Pesticide Residue Studies
In response to industry concerns regarding Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for pesticides in foreign markets, the WTFRC initiated studies in 2011 in apple and cherry to develop residue data for commonly used insecticides and fungicides to help Washington growers make more informed choices about their spray programs. The WTFRC Internal Program recently completed its 2026 study in cherry at a Skeena block near East Wenatchee. This year’s trial included 14 insecticides/acaricides, 5 fungicides, and one plant growth regulator. The results of the 2026 study and a long term summary of all WTFRC cherry pesticide residue studies (2012-2026) are available below, as well as reports from previous years on apple and cherry; results of an ongoing WTFRC residue study in apple will be posted this fall.