How soon can a harvesting crew enter a treated field after applying a pesticide with a pre-harvest interval of 16 days and a restricted interval of 12 days?

The correct response is that a harvesting crew can enter a treated field after 16 days. This is due to the pre-harvest interval (PHI) established for the pesticide used. The PHI is the minimum amount of time that must pass before harvest can occur after the pesticide application. In this case, since the PHI is 16 days, the harvesting crew must wait that length of time before entering the field to ensure that residues do not exceed legal limits and that the crop is safe for consumption.

The restricted entry interval (REI) of 12 days indicates the time frame during which anyone not involved in the pesticide application cannot enter the area to minimize risk of exposure. However, for the purpose of harvesting, the PHI dictates the necessary waiting period before any harvesting can take place. Therefore, while the crew must observe the REI for safety, they will not harvest before the completion of the 16 days stipulated by the PHI. Harvesting can legally commence after this required waiting period.