Monitoring use of pesticides in the pistoia area

Background. The surveys of pesticides in the areas of Pistoia and Valdinievole characterized by nursery and floriculture industry. Objectives. To determine types and quantities of pesticides used by a sample of floriculture and nursery companies. Methods. Assembly of data from registries of phytosanitary treatments. Quantities of pesticides used from 2011 to 2014, classified by their function, detailed composition, quantities by active ingredients (AI) and enumeration by hazard classification (Regulation-EC-1272/2008). To analyzed of data collected on the use of plant protection products (PPPs) in a sample of companies from 2011 to 2014, along with quantities used by the same companies in previous years (2005-2010). The quantities estimated on the Pistoia area, from 2005 to 2014, have been compared to the Regional and National data. Results. In the Pistoia area there has been an increase of AI use (+13,6%). Most prevalent PPPs are herbicides (76%). The comparison with the previous period (2005-2010) shows a quantitative increase. The 72% of all AI. used are represented by: Glyphosate (43%), Pendimetalin (17%) and Mineral Oil (12%). The quantities of AI used per hectare in Pistoia are higher than the regional (Tuscany) and national average consumption, with a positive trend from 2005 to 2014. In Valdinievole (floriculture area), there is also an increase of use, either of PPPs or AI. Most prevalent are insecticides/acaricides (53%). Overall an increased “hazardous substances” in both areas was observed. Conclusion. Public Health institutions need to improve their knowledge of pesticide use in this industry to provide an improved definition of both occ