5.8 What can be done to mitigate residue problems?

Essentially, the key measures that can be taken at the farmer - operator level are: 

1. apply the right substance (s),
2. in the right way,
3. at the right time.

It follows that there are four important practical ways to avoid residue violations: 

1. Establish whether pesticide application is the most appropriate way to solve the problem:
   
   • Will it be cost effective?
   • Are there viable alternatives?
   
   • Has a pesticide on offer been withdrawn?
    → if so, do not use.
   
   • Is the pesticide likely to be withdrawn soon (Appendix 3)?
   → if so, see section 5.6.
    
2. If it is appropriate, select the right pesticide for the problem.
   
   Ask yourself: 
   • Am I using a suitable product for cocoa?
   • Is it on the recommended list for controlling the problem?
   • Is it safe for me to use?
   • How would I need to use it?
    
3. Apply pesticides in the right way to achieve effective pest control. Good application includes control of the amount of product delivered to the crop. This means good nozzle selection, calibration and application technique (see Chapter 6). A frequently encountered misconception is that “Adding a little extra will make sure of good control”
    
4. Apply pesticides at the right time - before the Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI): which is the minimum permitted number of days between the last spray and harvest. This can be one of the most important considerations for avoiding harmful residues on produce. 

For example, the product shown [1] is an effective and widely used fungicide for the control of black pod disease. 

The label (“Use recommendation”) states that the recommended PHI is one month, but this may not always be adhered to by farmers during peak-season disease attacks. 

Trainers must emphasise this point with clear messages such as "don't spray within 4 weeks of harvest".