Although the use of fungicides in Prince Edward Island increased last year because of an unprecedented outbreak of late blight, the use of other pesticides in the province continues to decline. A report on 1996 pesticide sales was released today by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
The amount of insecticides sold in 1996 decreased by 33.6 percent from 1995, and is down by 45.9 percent from 1993. The amount of herbicides sold has remained constant since 1993. With an increase in acreage under crops of about 10 percent over that period, there has actually been a proportional decrease in the use of herbicides in the province.
The figures show that the use of fungicides last year increased by 73.5 percent over 1995 because of an extremely serious outbreak of late blight and the introduction of the A-2 strain to the Island. Most fungicide application schedules were reduced from the normal 7-10 day cycle to a 3-5 day cycle as embattled producers attempted to contain the outbreak. Although figures for 1997 are not yet available, early indications are that the use of fungicides will be substantially lower this year because of improved weather conditions, better control practices and the return of spray cycles to more normal levels.
The release of the report follows recommendations by the Round Table on Land Use and Stewardship that the department improve its capability to track and report on pesticide sales.
"The industry is to be congratulated for its efforts to reduce the use of pesticides and to apply them in a responsible manner," said Agriculture and Forestry minister Eric Hammill. "We are continuing to work with producers to further reduce pesticide use in the province through better disease control methods and improved production practices."
Mr. Hammill said increased crop scouting, the adoption of Integrated Pest Management techniques, stricter enforcement of the Pesticides Control Act and changes in the Plant Health Act as they relate to minimum seed potato standards are helping to achieve the goal of reduced pesticide use.
The minister said that producers are also taking more precautions when applying pesticides and are only using them when absolutely necessary to control diseases.
"There has been a significant change in attitudes about pesticide use over the past several years," said Mr. Hammill. "This will go a long way to improving relationships between producers and their neighbours."