Malathion Controversy

I wonder if your readers in Medfly quarantine areas are aware of the state’s proposed spraying schedule for malathion. After receiving our notice that “your area is being put on an approximate 21-day treatment schedule beginning with this treatment,” I called the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The “21-day treatment schedule” means that we are to be re-sprayed every 21 days until March. Then we are to be re-sprayed every 14 days until June. After that we are to be re-sprayed every 7 days until full eradication. And that eradication is doubtful according to some of the scientists who helped develop the original program (Part A, Jan. 11).

All this is to be done just so we can export our fruit to Japan without treating it.

MITZI SHPAK

Pasadena