the study and found:
 
Apples or apple products are not mentioned in the study’s full report or any 
popular press articles.
No data in the study directly links cause and effect, just an association.  The 
study itself says “prospective studies are needed to establish whether this 
association is causal.”
Research methods used were questionable – one-time urine sample and telephone 
interview.
· A single urinalysis which detected OP metabolites was used to 
determine correlation with long-term disorder (ADHD).
· The study’s subjects – children – were determined to have ADHD based 
on telephone interviews with caregivers, not a doctor’s diagnosis or extensive 
medical check.  
The researchers did not consider the children’s overall diet or other possible 
sources of exposure to OP’s.
Information on the use of pesticides in this study does not reflect the 
significant decline in OP use over the past decade.  If exposure to OP 
pesticides were significant in effecting the diagnosis of ADHD, then there 
would be a corresponding drop in ADHD diagnosis.
 
Nancy
 
Nancy Foster
U.S. Apple Association
(703) 442-8850
www.usapple.org
 
 
From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net [mailto:apple-c...@virtualorchard.net] On 
Behalf Of Mark Longstroth
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 9:02 AM
To: 'Apple-Crop'
Subject: RE: Apple-Crop: organophosphates


 
Yes, I saw it this morning on NBC Today show.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/
It was the lead story at both 7 and 8 AM
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37156010/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/
 
My thought was that is the end of the OPs
 
***
Mark Longstroth
MSUE Fruit Educator
http://www.canr.msu.edu/vanburen/disthort.htm

 
From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net [mailto:apple-c...@virtualorchard.net] On 
Behalf Of David Doud
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 7:44 AM
To: Apple-Crop
Subject: Apple-Crop: organophosphates


 
monday morning reading - it's going to be a long fall talking to people about 
this
 

"Led by Maryse Bouchard in Montreal, researchers based at the University of 
Montreal and Harvard University examined the potential relationship between 
ADHD and exposure to certain toxic pesticides called organophosphates"
 

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1989564,00.html?xid=rss-topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+time%2Ftopstories+%28TIME%3A+Top+Stories%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

 

David Doud

grower - Indiana



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This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System.
For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email 
__


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This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System.
For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email 
__

Re: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

2010-05-17 Thread Tommy and Sandy 
I just talked to a strawberry grower who does both pick your own and 
wholesale sales to schools and farmers markets.  The only spray that he uses 
are fungicides and not one insecticide.  And blueberries give me a break, 
the only thing that eats blueberries are people.  Are all these children 
eating enough of  these fruits and berries to even have pecticides show up 
in the bloodstream.  Where is the science behind these claims.
And yes when we are all run out of business here in this country we 
certainly can buy all our food from China where they use God knows what.
I hope everyone prepares themselves for this season of hysteria when the 
people come to the farm and farmers markets.  Arm yourselves with the truth 
about pesticides and tell John Q. Public.


Tommy Bruguiere

Dickie Bros. Orchards
Roseland, Va. 





--

The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is sponsored by the Virtual Orchard 
 and managed by Win Cowgill and Jon 
Clements .


Apple-Crop is not moderated. Therefore, the statements do not represent 
"official" opinions and the Virtual Orchard takes no responsibility for 
the content.

Re: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

2010-05-17 Thread Mark Angermayer 
I know a lot of folks are politely holding their opinions, but after reading
Nancy's rough critique.  I can't help saying, You've got to be kidding me!

One urine sample?  An ADHD diagnosis based on a telephone interview?  Come
on.

I was skeptical when I read the study involved 1100 kids, and only 119 had
ADHD.  Those numbers themselves plant a question of stat. significance.

This appears to be another case of the ever popular attack on pesticides.
Once organophosaphates go down, the focus will be on pyrethroids,  then
neonicitinoids, then IGR's, etc.

The good news is, once all our crop protectants are banned, our population
will still be able to buy fruit from China, so no one will go hungry.

I know this list is not an emotionally driven one, but this makes me mad.

Mark Angermayer
Tubby Fruits
Bucyrus KS

- Original Message - 
From: Nancy Foster
To: Apple-Crop
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 6:31 PM
Subject: RE: Apple-Crop: organophosphates


Since today's ADHD-Organophosphate story was mentioned on Apple Crop/Virtual
Orchard this morning, I wanted to share some information about it.

As you may have seen in the news clip below, the new study claims that
exposure to certain organophosphate pesticides-specifically found on frozen
blueberries, fresh strawberries and celery-appears to boost the chances that
children will be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
To read more about what is being reported in the popular press go to the
following link:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37156010/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/#ixzz0oDafw65a.
The study is published in the journal Pediatrics.

The study has been picked up by over 400 national and local media outlets,
including the national morning news shows.  For those interested, USApple
analyzed the study and found:

Apples or apple products are not mentioned in the study's full report or any
popular press articles.
No data in the study directly links cause and effect, just an association.
The study itself says "prospective studies are needed to establish whether
this association is causal."
Research methods used were questionable - one-time urine sample and
telephone interview.
· A single urinalysis which detected OP metabolites was used to
determine correlation with long-term disorder (ADHD).
· The study's subjects - children - were determined to have ADHD
based on telephone interviews with caregivers, not a doctor's diagnosis or
extensive medical check.
The researchers did not consider the children's overall diet or other
possible sources of exposure to OP's.
Information on the use of pesticides in this study does not reflect the
significant decline in OP use over the past decade.  If exposure to OP
pesticides were significant in effecting the diagnosis of ADHD, then there
would be a corresponding drop in ADHD diagnosis.

Nancy

Nancy Foster
U.S. Apple Association
(703) 442-8850
www.usapple.org


From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net [mailto:apple-c...@virtualorchard.net]
On Behalf Of Mark Longstroth
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 9:02 AM
To: 'Apple-Crop'
Subject: RE: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

Yes, I saw it this morning on NBC Today show.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/
It was the lead story at both 7 and 8 AM
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37156010/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

My thought was that is the end of the OPs

***
Mark Longstroth
MSUE Fruit Educator
http://www.canr.msu.edu/vanburen/disthort.htm

From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net [mailto:apple-c...@virtualorchard.net]
On Behalf Of David Doud
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 7:44 AM
To: Apple-Crop
Subject: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

monday morning reading - it's going to be a long fall talking to people
about this

"Led by Maryse Bouchard in Montreal, researchers based at the University of
Montreal and Harvard University examined the potential relationship between
ADHD and exposure to certain toxic pesticides called organophosphates"

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1989564,00.html?xid=rss-topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+time%2Ftopstories+%28TIME%3A+Top+Stories%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

David Doud
grower - Indiana

__
This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System.
For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email
__

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For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email
__



--

The 'Apple-Crop' LISTSERV is

RE: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

2010-05-17 Thread Nancy Foster 
Since today's ADHD-Organophosphate story was mentioned on Apple
Crop/Virtual Orchard this morning, I wanted to share some information
about it.  

 

As you may have seen in the news clip below, the new study claims that
exposure to certain organophosphate pesticides-specifically found on
frozen blueberries, fresh strawberries and celery-appears to boost the
chances that children will be diagnosed with attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder.  To read more about what is being reported in
the popular press go to the following link:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37156010/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/#ixz
z0oDafw65a.  The study is published in the journal Pediatrics.

 

The study has been picked up by over 400 national and local media
outlets, including the national morning news shows.  For those
interested, USApple analyzed the study and found:

 

Apples or apple products are not mentioned in the study's full report or
any popular press articles.

No data in the study directly links cause and effect, just an
association.  The study itself says "prospective studies are needed to
establish whether this association is causal."

Research methods used were questionable - one-time urine sample and
telephone interview.

* A single urinalysis which detected OP metabolites was used to
determine correlation with long-term disorder (ADHD).

* The study's subjects - children - were determined to have ADHD
based on telephone interviews with caregivers, not a doctor's diagnosis
or extensive medical check.  

The researchers did not consider the children's overall diet or other
possible sources of exposure to OP's.

Information on the use of pesticides in this study does not reflect the
significant decline in OP use over the past decade.  If exposure to OP
pesticides were significant in effecting the diagnosis of ADHD, then
there would be a corresponding drop in ADHD diagnosis.

 

Nancy

 

Nancy Foster

U.S. Apple Association

(703) 442-8850

www.usapple.org

 

 

From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net
[mailto:apple-c...@virtualorchard.net] On Behalf Of Mark Longstroth
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 9:02 AM
To: 'Apple-Crop'
Subject: RE: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

 

Yes, I saw it this morning on NBC Today show.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/

It was the lead story at both 7 and 8 AM

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37156010/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

 

My thought was that is the end of the OPs

 

***

Mark Longstroth

MSUE Fruit Educator

http://www.canr.msu.edu/vanburen/disthort.htm

 

From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net
[mailto:apple-c...@virtualorchard.net] On Behalf Of David Doud
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 7:44 AM
To: Apple-Crop
Subject: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

 

monday morning reading - it's going to be a long fall talking to people
about this

 

"Led by Maryse Bouchard in Montreal, researchers based at the University
of Montreal and Harvard University examined the potential relationship
between ADHD and exposure to certain toxic pesticides called
organophosphates"

 

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1989564,00.html?xid=rss-t
opstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tim
e%2Ftopstories+%28TIME%3A+Top+Stories%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

 

David Doud

grower - Indiana


__
This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System.
For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email 
__


__
This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System.
For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email 
__

RE: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

2010-05-17 Thread Mark Longstroth 
Yes, I saw it this morning on NBC Today show.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/

It was the lead story at both 7 and 8 AM

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37156010/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

 

My thought was that is the end of the OPs

 

***

Mark Longstroth

MSUE Fruit Educator

http://www.canr.msu.edu/vanburen/disthort.htm

 

From: apple-crop@virtualorchard.net [mailto:apple-c...@virtualorchard.net]
On Behalf Of David Doud
Sent: Monday, May 17, 2010 7:44 AM
To: Apple-Crop
Subject: Apple-Crop: organophosphates

 

monday morning reading - it's going to be a long fall talking to people
about this

 

"Led by Maryse Bouchard in Montreal, researchers based at the University of
Montreal and Harvard University examined the potential relationship between
ADHD and exposure to certain toxic pesticides called organophosphates"

 

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1989564,00.html?xid=rss-topst
ories
<http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1989564,00.html?xid=rss-tops
tories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+time%2Ftop
stories+%28TIME%3A+Top+Stories%29&utm_content=Google+Reader>
&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+time%2Ftopstorie
s+%28TIME%3A+Top+Stories%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

 

David Doud

grower - Indiana

Apple-Crop: organophosphates

2010-05-17 Thread David Doud 
monday morning reading - it's going to be a long fall talking to  
people about this


"Led by Maryse Bouchard in Montreal, researchers based at the  
University of Montreal and Harvard University examined the potential  
relationship between ADHD and exposure to certain toxic pesticides  
called organophosphates"


http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1989564,00.html? 
xid=rss- 
topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A 
+time%2Ftopstories+%28TIME%3A+Top+Stories%29&utm_content=Google+Reader


David Doud
grower - Indiana