Gift Lemon Tree Given A Systemic Insecticide Before Shipping. Safe To Eat?

Question

Now that the tree has ripe fruit, I would like to eat. But I forgot what they fed the tree with to keep the bugs away and I’m concerned it will affect me. When I looked the insecticide up initially, it did not look good, but I cannot remember what it was – and cannot locate any info at this time about the company that shipped. I am organic and I never sprayed or fertilized the tree. Thanks for whatever help you can lend. Even suggest what they might have used for pest control.

Answer 1

It likely was a systemic fungicide or insecticide. Without knowing what it was, though, I would hate to guess about its safety. However, the government has strict guidelines on what growers can apply to edibles before selling. And the label would tell how much time must pass between application and consumption. If you can find the company's name you can give them a call.

Here are a couple of articles on systemic pesticides that may help:

https://citybugs.tamu.edu/2010/06/07/systemi/

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/systemic-pesticide-in-gardens.htm