CIPC residues on stored Russet Burbank potatoes: 1. Maximum label application

Abstract

Residue concentrations of chlorpropham (CIPC) on stored Russet Burbank potatoes were evaluated after thermal aerosol treatment at maximum labeled rates. The aerosol was applied after the potatoes had been placed in the storage structure and the wound healing process was complete. Average residue concentrations four days after the initial application ranged from 6 to 8 mg/kg fresh tuber weight depending on the storage temperature and the application rates. A second aerosol treatment applied 90 days after the first treatment kept the residue concentrations above 5 mg/kg for the duration of the storage period. A direct spray application to the tubers at various times during the study raised the average CIPC concentration an additional 2 to 3 mg/kg. All CIPC residue concentrations measured on tubers in this study were below the EPA established (1996) tolerance of 30 mg/kg. Residue concentrations of CIPC were greater on potatoes near the bottom of the pile than near the top of the pile. These variations in CIPC residue concentrations (3–8 mg/kg between top and bottom of the bulk pile) are appropriate justification for the development of improved application methodology.