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(W/MF210) Crop-specific scenarios for the ecological risk assessment of pesticides in typical Mediterranean crops. Ramos, C.1, Pablos, M.V.1, Sanchez, P.1, Vega, M.M.1, Fernandez, C.1, Carbonell, G.1, Tarazona, J.V.1, 1 ABSTRACT- The generic scenarios developed under the Uniform Principles for the registration of pesticides in the European Union presents several problems when applied to Mediterranean conditions. Previous works demonstrated that the scenarios are in most cases overprotective, preventing the registration of pesticides which does not represent a real risk under normal use conditions in Mediterranean crops. The opposite can also be observed, and pesticides representing a significant risk for Mediterranean ecosystems can be approved on the basis of a generic assessment which does not cover the specificities of these systems. Agro-climatic conditions are a key factor in this assessment, and because of the relationships between both geo-climatic conditions and agricultural possibilities, the use of crop-specific scenarios represent a proper option. This work presents crop specific scenarios for citrus, olive-trees, vineyards and greenhouses. In each case, crop characteristics, application conditions and pesticide properties determine the relevant exposure route and key ecological endpoints. A particular weight is conferred to the characteristics of the Mediterranean streams (large river basins, highly regulated, large flow variations, relevance of soil erosion) and the ecological value of the area (proximity to protected areas, biodiversity, endangerous species). For each crop, a generic proposal and a specific example are presented. Key words: Mediterranean conditions, risk assessments, pesticides, n/a |
