California pesticide use down in 2006

Overall statewide pesticide use declined by nearly six million pounds from 2005 to 2006 (from 195.3 million to 189.6 million). While use increased in landscape maintenance, public health and other categories, production agriculture saw a 10 million pound drop.

Use of many high-toxicity chemicals dropped for the third consecutive year. No rankings changed from 2005 to 2006 among the top five counties, in order of most pesticide pounds applied. Fresno was first, followed by Kern, Tulare, San Joaquin, and Madera. All are agricultural powerhouses.

DPR analysts note that pesticide use varies from year to year based on many factors, including types of crops, economics, acreage planted, and weather conditions.

Even under similar conditions, pest problems may vary. For example, cool wet spring weather often prompts increased use of sulfur and other fungicides, as was the case in 2005. But similar weather conditions in 2006 did not produce as much vineyard disease in most areas, so wine grape growers actually used less sulfur. (Total pesticide use in wine grapes dropped by about 8.5 million pounds.)