US: Pesticide used by strawberry growers in Tampa causing a stink
Ted Campbell, who directs the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, told the Tampa Tribune it's the first year Paladin is being widely used by strawberry farmers. "It's fumigation season," Campbell said. "We're using Padadin now. It's actually very effective, but it really stinks."
For many years strawberry growers used methyl bromide. But the compound was discontinued in 2005 because of its possible effect on the ozone. The Tribune reports farmers used up their stockpiles while looking for a new compound. Paladin is safer for the aquifer and dissipates more quickly as the season continues. "It's getting wider usage this year," Campbell said. "So there is more stink this year."
Growers must complete fumigation three weeks before the strawberries are planted, he said. The goal for planting is the first week in October. That means fumigation must be finished by next week. He says the process sterilizes the soil, killing off microscopic organisms, fungi and weeds that could be harmful to the strawberry plants. "It's not harmful to people," he said. "It's similar to the stuff they put in propane."
Source: www.therepublic.com