Institut für Anwendungstechnik im Pflanzenschutz
The aim of the project is to collect data (dermal and inhalation) for estimating the exposure of bystanders and residents to spray mist during the application of plant protection products (PPP) in vertical crops. Due to limited available data, the current EFSA guideline explicitly recommends the collection of relevant measurement data on spray mist exposure in vertical crops. Additional data collection by German authorities is considered necessary to fill existing gaps, enable a more flexible risk assessment, and utilize derived options in risk management. Further drift reduction classes in conjunction with distance regulations are intended to be established as risk mitigation options. Drift reduction classes higher than 50% are currently not addressed in the EFSA exposure model but are widely used in practice. Currently, only a distance of 5m from the treated area can be modeled regarding the exposure of uninvolved third parties. In the experimental design of this project, as in the previous project, 3m is intended as the minimum distance. The comparison of drift data in viticulture and orchards provides extrapolation options for the future assessment of drift issues in both crops. In addition, to ground-based applications, drones are to be used for the application of a PPP-surrogate (fluorescent dye) as a forward-looking technique. Artificial orchards with nets as a simulation of the leaf canopy will be investigated parallel to the traditional orchard. This will address the question of the extent to which artificial orchards are suitable for determining regulatory acceptable exposure values. The goal is to establish a standardized measurement system and thus making it widely available for use by authorities and industry for risk assessment in the context of authorization.
BVL
