Trends in the use of pesticides and pesticide residues on Queensland wool.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the amounts of organophosphorous and synthetic pyrethroid residues on Queensland wool sampled between 1995 and 1997, and to study if pesticide use changed during the period.


METHODS
Estimated amounts of residues were obtained from a survey of Queensland wool clips and information on pesticide use was obtained from a trace-back postal survey of flock managers.


METHODS
Trends in amounts of residues over time were assessed using analysis of variance and simple linear regression models, and changes in pesticide use was assessed using chi 2 tests.


RESULTS
Significant linear reductions in organophosphorous (P = 0.0012), synthetic pyrethroid (P = 0.0044) and total (P = 0.0002) residues were detected. The proportion of wool-growers treating for louse infestation (P = 0.0046) treating twice or more (P = 0.0006) and treating more than 4 months after shearing (P = 0.0001) decreased between 1994 and 1997. However, the proportion of growers who treated for blowfly strike (P = 0.0124) and used insect growth regulator pesticides increased (P < 0.0001). The use of handjetting to apply pesticides for blowfly strike control increased and the use of dips decreased (P < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
Residues of organophosphorous compounds and synthetic pyrethroids reduced in Queensland wool between 1994 and 1997. Although woolgrowers treated for louse infestation less, pesticide use to control blowfly strike increased. The increasing use of insect growth regulators in the industry needs to be monitored.
Ward
M P
MP
Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Animal Research Institute, Moorooka.
Armstrong
R T
RT
D000818:Animals; D007300:Insect Control / Q000639:trends*; D007306:Insecticides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis; D007605:Juvenile Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010373:Lice Infestations / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D009198:Myiasis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D010573:Pesticide Residues / Q000032:analysis*; D010944:Plants; D011722:Pyrethrins; D011793:Queensland; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D014935:Wool / Q000737:chemistry*
D007306:Insecticides; D007605:Juvenile Hormones; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D010573:Pesticide Residues; D011722:Pyrethrins