US established temporary tolerances for streptomycin

Date:05-24-2013

EPA has established time-limited tolerances for residues of streptomycin in or on grapefruit for control of citrus canker (Xanthomonas citri) in Florida.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) requested an emergency exemption for use of streptomycin on up to 54,000 acres of fresh-market grapefruit to combat citrus canker, a disease caused by the bacteria Xanthomonas citri. Citrus canker was once limited to localized areas in Florida, but several recent severe hurricane seasons have spread the disease throughout the citrus growing areas and widespread treatment to control the disease throughout the season has become necessary.
 
The FDACS requested a maximum of 2 applications of streptomycin, by ground equipment only, at a rate of 0.448 pounds of active ingredient per acre per application, during the hottest part of the season when the risk of fruit injury from the alternative controls is the greatest.

The tolerances expire on Dec 31, 2015.