The aim of the “Special Citrus Use” is to safely disinfest citrus of key pests, none more important than Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), before fruit leaves the grove. The results below provide evidence that pest control will result following the application of &lt;250 mgL-1 eFUME (&lt;43 mgL-1 ethyl formate AI) to field bins of “bulk citrus” under tarpaulin and that, importantly, there is a “total utilization” of  ethyl formate, such that applicator/worker reentry will not occur until ethyl formate levels in the enclosure (tarpaulin) headspace are &lt; 100ppmv (and thus immediately compliant with the Cal/OHSA 8-h TWA PEL for ethyl formate).  Evidence is presented to show that ethyl formate off-gassing from recently fumigated fruit occurs at levels that do not pose a risk to applicators or workers, as ethyl formate is rapidly hydrolyzed in the fruit, and that resultant “free” and “combined” formic acid residues are collectively expected to be &lt; 80 mgkg-1 as well as difficult to distinguish from natural levels. Based on laboratory-scale fumigations with mass-labeled ethyl formate having Ct exposures recommended in the “Special Citrus Use”, “free” formic acid residues are expected to be &lt; 14mgkg-1, the analytical limit of quantification (LOQ).

Sorption and off-gassing of ethyl formate following postharvest fumigation of bulk citrus with eFUME®

ACS Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.