the archives shows this material came up before in discussion. this recent publication implies that
usage is increasing.
from:
http://www.organic-center.org/reportfiles/Pesticide_SSR_2008.pdf
page 19
For organic farmers, Spinosad is the first new,
highly effective insecticide approved for use on
organic farms that works just as well, or better
than many conventional insecticides. Despite its
relatively high cost, many organic fruit and
vegetable farmers have incorporated spinosad in
their organic system plans, and some appear to
be using it heavily.
While far less risky to most organisms than the
OPs and carbamates, spinosad is among the
most toxic pesticides ever applied to bees.
As with most pesticides the timing and knowledge of the applicator is key to reducing a risk to
pollinators.
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