Understanding Forchlorfenuron: Its Residues and Toxicity in Grapes

The Safety Profile of Forchlorfenuron in Grape Cultivation

Forchlorfenuron is considered safe for use in grape production for several reasons:

1. Lack of Physiological Activity in Animals: As an exogenous plant hormone, forchlorfenuron significantly impacts plant physiology but exhibits no physiological activity in animals. This means it does not induce effects such as precocious puberty in humans.
2. Rapid Degradation: Being an organic compound, forchlorfenuron is quickly metabolized during grape growth and does not persist in the soil, ensuring that grape consumers are not exposed to the compound.
3. Targeted Application: The substance is only effective during the early stages of grape development, promoting cell division in young tissues. It is not used during the middle and late growth stages as it would not be effective.
4. Minimal Effective Concentrations: The concentrations used in actual production are very low, typically between 2-5mg/L, and never exceed 10%. On average, only about 20L of the prepared solution is used per acre, which equates to a maximum of 200 mg/mu of the original dose.
5. Controlled Use Despite Abuse: While there have been instances of misuse, high concentrations are generally avoided as they can lead to reduced grape quality, hardening of stems, and fruit deformity. Exceeding 30mg/L can cause severe hormonal responses and negatively impact the fruit's value, similar to the careful management of hormone levels in humans and animals.

Regulatory Oversight and Public Concerns

The use of forchlorfenuron, like any pesticide, must be approved by the relevant agricultural authorities. In China, the Ministry of Agriculture conducts a rigorous registration review process that includes evaluations of product chemistry, efficacy, toxicology, residue levels, environmental impact, and labeling. Pesticides must have a complete and correct label, including the generic name, trade name, active ingredient content, formulation, shelf life, usage instructions, dosage, uses, safety interval, and registration number.

Forchlorfenuron and gibberellic acid are approved by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture for use in grape production. Products like Shanghai's "75% gibberellic acid crystalline powder" and "Sichuan 0.1% Forchlorfenuron" meet label specifications and are authorized for use. Despite the presence of counterfeit products, the Shanghai Agriculture Committee found that 98% of plant preparations on the market were qualified.

Internationally, forchlorfenuron is also permitted. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered forchlorfenuron as a new plant growth regulator for use on grapes and kiwi in 2004. Japan set a maximum use concentration limit of 10mg/L for grape applications in 2005.

Global Acceptance and Use

Forchlorfenuron's use is not limited to China. In the United States, the EPA registered forchlorfenuron for use on grapes and kiwi in 2004. Similarly, Japan included forchlorfenuron in its pesticide information guide in 2005, allowing its application on grapes with a maximum concentration limit of 10mg/L.

Conclusion

Forchlorfenuron is a low-toxicity plant growth regulator that, when used correctly, does not pose significant risks of residue in grapes. Its use is strictly regulated and approved by agricultural authorities in various countries, ensuring consumer safety. While concerns about agricultural chemicals are valid, the evidence suggests that forchlorfenuron, when applied according to guidelines, is a safe and effective tool for grape cultivation.

Source: The original content was based on information from cospcn.com, which is no longer available. However, the information has been fact-checked and expanded using reliable sources.