UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460      

	OFFICE OF CHEMICAL SAFETY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION

  SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1 MEMORANDUM

  SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1 

DATE:  October 30, 2011, updated December 22, 2011 and December 26, 2013

SUBJECT:	Crop Grouping – Part XII:  Analysis of the USDA IR-4 Petition
to Amend the Crop Group Regulation 40 CFR § 180.41 (c) (14) and
Commodity Definitions [40 CFR 180.1 (g)] Related to the Proposed Crop
Group 22 Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Vegetable.

PC Code:  NA	DP Barcode:   NA

Decision No.: NA	Registration No.:  NA

Petition No.: NA	Regulatory Action:  Crop Grouping Regulation

Risk Assessment Type: None 	Case No.: NA

TXR No.: NA	CAS No.:  NA

MRID No.: 484998-01	40 CFR: 180.41 (c) (22) and 180.1 (g)



FROM:	Bernard A. Schneider, Ph.D., Senior Plant Physiologist

Chemistry and Exposure Branch  

Health Effects Division (7509P)  

THROUGH:	Michael Doherty, Ph.D. and William Donovan, Ph.D., Chairpersons

HED Chemistry Science Advisory Council (ChemSAC)

		Health Effects Division (7509P)  

TO:	Barbara Madden, Minor Use Officer

Risk Integration, Minor Use, and Emergency Response Branch (RIMUERB) 

		Registration Division (7505P)

cc: 	IR-4 Project, Bill Barney, Jerry Baron, Dan Kunkel, Debbie
Carpenter, Van Starner 

ACTION REQUESTED:

	William P. Barney, Crop Grouping Project Coordinator, and Tracy Switek,
Assistant Coordinator, USDA Interregional Research Project No. 4 (IR-4),
State Agricultural Experiment Station, Rutgers University has submitted
a petition (May 10, 2011) on behalf of the IR-4 Project, and the Stalk,
Stem, and Leafy Petiole Workgroup of the International Crop Grouping
Consulting Committee (ICGCC) to establish a new Crop Group [40 CFR §
180.41(c)] Crop Group 22, Stalk, Stem and Leafy Petiole Vegetable.  

	The above-mentioned Stalk, Stem and Leafy Petiole crop group petition
requested the following three proposals:

IR-4 Proposal 1: “Add a new crop group to 40 CFR 180.41 (c) as
“Stalk, Stem and Leafy Petiole Vegetable Crop Group” with the
following 18 commodities: 

Agave, Agave spp.  (Asparagaceae)

Asparagus, Asparagus officinalis L.  (Asparagaceae)

Bamboo, shoots, Arundinaria spp.; Bambusa spp. including B. blumeana; B.
multiplex; B. oldhamii; B. textilis; Chimonobambusa spp.; Dendrocalamus
spp., including D. asper; D. beecheyana; D. brandisii; D. giganteus; D.
laetiflorus and D. strictus; Gigantochloa spp. including G. albociliata;
G. atter; G. levis; G. robusta; Nastus elatus; Phyllostachys spp.;
Thyrsostachys siamensis; Thyrsostachys oliverii  (Poaceae (alt.
Gramineae))

Burdock, edible, tops, Arctium lappa L.  (Asteraceae (Compositae))

Cardoon, Cynara cardunculus L.  (Asteraceae (Compositae))

Celery, Apium graveolens var. dulce (Mill.) Pers. (Apiaceae (alt.
Umbelliferae))

Celery, Chinese, Apium graveolens L. var. secalinum (Alef.) Mansf.
(Apiaceae (alt. Umbelliferae))

Celtuce, Lactuca sativa var. angustana L.H. Bailey (Apiaceae (alt.
Umbelliferae))

Fennel, Florence, Foeniculum vulgare Mill. subsp. vulgare var. azoricum
(Mill.) Thell. (Apiaceae (alt. Umbelliferae))

Ferns, Edible (Fiddleheads):  Including:  Black lady fern, Woodsiaceae,
Deparia japonica (Thunb.) M. Kato; Bracken fern, Dennstaedtiaceae,
Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn; Broad buckler fern, Dryopteridaceae,
Dryopteris dilatata (Hoffm.) A. Gray; Cinnamon fern, Osmundaceae,
Osmundastrum cinnamomeum (L.) C. Presl; Lady fern, Woodsiaceae, Athyrium
filix-femina (L.) Roth ex Mert.; Leather fern, Pteridaceae, Acrostichum
aureum L.; Mother fern, Woodsiaceae, Diplazium proliferum (Lam.)
Thouars; Ostrich fern, Onocleaceae, Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Tod.;
Vegetable fern, Woodsiaceae, Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw.; Zenmai
fern, Osmundaceae, Osmunda japonica Thunb. [all by crop definition]

Fuki, Petasites japonicus (Siebold & Zucc.) Maxim. (Apiaceae (alt.
Umbelliferae))

Kale, sea, Crambe maritima L. (Brassicaceae (alt. Cruciferae))

Kohlrabi, Brassica oleracea L.var gongylodes L. (Brassicaceae (alt.
Cruciferae))

Palm hearts, various species including:  Peach Palm, Bactris gasipaes
Kunth; Palmyra palm, Borassus flabellifera L.; African fan palm,
Borassus aethiopum Mart.; Coconut, Cocos nucifera L.; Cabbage palm,
Euterpe oleracea Mart.; Wine palm, Raphia spp.; Royal palm, Roystonea
oleracea (Jacq.) O.F. Cook; Salak palm, Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss;
Saw palmetto, Serenoa repens (W. Bartram) Small; Cabbage palmetto, Sabal
palmetto (Walter) Schult. & Schult. f.,  (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

Prickly pear, pads, Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (Cactaceae)

Rhubarb, Rheum x hybridum Murray (Polygonaceae)

Udo, Aralia cordata Thunb. (Araliaceae)

Zuiki, Colocasia gigantea (Blume) Hook. f. (Araceae)”

IR-4 Proposal 2:” The proposed representative commodities for the
Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Vegetable Crop Group 22 are asparagus and
celery.”

IR-4 Proposal 3: “Propose establishing two new crop subgroups 22A –
Stalk and stem subgroup with ten commodities and 22B – Leafy petiole
subgroup with eight commodities as follows:

Crop Subgroup 22A. Stalk and Stem subgroup:

Agave

Asparagus

Bamboo, shoots

Celtuce

Fennel, Florence

Ferns, edible

Kale, sea

Kohlrabi

Palm Hearts

Prickly pear, pads

Crop Subgroup 22B. Leafy Petiole subgroup:

Burdock, edible, tops

Cardoon

Celery

Celery, Chinese

Fuki

Rhubarb

Udo

Zuiki”

PROPOSED REPRESENTATIVE COMMODITIES AND CROP SUBGROUPS

Crop Group / Subgroup	Proposed Representative  Commodities	

Proposed Commodities

Stalk, Stem and Leafy Petiole 

Crop Group 22	Celery and Asparagus	Agave;  Asparagus;  Bamboo, shoots; 
Burdock, edible, tops;  Cardoon;  Celery;  Celery, Chinese;  Celtuce; 
Fennel, Florence;  Ferns, edible (Fiddlehead);  Fuki;  Kale, sea; 
Kohlrabi;  Palm hearts;  Prickly pear, pads;  Rhubarb;  Udo;  Zuiki

22A.  Stalk and Stem Vegetables	Asparagus	Agave;  Asparagus;  Bamboo,
shoots;  Celtuce;  Fennel, Florence;  Ferns, edible (Fiddlehead);  Kale,
sea;  Kohlrabi;  Palm hearts;  Prickly pear, pads

22B.  Leafy Petiole Vegetables	Celery	Burdock, edible, tops;  Cardoon; 
Celery;  Celery, Chinese;  Fuki;  Rhubarb;  Udo;  Zuiki



IR-4 Proposal 4:”One new commodity definition [180.1(g)] for Edible
ferns will be proposed for the new crop group”.

BACKGROUND:

	The proposed Stalk, Stem and Leafy Petiole crop group proposal was
initiated at the USDA/IR-4 Crop Grouping Symposium in Washington, DC,
October 2002 (see Attachment 3 for the Symposium proposal).  This
workgroup was Chaired by Dan Kunkel (IR-4) and Co-Chaired by Tom Bloem,
Doug Dotson, Yuen-Shaung NG of EPA, Hong Chen (IR-4), Mary Lamberts,
Extension Agent, University of Florida Horticultural Crops, and Ray
Ratto, California leafy greens grower.  

	The revised crop group was further discussed and developed within the
Stalk and Stem Workgroup of the International Crop Grouping Consulting
Committee (ICGCC).  This workgroup consisted of 74 U.S. and Canadian
crop or regulatory experts from agriculture commodity groups,
universities, agrichemical industry, IR-4 Project, USDA and EPA, and
also 68 international crop or regulatory experts representing 26
countries.  The Workgroup discussed and validated each of the proposed
commodities.  Tracey Switek (author, IR-4) researched the supporting
commodity data submitted with this petition, and William Barney (author,
IR-4) reviewed, edited, and submitted the petition.  

	An important aspect of developing this new crop group was the
harmonization with the Codex Crop Classification of Foods and Animal
Feeds.  The Codex classification system is currently under revision and
revisions to the U.S. system are used as a basis for the Codex revision.
 The IR-4/EPA Crop Grouping Working Group and the ICGCC are making every
effort to collaborate with the revision of the Codex crop
classification.  

The Codex Classification of Food and Feed Commodities was published in
1983, and has a separate Crop Group (017) “Stalk and Stem
Vegetables”.  EPA at that time did not propose a separate crop group
similar to Codex.  However, based on recommendation by International
Crop Grouping Symposium in 2002 and the reanalysis of the Leafy
vegetable crop groups, USDA IR-4 is proposing that EPA adopt a crop
group similar to the Codex group entitled “Stalk, Stem, and Leaf
Petiole Group 

	In the current US system, Leafy Vegetable Group 4 includes both a Leafy
greens subgroup 4A and a Leaf petiole subgroup 4B.  In the current Codex
Crop Classification of Foods and Animal Feeds, the Leafy vegetables
Group 013 includes Brassica leafy vegetables while Stalk and stem
vegetables are included in a separate Group 017.  

	Stalk, stem and leafy petiole vegetables are plant stalks, stems or
leafy petioles from a variety of annual or perennial plants that are
used as vegetables.  Many leafy and root and tuber vegetables contain
significant amounts of either stem, stalk or petiole portions, however,
the commodities proposed for this crop group are composed primarily of
the stalk, stem or petiole.  Petioles frequently include the leaf
structure, so petioles are referred to as leafy petioles.  Celery
(petiole) and asparagus (stem) are among the most popular and better
known vegetables in this group.  Stalk, stem and leafy petiole
vegetables are used to make a variety of vegetable dishes and contain
numerous vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.  Because of their
structure, stalk, stem and leafy petiole vegetables are fully exposed to
pesticides during their growth period. 

	In 2010, IR-4 (Bill Barney and Tracey Switek) and the EPA (Bernard
Schneider, PH.) developed joint ChemSAC proposal to discuss various
options to be considered on updating the current Leafy Vegetable Crop
Group 4 and the Brassica Leafy Crop Group 5.  The first proposal
considered was to “Transfer the Brassica Leafy Vegetable Subgroup 5B
to Crop Group 4 (Leafy Vegetables except Brassica Vegetables) to form a
new Subgroup 4C (Leafy Brassica Vegetables) and rename Group 4 as Leafy
Vegetables and Crop Group 5 as the Head and Stem Brassica Vegetable
Group.  Analysis of this proposal is in a separate document (Crop
Grouping – Part XI, MRID 484817-01, October 26, 2011).  This proposal
was developed because Leafy Vegetables and Brassica leafy vegetables are
similar in growth pattern, leaf exposure and pesticide residues. 
Inclusion of Brassica leafy vegetables in a separate subgroup are
desirable because of potentially different actions of herbicides on
leafy Brassicas verses other leafy (non-Brassica) crops.  This petition
concerns that adding stalk and stem vegetables to Crop Subgroup 4B (leaf
petioles) would be more comparable to Codex Group 017, Stalk and Stem
Vegetables.  The Codex Stalk and Stem group contains several petiole
crops, including celery and rhubarb, which are already members of
Subgroup 4B.  ChemSAC agreed that combining stem and stalk vegetables
into the Leaf petiole subgroup 4B was a good idea, however, they also
agreed that the stalk, stem and petiole vegetable could be a separate
crop group similar to Codex.  In an effort to harmonize with Codex, leaf
petiole crops in this submission are added to this proposed new Stalk,
Stem and Leafy Petiole crop group submission.  

	Current members of Leaf Petiole Subgroup 4B include cardoon; celery;
celery, Chinese; celtuce; Florence fennel; rhubarb and Swiss chard.  All
of these commodities except for Swiss chard are being proposed for
inclusion in the new Stalk, Stem and Leafy Petiole crop group.  It was
proposed that in the submission for the revised Leafy Vegetable crop
group that Swiss chard remains in that group because both the leaves and
petioles are consumed and the leaves constitute a major portion of the
plant.  Celtuce is included in the proposed new Stalk, Stem and Petiole
crop group, but it is proposed to be included in the Stalk and Stem
subgroup rather than a leafy petiole subgroup, since the stalk is
primarily consumed as the leaves contain a bitter milky sap.  

	Selection of representative commodities should be based on a
representative commodity that is most likely to: (1) contain the highest
residues; (2) be major in terms of production and/or consumption and (3)
similar in morphology, growth habit, pest problems and edible portion to
the related commodities within a group or subgroup.  Based on these
criteria, two representative commodities are proposed for the Stalk,
Stem and Leafy Petiole crop group: asparagus for the Stalk and Stem
subgroup 24A and celery for the Leafy Petiole subgroup 24B.  Celery is
already the representative crop for Leafy Petiole subgroup 4B which
includes cardoon, burdock, Chinese celery and rhubarb.  In the proposed
Stalk and Stem subgroup 24A, U.S. tolerances for celtuce, kohlrabi and
Florence fennel are based on their respective subgroup tolerances, while
asparagus tolerances have been established for asparagus itself as a
miscellaneous commodity.  Since a Leafy Petiole subgroup 4B already
exists in crop group 4, the majority of US and Codex tolerances for
celery, cardoon, burdock, Chinese celery and rhubarb are based on this
established subgroup.  

	The addition of a new crop group “Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Group
22 would facilitate the establishment of pesticide tolerances on
numerous pesticides that are needed to control a wide diversity of leaf
stalk, stem, and leafy petiole vegetable pests, as well as integrated
pest control (IPM) programs to incorporate reduced risk pesticides,
organic pesticides, and cultural practices to reduce the development of
pesticide resistance.  This revised crop group regulation would also
benefit growers and consumers, save considerable taxpayer’s money on
residue studies, save time for government agencies on review of residue
data and facilitate the establishment of import tolerances.

HED RECOMMENDATIONS:

	Each of the proposals and recommendations will be discussed below,
followed by a series of other recommendations on terminology, database
development, and harmonization with Codex.  The EPA would like to
commend the valuable and high quality input of the ICGCC, all its
members, and the Committee Chairperson Bill Barney, USDA IR-4, as well
as Dr. Yuen-Shaung Ng, Biologist, HED, Jessie Cordova, HED Information
Technical Specialist, Susan Stanton, Roger Chesser, Andy Ertman, Sidney
Jackson, and Laura Nollen, Biologists, RD, EPA for their input and
development of various databases in this report and Dr. Paul Schwartz,
USDA, Office of Minor Use Pesticides for his advice and peer review of
the analysis.

IR-4 Proposal 1: “Add a new crop group to 40 CFR 180.41 (c) as
“Stalk, Stem and Leafy Petiole Vegetable Crop Group” with the
following 18 commodities: 

Agave, Agave spp.  (Asparagaceae)

Asparagus, Asparagus officinalis L.  (Asparagaceae)

Bamboo, shoots, Arundinaria spp.; Bambusa spp. including B. blumeana; B.
multiplex; B. oldhamii; B. textilis; Chimonobambusa spp.; Dendrocalamus
spp., including D. asper; D. beecheyana; D. brandisii; D. giganteus; D.
laetiflorus and D. strictus; Gigantochloa spp. including G. albociliata;
G. atter; G. levis; G. robusta; Nastus elatus; Phyllostachys spp.;
Thyrsostachys siamensis; Thyrsostachys oliverii  (Poaceae (alt.
Gramineae))

Burdock, edible, tops, Arctium lappa L.  (Asteraceae (Compositae))

Cardoon, Cynara cardunculus L.  (Asteraceae (Compositae))

Celery, Apium graveolens var. dulce (Mill.) Pers. (Apiaceae (alt.
Umbelliferae))

Celery, Chinese, Apium graveolens L. var. secalinum (Alef.) Mansf.
(Apiaceae (alt. Umbelliferae))

Celtuce, Lactuca sativa var. angustana L.H. Bailey (Apiaceae (alt.
Umbelliferae))

Fennel, Florence, Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Subsp. vulgare var. azoricum
(Mill.) Thell. (Apiaceae (alt. Umbelliferae))

Ferns, Edible (Fiddleheads):  Including:  Black lady fern, Woodsiaceae,
Deparia japonica (Thunb.) M. Kato; Bracken fern, Dennstaedtiaceae,
Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn; Broad buckler fern, Dryopteridaceae,
Dryopteris dilatata (Hoffm.) A. Gray; Cinnamon fern, Osmundaceae,
Osmundastrum cinnamomeum (L.) C. Presl; Lady fern, Woodsiaceae, Athyrium
filix-femina (L.) Roth ex Mert.; Leather fern, Pteridaceae, Acrostichum
aureum L.; Mother fern, Woodsiaceae, Diplazium proliferum (Lam.)
Thouars; Ostrich fern, Onocleaceae, Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Tod.;
Vegetable fern, Woodsiaceae, Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw.; Zenmai
fern, Osmundaceae, Osmuda japonica Thunb.  

Fuki, Petasites japonicus (Siebold & Zucc.) Maxim. (Apiaceae (alt.
Umbelliferae))

Kale, sea, Crambe maritima L. (Brassicaceae (alt. Cruciferae))

Kohlrabi, Brassica oleracea L.var gongylodes L. (Brassicaceae (alt.
Cruciferae))

Palm hearts, various species including:  Peach Palm, Bactris gasipaes
Kunth; Palmyra palm, Borassus flabellifera L.; African fan palm,
Borassus aethiopum Mart.; Coconut, Cocos nucifera L.; Cabbage palm,
Euterpe oleracea Mart.; Wine palm, Raphia spp.; Royal palm, Roystonea
oleracea (Jacq.) O.F. Cook; Salak palm, Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss;
Saw palmetto, Serenoa repens (W. Bartram) Small; Cabbage palmetto, Sabal
palmetto (Walter) Schult. & Schult. f.,  (Arecaceae (alt. Palmae))

Prickly pear, pads, Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (Cactaceae)

Rhubarb, Rheum x hybridum Murray (Polygonaceae)

Udo, Aralia cordata Thunb. (Araliaceae)

Zuiki, Colocasia gigantea (Blume) Hook. f. (Araceae)”

In addition IR-4 discusses some of the individual leafy vegetable crops
are where they will be recommended to reside.  Kohlrabi is currently in
the Head and Stem Brassica subgroup 5A in the Brassica Leafy Vegetables
Crop Group 5.  Kohlrabi with its exposed enlarged, bulb-like stem can
have higher pesticide residues than some of the representative
commodities of broccoli or cabbage (unpublished IR-4 data).  Therefore
kohlrabi was proposed for inclusion in this proposed new Stalk, Stem and
Leafy Petiole crop group with other stalk and stem vegetables that are
fully exposed to pesticides.  Note that Florence fennel plants also have
an enlarged bulbous leaf base and are also proposed for inclusion with
other stalk and stem vegetables instead of the leafy petiole subgroup.  

	Several commodities including Alexanders, Good King Henry and Japanese
knotweed were also considered for inclusion in the proposed new Stalk,
Stem and Leafy Petiole crop group.  Alexanders and Good King Henry were
included in the recent Leafy vegetable proposal as although young stems
and shoots are consumed, these commodities are primarily consumed as a
leafy greens crop.  Japanese knotweed and giant knotweed were omitted
because they are considered a noxious weed in many states, are primarily
gathered in the wild and the only other use for knotweed is as a
medicinal crop to make the nutritional supplements (resveratrol).  

	Cattail and sea asparagus were considered, but not included in this
proposed new crop group because they are aquatic vegetables.  Garlic
shoots were also considered, but not included as the primary use of
garlic is the bulb (crop group 3-07). 

	Witloof chicory (sprouts) or Belgium endive is also included in Codex
Group 017, Stalk and Stem Vegetable, but this commodity was not included
in this submission because chicory is being considered to be added and
was included in a recent IR-4  Leafy Vegetable submission (EPA MRID No.:
484817-01).  

	Globe artichoke is included in the Codex Group 017, Stalk and Stem
Vegetables.  Globe artichoke was not included in this proposal because
artichoke is not a stalk, stem or leafy petiole, but is an immature
flowerhead of the family Compositae and is morphologically dissimilar to
other stalk and stem vegetables.  In this analysis the addition of globe
artichoke to be included in the U.S. Stalk, Stem and Leafy Petiole crop
group in the interest of harmonization was considered. 

	Burdock is currently in Crop Group 2 (Leaves of Root and Tuber
Vegetables (Human Food or Animal Feed).  Many of leaves of root and
tuber vegetables (human food) were proposed for inclusion in the revised
Leafy Vegetable crop group.  Burdock, edible is proposed for inclusion
in the Stalk, Stem and Leafy Petiole crop group since although the root
is the primary part valued, the young stalks and leaves are also
consumed.  The peeled stem is also eaten.  Since the leaves are also
consumed, EPA ChemSAC may want to consider if burdock should instead be
included in the revised Leafy Vegetable crop group. 

	Fiddlehead ferns were proposed for inclusion in the recent revised
Leafy Vegetable crop group submission.  Because fiddleheads are
harvested and consumed before they unfurl, they are sometimes considered
as stalk and stem vegetables.  The analysis of the Leafy Vegetable Crop
group suggested that ferns may fit better as a commodity in the Stalk,
stem, and leaf petiole group.  Fiddlehead ferns are typically consumed
as the furled fronds of young ferns.  If left on the plant each
fiddlehead would unroll into a leafy frond.  Fiddleheads are harvested
early in the season before the frond open and they are cut fairly close
to the ground.  

	The USDA IR-4, USDA ARS, and EPA HED held a meeting in May 2011 with
officials (Michael McGuffin, President and Merle Zimmerman, Information
Analyst) of the American Herbal Products Association (  HYPERLINK
"http://www.ahpa.org"  http://www.ahpa.org ) to discuss botanical herbs
and their possible inclusion in the Crop Groups, as well as in the
future review of the herb and spice crop group and the root and tuber
vegetables as well as the new Stem, stalk and leaf petiole crop group
22.  Botanical herbs that also have culinary uses would be desired.  The
AHPA stated that for the proposed Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Group 22
that Aloe vera (L.) Burm. F.) should be considered as member of this
crop group because of its similarities in culture to Agave.  Based on
similarities in culture to agave and its use as a natural flavoring
(21CFR 172.510 natural flavoring substances) and its use in preparing
smoothies IR-4 stated that aloe vera should be included as a member of
crop group 22 and crop subgroup 22A.

HED Recommendations for Proposal 1:

	I recommend that ChemSAC concur to approve a new Stalk, Stem, and Leaf
Petiole Vegetable Crop Group 22, based on similarities of the comparison
of stalk, stem, and leaf petiole vegetables, similar cultural practices,
edible food and animal feed portions, similar plant exposure to
pesticide residue levels, geographical locations, processing, food uses,
established tolerances, and for international harmonization purposes. 
This group will have 18 commodities and combine 11 orphan crops
including agave; aloe vera, bamboo shoots; Chinese celery; edible ferns;
fuki; sea kale, palm hearts; cactus (prickly pear, pads); udo; and zuiki
to this group.

	We agree that globe artichoke should not be a member of this new crop
group Stalk, Stem and Leaf Petiole Vegetables.  Globe artichoke was not
included in this proposal because artichoke is not a stalk, stem or
leafy petiole, but is an immature flowerhead of the family Compositae
and is morphologically dissimilar to other stalk and stem vegetables and
pest problems are dissimilar.

	Burdock is currently in Crop Group 2 (Leaves of Root and Tuber
Vegetables (Human Food or Animal Feed).  Many of leaves of root and
tuber vegetables (human food) were proposed for inclusion in the revised
Leafy Vegetable crop group.  Burdock, edible is proposed by IR-4 for
inclusion in the Stalk, Stem and Leafy Petiole crop group since although
the root is the primary part valued, the young stalks and leaves are
also consumed.  The peeled stem is also eaten.  Since the leaves are
also consumed, EPA ChemSAC may want to consider if burdock should
instead be included in the revised Leafy Vegetable crop group.  Upon
further consideration it was felt that Burdock, edible leaves should
remain as a member of Crop group 2, leaves of root and tuber vegetables
and not become a member of the proposed Stalk, stem, and leaf petiole
crop group 22. 

	In addition, I also recommend including fiddlehead ferns for inclusion
in the Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Vegetable Group because even though
they are found for a limited time in grocery stores and included in some
gourmet restaurants, they are rarely cultivated and are often gathered
from the wild for personal consumption, or sold to markets and
restaurants.  They have a very limited season, typically early spring
for a short time as the fronds first emerge, and some of the ferns can
be toxic if not harvested at the correct growth stage.  However, after
consideration of current research to develop it as a crop, use in
Europe, use in gourmet restaurants, and its potential as a commercial
specialty crop it is recommended to include ferns as a commodity in this
crop group 

	Changes to Food and feed commodity vocabulary include bamboo shoot will
be bamboo shoots because this is how the crop is listed commercially. 
Palm hearts will also be listed as palm hearts with no comma palm,
hearts based on its marketing name.  Edible ferns will have a new
commodity definition to cover all the types of edible ferns. 

	Originally for terminology purpose it was also proposed to change
Prickly pear, pads to cactus to cover other edible cacti besides prickly
pear.  The RAC for cactus will be Cactus, pads and cactus, fruit which
was the current EPA practice.  However, commodity name for prickly pear,
pads was suggested to be changed to Cactus before the analysis of the
Tropical and subtropical fruit inedible peel crop group 24 by HED
(ChemSAC review March 12, 2013).  Included in this Tropical and
subtropical fruit – inedible peel crop group proposal the fruit of the
prickly pear cactus, whereas in crop group 22 the cactus RAC is
specifically for its pads and only the Prickly pear and the Texas
prickly pear will be members of crop group 22.  The commodity term
“cactus” as HED originally stated will now need to be changed to
Prickly pear, pads and Texas prickly pear, pads to distinguish it
clearly from the fruit of the prickly pear that develops from prickly
pear flowers.  The proposed Tropical and subtropical fruit – inedible
peel crop group 24 will have the commodities Prickly pear, fruit and
Texas prickly pear, fruit.

Also the name of the crop group should be Stalk, Stem, and Leaf petiole
vegetable group 22 instead of stalk, stem, and leafy petiole vegetable
group.  This will match the use of the term leaf petiole which we have
established as crop subgroup 4B which moves these commodities from crop
subgroup 4B to the proposed stalk, stem, and leaf petiole crop group 22.

The RAC for Florence fennel should be Fennel, Florence, fresh leaves and
stalk to distinguish from the commodity Fennel, Florence, seed in crop
group 19 herbs and spices and Crop subgroup Spice 19B.

	The list of acceptable Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Vegetable crops
and their scientific names for the seventeen commodities were also
updated and are listed below.  

“HED Proposed Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Vegetable Crop Group
22”.

Commodities

Agave, Agave spp.

Aloe vera, Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.

Asparagus, Asparagus officinalis L.

Bamboo shoots, Arundinaria spp.; Bambusa spp, Chimonobambusa spp.;
Dendrocalamus spp., Gigantochloa spp., Nastus elatus; Phyllostachys
spp.; Thyrsostachys siamensis; Thyrsostachys oliverii

Cactus, (Prickly pear) Opuntia spp.

Cardoon, Cynara cardunculus L. 

Celery, Apium graveolens var. dulce (Mill.) Pers.

Celery, Chinese, Apium graveolens L. var. secalinum (Alef.) Mansf.

Celtuce, Lactuca sativa var. angustana L.H. Bailey

Fennel, Florence, fresh leaves and stalk, Foeniculum vulgare Mill.
subsp. vulgare var. azoricum (Mill.) Thell. 

Fern, edible, Fiddlehead

Fuki, Petasites japonicus (Siebold & Zucc.) Maxim.

Kale, sea, Crambe maritima L.

Kohlrabi, Brassica oleracea L.var gongylodes L.

Palm hearts, various species including:  Peach Palm, Bactris gasipaes
Kunth; Palmyra palm, Borassus flabellifera L.; African fan palm,
Borassus aethiopum Mart.; Cabbage palm, Euterpe oleracea Mart.; Wine
palm, Raphia spp.; Royal palm, Roystonea oleracea (Jacq.) O.F. Cook;
Salak palm, Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss; Saw palmetto, Serenoa repens
(W. Bartram) Small; Cabbage palmetto, Sabal palmetto (Walter) Schult. &
Schult.

Rhubarb, Rheum x hybridum Murray

Udo, Aralia cordata Thunb.

Zuiki, Colocasia gigantea (Blume) Hook.

Cultivars, varieties, and hybrids of these commodities 



IR-4 Proposal 2:” The proposed representative commodities for the
Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Vegetable Crop Group 22 are asparagus and
celery.”

HED Recommendations for Proposal 2:

	I recommend ChemSAC concur to have asparagus and celery, as
representative commodities for the proposed new Stalk, stem, and leaf
petiole group 22.  These proposed representative commodities account for
> 98 % of the harvested acres for the proposed members of this group. 
They are the two most widely grown stalk, stem and leaf petiole crops in
the U.S. with both the largest acreages and geographical distribution. 
The representative commodities are based on similarities in vegetable
morphology (stalk and stem and not leaves), and cultural practices and
geographical locations, as well as their high production (both acres and
yield) and consumption.  Comparisons of established tolerances on stalk,
stem, and leaf petiole commodities also supports that residue levels
will be similar between members of the crop group.  

The name of the crop group should be stalk, stem, and leaf petiole
vegetable group 22 instead of stalk, stem, and leafy petiole vegetable
group.  This will match the use of the term leaf petiole which we have
established as crop subgroup 4B which moves these commodities from crop
subgroup 4B to the proposed stalk, stem, and leaf petiole crop group 22.

IR-4 Proposal 3: “Propose establishing two crop subgroups 22A –
Stalk and stem subgroup with ten commodities and 22B – Leafy petiole
subgroup with seven commodities as follows with asparagus being the
representative commodity for crop subgroup 22A and celery for crop
subgroup 22B:

Crop Subgroup 22A. Stalk and Stem subgroup - Representative commodity -
asparagus:

Agave

Asparagus

Bamboo, shoots

Celtuce

Fennel, Florence

Fern, edible

Kale, sea

Kohlrabi

Palm Hearts

Prickly pear, pads

Crop Subgroup 22B. Leafy Petiole subgroup – Representative commodity -
Celery:

Cardoon

Celery

Celery, Chinese

Fuki

Rhubarb

Udo

Zuiki”

HED Recommendations for Proposal 3:

	I also recommend that ChemSAC approve the two proposed crop subgroups:
22A   Stalk and Stem Vegetable and 22B - Leaf Petiole Vegetable.  The
petiole vegetable subgroup name of the crop subgroup 22B Leafy petiole
vegetable should be leaf petiole subgroup.  This will match the use of
the term leaf petiole which we have established as crop subgroup 4B
which moves these commodities from crop subgroup 4B to the proposed
stalk, stem, and leaf petiole crop group 22 (see table below).  

Originally for terminology purpose it was also proposed to change
Prickly pear, pads to cactus to cover other edible cacti besides prickly
pear.  The RAC for cactus will be Cactus, pads and cactus, fruit which
was the current EPA practice.  However, commodity name for prickly pear,
pads was suggested to be changed to Cactus before the analysis of the
Tropical and subtropical fruit inedible peel crop group 24 by HED
(ChemSAC review March 12, 2013).  Included in this Tropical and
subtropical fruit – inedible peel crop group proposal the fruit of the
prickly pear cactus, whereas in crop group 22 the cactus RAC is
specifically for its pads and only the Prickly pear and the Texas
prickly pear will be members of crop group 22.  The commodity term
“cactus” as HED originally stated will now need to be changed to
Prickly pear, pads and Texas prickly pear, pads to distinguish it
clearly from the fruit of the prickly pear that develops from prickly
pear flowers.  The proposed Tropical and subtropical fruit – inedible
peel crop group 24 will have the commodities Prickly pear, fruit and
Texas prickly pear, fruit.

	The representative commodities for each of the subgroups represent over
99 % of the production and are widely grown in the U.S.  The Stalk and
stem subgroup 22A will have asparagus as the representative of
vegetables that have edible stalks and stems such as celtuce and
kohlrabi.  The Leaf petiole subgroup 22B will have celery as the
representative commodity of the other leaf petiole crops such as Chinese
celery, cardoon, and rhubarb.  Comparison of tolerances for the
individual members of each subgroup also supports that these two
representative commodities will support the crop subgroups. 

PROPOSED REPRESENTATIVE COMMODITIES AND CROP SUBGROUPS

Crop Group Subgroup	Proposed Representative  Commodities	

Proposed Commodities

Stalk, Stem and Leafy Petiole  Crop Group 22	Celery and Asparagus	Agave;
 Aloe vera; Asparagus;  Bamboo shoots;   Celtuce;  Fennel, Florence,
fresh leaves and stalk;   Fern, edible, Fiddlehead;  Kale, sea; 
Kohlrabi;  Palm hearts; Prickly pear, pads; Texas prickly pear, pads

22A.  Stalk and Stem Vegetable	Asparagus	Agave;  Asparagus;  Bamboo
shoots;  Cactus;  Celtuce;  Fennel, Florence, fresh leaves and stalk;   
Fern, edible,  Kale, sea;  Kohlrabi;  Palm hearts; Prickly pear, pads;
Texas prickly pear, pads

22B.  Leaf Petiole Vegetable	Celery	Cardoon;  Celery;  Celery, Chinese; 
Fuki;  Rhubarb;  Udo;  Zuiki



IR-4 Proposal 4: “No new Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole crop
definitions are proposed.”  

HED Recommendation for Proposal 4 Commodity Definition [40CFR 180.41
(g)] for the Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Vegetables:

	However, there is a current commodity definition for celery and
previously had approved a revision to add Chinese celery to the
commodity definition for celery as follows (ChemSAC (Reviewer’s Guide
and Summary of HED ChemSAC Approvals for Amending Commodity Definitions
[40 CFR § 180.1(h)] and Crop Group/Subgroups [40 CFR  § 180.41],
Schneider, B., 6/14/02) :

“

(A) General Category	(B) Specific Commodities

Celery	Celery, Florence fennel (sweet anise, sweet fennel, finochio)
(fresh leaves and stalks only), Chinese celery. 

“

	With the proposed establishment of a new crop group for Stalk, stem,
and leaf petiole vegetables, the need for a celery commodity definition
to cover Chinese celery is negated since the proposed Leaf Petiole
Vegetable subgroup 22C has celery as the representative commodity that
covers Chinese celery.  Also Florence fennel, fresh leaves and stalks
has been shown in this petition to fit closer to the Stem and Stalk
subgroup 22A with asparagus as the representative commodity.  Celery is
the proposed representative commodity for crop subgroup 22B Leaf
petiole.  Therefore, we recommend deleting the commodity definition for
celery as part of the establishment of the Stalk, stem and leaf petiole
vegetable crop group.

Also to avoid confusion from current celery tolerances, we have no
objection to not deleting this commodity definition. 

	A new commodity definition for edible ferns is recommended so that the
various types of edible ferns can be easily distinguishable and defined.
 The edible commodity fern definition is as follows:

“

(A) General Category	(B) Specific Commodities

Fern, edible	Fern, edible; Fiddlehead including:  Black lady fern,
Deparia japonica (Thunb.) M. Kato; Bracken fern, Pteridium aquilinum
(L.) Kuhn; Broad buckler fern, Dryopteris dilatata (Hoffm.) A. Gray;
Cinnamon fern, Osmundastrum cinnamomeum (L.) C. Presl; Lady fern,
Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth ex Mert.; Leather fern, Acrostichum
aureum L.; Mother fern, Diplazium proliferum (Lam.) Thouars; Ostrich
fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Tod.; Vegetable fern, Diplazium
esculentum (Retz.) Sw.; Zenmai fern, Osmuda japonica Thunb. 

“

A new commodity definition for palm heart is also recommended so that
the various palm heart varieties can be easily distinguishable and
defined.  The palm heart commodity definition is as follows:

“

(A) General Category	(B) Specific Commodities

Palm hearts	Palm hearts, various species including: Peach Palm, Bactris
gasipaes Kunth; Palmyra palm, Borassus flabellifera L.; African fan
palm, Borassus aethiopum Mart.; Coconut, Cocos nucifera L.; Cabbage
palm, Euterpe oleracea Mart.; Wine palm, Raphia spp.; Royal palm,
Roystonea oleracea (Jacq.) O.F. Cook; Salak palm, Salacca zalacca
(Gaertn.) Voss; Saw palmetto, Serenoa repens (W. Bartram) Small; Cabbage
palmetto, Sabal palmetto (Walter) Schult. & Schult. f.

“

Additional HED Recommendations/Conclusions:

HED Recommendation 5:

	Another important aspect of crop grouping is the harmonization effort
with the Codex Classification of Foods and Animal Feeds.  Another
important aspect of crop grouping is the harmonization effort with the
Codex Classification of Foods and Animal Feeds.  The Codex
Classification of Food and Feed Commodities was published in 1983, and
has a separate Crop Group (017) “Stalk and Stem Vegetables”.  EPA at
that time did not propose a separate crop group similar to Codex. 
However, based on recommendation by International Crop Grouping
Symposium in 2002 and the reanalysis of the Leafy vegetable crop groups,
USDA IR-4 is proposing that EPA adopt a crop group similar to the Codex
group entitled “Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Group.  

	The proposed EPA crop group for Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole is very
similar to the corresponding Codex Stalk and Stem Vegetables (Group
017).  The Codex Group 017, Stalk and Stem Vegetables consist of ten
commodities.  The U.S. has seventeen proposed commodities and twelve are
direct matches.  There are seven commodities proposed in the U.S. crop
group not yet in Codex (agave, aloe vera, Chinese celery, edible fern,
fuki, udo, and zuiki.  Codex also has witloof chicory sprouts (VS 469)
but it is not being proposed for the U.S. group since its cultural
practices are much different than other members of the group.  Witloof
chicory is also called Belgium endive.  

A revision of the Codex Classification is underway with consideration to
include adding new commodities, creating subgroups, and selecting
representative commodities.  The new Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole
Vegetable Crop Group and the representative commodities proposed in this
petition would facilitate the harmonization of the U.S. and the Codex
crop classification systems.  In the next proposed revision to the Codex
Classification of Foods and Animal Feeds we would expect these changes
to be considered as part of the Codex Stalk and Stem Vegetables Group in
the harmonization effort that Bill Barney, USDA IR - 4 is coordinating
with the Codex delegation.  Therefore, this proposal will not only
increase harmonization with the Canadian and NAFTA crop grouping system,
but it is compatible with the international system of Codex.  The Food
Quality Protection Act of 1996 also placed increased emphasis on using
Codex MRLs in setting tolerances for pesticides in the U.S.  We continue
to note that the current Codex crop group does not have representative
commodities.  

HED Recommendation 6:

	The Health Effects Division Dry Matter database is prepared by Dr’s
NG and Schneider. Yuen-Shaung NG and B. A. Schneider, and was updated on
July, 2011 in Table 45 for the propose Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole
vegetable crop group.

HED Recommendation 7:

Guidance for HED SOP 99.6 -  SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1  “Classification of
Food Forms with Respect to Level of Blending” issued August 20, 1999,
and HED SOP 2000.1 – “  SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1 Guidance for Translation
of Field Trial Data from Representative Commodities in the Crop Group
Regulation to Other Commodities in Each Crop Group/Subgroup” issued
September 12, 2000 can be updated to reflect the addition of the Stalk,
stem, and leaf petiole vegetable crop group 22

HED Recommendation 8:

Guidance on expressing tolerance terminology for the Stalk, stem, and
leaf petiole vegetable crop group 22 is discussed under the “Tolerance
expression guidance section of this analysis.

HED Recommendation 9: 

New lookup and preferred EPA terms for the members of the Stalk, Stem,
and Leaf Petiole Vegetable Crop Group 22 are listed in the EPA Food and
Feed Commodity Vocabulary section of this report and these terms will be
to the updated EPA Food and Feed Commodity Vocabulary website ( 
HYPERLINK "http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/foodfeed" 
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/foodfeed ) when it is updated. 

DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE USDA IR-4 PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH THE STALK,
STEM, AND LEAF PETIOLE VEGETABLE CROP GROUP:

	The leafy vegetables form a large commodity group of mainly annual or
biennial flowering herbaceous plants.  In general the leafy vegetables
and Brassica leafy vegetables are typically cool season crops that are
grown as row crops.  Crops that are consumed as leaves of roots and
tubers (human food) are typically warm season crops, and are also grown
as row crops.  Almost all parts of some edible leaf species or other
have been developed for food, including the root (  HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rutabaga" \o "Rutabaga"  rutabaga ,  
HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turnip_(Brassica_rapa)" \o
"Turnip (Brassica rapa)"  turnips ), stems (  HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohlrabi" \o "Kohlrabi"  kohlrabi ),
leaves (  HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabbage" \o "Cabbage" 
cabbage ,   HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brussels_sprout" \o
"Brussels sprout"  Brussels sprouts ), flowers (  HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cauliflower" \o "Cauliflower"  cauliflower
,   HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broccoli" \o "Broccoli" 
broccoli ), and seeds (many, including   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustard_seed" \o "Mustard seed"  mustard 
seed , and oil-producing   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapeseed" \o "Rapeseed"  rapeseed , canola
varieties).  

DEFINITION OF LEAFY AND STALK, STEM, AND LEAF PETIOLE VEGETABLE
COMMODITIES: 

	A leafy vegetable is considered any of various leafy plants which have
their leaves and/or stems/or tender petioles or leaf stalk plant parts
eaten as vegetables.  The current crop grouping system has separate crop
groups for Leafy vegetables group 4 and Brassica Leafy Vegetables Crop
Group 5, as well as Crop group 2 for the Leaves of Root and Tuber
Vegetables.  Nearly one thousand species of   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_plants_with_edible_leaves" \o
"List of plants with edible leaves"  plants with edible leaves  are
known.  These vegetables are leaves of plants that are cooked (steamed,
stir-fried or cooked) or eaten fresh as a vegetable.  They come from a
wide variety of plants, but share common characteristics in leaf
morphology (comparison of external plant structures).  

	Stalk, stem and leaf petiole vegetables are the edible plant stalks,
stems or leafy petioles from a variety of annual or perennial plants
that are used as vegetables.  Many leafy and root and tuber vegetables
contain significant amounts of either stem, stalk or petiole portions,
however, the commodities proposed for this crop group are composed
primarily of the stalk, stem or petiole.  Petioles frequently include
the leaf structure, so petioles are referred to as leaf or leafy
petioles.  Celery (petiole) and asparagus (stem) are among the most
popular and better known vegetables in this group.  Stalk, stem and
leafy petiole vegetables are used to make a variety of vegetable dishes
and contain numerous vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.  Because of
their structure, stalk, stem and leafy petiole vegetables are fully
exposed to pesticides during their growth period.  

BOTANICAL ASPECTS OF STALK, STEM, AND LEAF PETIOLE VEGETABLE
COMMODITIES:

Table 1.  Botanical Families of the Proposed New Stalk, Stem, and Leaf
Petiole Vegetable Crop Group (Currently commodities in bold are the best
known worldwide).

Botanical Family	Commodity

Apiaceae	Celery, Chinese celery, Florence fennel, Fuki

Araceae	Zuiki

Araliaceae	Udo

Arecaceae	Palm hearts

Asparagaceae	Agave, Asparagus

Asteraceae	Edible burdock, tops; Cardoon

Bambusa	Bamboo shoots

Brassicaceae	Sea kale, Kohlrabi

Cactaceae	Cactus (Prickly pear)

Osmundaceae	Fern, edible (Cinnamon fern)

Polygonaceae	Rhubarb

Woodsiaceae	Fern, edible (mother fern, vegetable fern)



	Edible ferns are members of several crop families and include:  

Ferns, Edible (Fiddleheads):  including:  Black lady fern, Woodsiaceae;
Bracken fern, Dennstaedtiaceae; buckler fern, Dryopteridaceae; Cinnamon
fern Osmundaceae; Lady fern, Woodsiaceae; Leather fern, Pteridaceae;
Mother fern, Woodsiaceae; Ostrich fern, Onocleaceae; Vegetable fern,
Woodsiaceae; and Zenmai fern, Osmundaceae. 

ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF STALK, STEM, AND LEAF PETIOLE VEGETABLE
CULTIVATION: 

	Agave has its origins dating back to the Maya empire through the
Spanish Conquistadors and the first tequila made in 1600.  Tequila’s
resurgence in recent years is due to an explosion in the premium tequila
market.  The agave plant and tequila became one of the most important
treasures to the tribes of pre-Hispanic Mexico.  The sweet nectar of the
agave is used as a sweetener or distilled into what is now modern day
tequila.  

	Asparagus over 20,000 years ago was eaten near Aswan in Egypt.  It has
been used as a vegetable and medicine, owing to its delicate flavor,  
HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diuretic" \o "Diuretic" 
diuretic  properties, and more.  It is pictured as an offering on an
Egyptian   HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frieze" \o "Frieze" 
frieze  dating to 3000 BC.  It was known in Syria and in Spain. Greeks
and Romans ate it fresh when in season and dried the vegetable for use
in winter.  It originated near the Mediterranean Sea and was considered
a delicacy by the ancient Greeks.  Methods were described for growing
this vegetable in 200 BC.  It was cultivated in England in 1400 and
brought to America by the early colonists.  Highly prized for its
delicate flavor, "asparagus" is the Greek word for "stalk" or "shoot". 
The waste steppes of southern Poland and Russia are covered with this
plant.  Asparagus has been grown in American gardens since the earliest
settlements were established, but it was not until after 1850 - 1860
that asparagus was planted by commercial growers in the United States.  

	Cardoon was once an extremely important vegetable in Europe, known by
the Romans and by the ancient Greeks.  It is much less popular today but
remains a common vegetable in Spain and Italy, as well as some
cultivation in Asia and South America.  

	Celery is believed to be originally from the Mediterranean basin. 
Ancient literature documents that celery, or a similar plant form, was
cultivated for medicinal purposes before 850 B.C.  It’s claimed
medicinal purposes were probably attributable to its volatile oils,
contained in parts, but mostly the seed. During ancient times Ayurvedic
physicians used celery seed to treat the following many conditions:
colds, poor digestion, various types of arthritis, and liver and spleen
ailments.  Eating celery did not become popular until the 18th century
in Europe.  Celery was introduced in the United States early in the
early 19th century. 

	Celtuce is consumed as a vegetable, particularly in China, and was
introduced to the U.S. about 1940 as a minor crop.  

	The origins of kohlrabi are not certain, but the first mention of it in
European literature is a mention of Corinthian turnip by Pliny the Elder
in the first century AD, and Corinthian turnip resembled the kohlrabi's
growth patterns.  Kohlrabi was likely grown in many parts of the Roman
Empire.  By the year 800 A.D., the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne
ordered that kohlrabi be grown in Imperial gardens.  The name "kohlrabi"
is actually a German name that means "cabbage turnip."  By the 1600s,
kohlrabi had spread to India via trade, and became a staple crop in
India.  It has more recently been cultivated in China and other parts of
East Asia, the Middle East and Africa.  Although kohlrabi is available
in the United States, it was not common outside of the southern U.S.,
and it was first recorded as a crop in the United States in 1806.  

	Rhubarb most likely originated in Mongolia or Siberia.  It was
introduced to Europe by Italian botanist Prosper Alpinus in 1608 as a
substitute for Chinese Rhubarb whose roots were used medicinally.  Ben
Franklin is credited for bringing rhubarb seeds to the North American
east coast in 1772, yet the red stalks did not catch on until the early
1800s, when it became a popular ingredient for pie.  In the late 1800's,
rhubarb was brought to Alaska by the Russians and used as an effective
counter-agent for scurvy.  By the mid-1900s, was popular in the New
England states where it was used as pastry and pie fillings and also to
make homemade wine.  The term rhubarb has also come to mean a "quarrel"
or "heated discussion."  Stage and movie directors would have actors
repeat "rhubarb" and various other phrases to simulate background
conversations or mutterings of a surly crowd. 

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE STALK, STEM, AND LEAF PETIOLE VEGETABLE
CROPS:

	Understanding how the stalk, stem, and leaf petiole vegetables grow and
develop is a key part of developing a pest control strategy for optimum
leaf yield and quality and a helpful reference for analysis of residue
field trials data by EPA scientists.  Proper timing of pesticide
applications, based on crop growth stage and pest growth cycle can
improve a product’s efficacy, prevent crop injury, and yield losses. 
Pesticide labels often use crop growth stages and codes to identify when
to apply a pesticide, and State Extension pest control recommendations
and spray schedules are based on these distinct growth stages.  Rarely,
if ever, will a grower need to apply treatments at all of the key growth
stages shown for a given vegetable.  The number, distribution, and
content of needed treatments will vary between the major leafy vegetable
growing regions of the world and within any given region and are
dependent on pest pressures, which reduce the yield, quality, and
marketability of the edible leaves.  

Some of the internationally recognized growth stages for the vegetables
are represented by spinach which does not form a distinct head are
listed as BBCH Codes (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and
Chemical industry), and the BBCH does not have separate tables for the
stalk, stem, and leaf petiole commodities.  But the general growth codes
do apply and are listed in Table 2.  Beginning as a small black seed,
asparagus develops into long tube like roots and called a crown. 
Developed crowns, which take more than a year to establish, will send up
spears in the second or third year of growth that can be harvested over
a 6 - 8 week period.  Once the picking season ends, the spears
transition to a fern for the remainder of the summer gathering resources
for next year. 

In biology, the BBCH-scale for these crops describes the   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenology" \o "Phenology"  phenological 
development of the crop using the   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBCH-scale" \o "BBCH-scale"  BBCH-scale . 
They are based on the principal growth stage such as germination, leaf
development, flowering, and fruit development, and they list a standard
BBCH Code for each stage as well as a description of each code.  The
selected growth stages are also essential for identifying the propose
timings to scout pest problems for control of these pests and for
applications of pesticides as part of an integrated pest management
program (IPM).  

Table 2.  Selected Principal Growth Stages for Stalk, Stem, and Leaf
Petiole Vegetables.  BBCH Identification Codes (Adapted from Meier, 1994
and Feller et al., 1995). 

BBCH Codes 	Principal Growth Stage

00 - 09	Germination

10 - 20	Leaf development (main shoot) 

40 - 49	Development of harvestable vegetative plant parts

50 - 59	Inflorescence emergence

60 - 69	Flowering

70 - 79	Development of Fruit

80 - 89	Ripening of fruit and seed

90 - 99	Senescence Harvested product



CLIMATE AND SOILS AFFECT CULTIVATION AND ADAPTATION OF STALK, STEM, AND
LEAF PETIOLE VEGETABLE CROP COMMODITIES TO CERTAIN REGIONS: 

Agave: 

Most agave grows best in desert scrub climates in tropical and
sub-tropical regions, although some species can be found in more humid
regions and in pine forests.  Agave can tolerate temperate climates as
well, although it grows extremely slowly and may not flower for a very
long time, if at all.  It is often grown in the U.S. and Europe as an
ornamental. 

Asparagus:

Asparagus performs best when the soil is in a pH range from 6.5 to 7.5. 
Soils with a pH of 6.0 or lower must be limed or growth will be
restricted.  Soils with a pH above 8.2 indicate excess sodium and must
be reclaimed.  Excess salts in your soil or water can significantly
reduce yield. In high salinity areas it is necessary to design the drip
system so it can provide adequate leaching.  Asparagus does not tolerate
acid soils and will not grow well at a pH of less than 6.0. 

Bamboo shoots:

Depending on the species bamboo can tolerate cool temperate climates,
although the majority of species are tropical or subtropical.  It can
grow in most soils as long as it has plenty of water, and tends to be
invasive and difficult to get rid of due to its thick culms and
extensive system.  Sandy loams to loamy clay soils that are well drained
are preferred.  

Burdock, edible:

Probably native to Asia but now found throughout much of the temperate
world, including the U.S, where it is considered a weed where it is not
cultivated.  It can grow in most soils, full sun to partial shade. 

Cactus:

Requires subtropical, tropical, or cool, semiarid climate with mild,
cool winters and hot summers (with temperatures above 40 °C (104 °F)),
an annual rainfall of 25 to 60 centimeters (10 to 24 inches), full sun,
and well-drained sandy soils, soils of low clay and sodium content, or
calcareous soil.  Cacti are naturalized in dry disturbed habitats.  A
higher pH is preferred in wetter areas.  A lower pH is tolerated in
drier areas.  Cactus thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 8b to 10.  It
tolerates drought, high temperatures, wind, a wide range of climates,
and rocky or sandy soils of low fertility.  It will not tolerate
freezing temperatures, very acid soils, wet conditions or excessive
moisture.  Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri requires full sun,
elevations of up to 1,900 meters (6,234 feet), well-drained acid to
neutral sand, gravel, loam, clay, or caliche soil, low annual
precipitation, and dry conditions.  It grown in drier areas including
rock outcrops and stony limestone soils of south and central Texas,
Mexico, and New Mexico, and it also grows in the plains, shrub lands and
woodlands.  It thrives in USDA zones 8 to 10 and it tolerates heat, part
shade and cold (10 °F or -12 °C).  It propagates by seeds and
cuttings.  Some cacti are native to Mexico.  Domestication of the plant
occurred over 9,000 years ago.  

Cardoon:

		Cardoon tolerates most soil types and requires full sun.

Celery:

	For celery a muck soil is ideal because of their high moisture-holding
capacity.  A pH of 5.2-6.5 is required for good production. Fertile,
well drained mineral soils are also suitable where sufficient water can
be provided throughout the growing season. Sandy soils are not
recommended.

Chinese celery: 

Require moist, fertile soil and cool temperatures to prevent it from
bolting.  It is best planted in spring, although summer crops may yield
an autumn harvest if conditions are favorable.  In hot weather requires
shade, and it may be overwintered in some areas.  Will often self-seed,
but can also be directly sown or started indoors before the last frost. 
It germinates best in cool conditions, moist soil, and with seeds
uncovered and in the light.

Celtuce:

Celtuce is an annual herbaceous plant, originating in Southern China,
and prefers a well drained, loamy soil with a soil pH greater than 6.5. 


Fuki:

Fuki is hardy to zones 4 - 5.  It will grow in most types of soil, but
requires constant moisture and does best in a rich loam, and cannot
tolerate standing water. 

Kohlrabi:

It is typically a cool season crop and can be sown in spring or autumn
in temperate areas, and over winter in warmer climates, and does best in
full sun but can tolerate some shade.  It will grow in most soil types,
preferably kept moist. 

Rhubarb:

A stand of rhubarb is most productive beginning its third year and
lasting through its sixth year.  Rhubarb prefers a deep, fertile, humus
rich soil, which is moist but well-drained, and grows well in heavy clay
soils.  Use a well-drained but moisture-holding soil with a pH of 5.5 to
7.0.  Hardy to at least -4 °F (-20 °C), and does best in a sunny
position.  

Sea kale:

Sea kale does best in a sunny position and neutral to alkaline
conditions.  Can succeed in poor soils and sand; salt and wind tolerant,
although it does best in a rich, fertile soil. 

Udo:

Udo grows well in most soils, including poor soils provided it is kept
moist, and it can grow in shade to partial sun.  Udo’s natural habitat
is in woodlands near to streams and ravines and can still be found
growing in these areas all over Japan. 

U.S./NAFTA AND WORLD PRODUCTION AND GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF THE
STALK, STEM, AND LEAF PETIOLE VEGETABLE COMMODITIES: 

	The proposed members of the Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Vegetable
Crop Group have widespread distribution throughout the world.  Table 3
(FAOSTAT) provides a list of the hectares and production in metric tons
in 2009 reported  n the FAO website for agave, asparagus, and
artichokes.  The world total hectares for agave are 45,848 ha, asparagus
is 1,399,217 ha, and artichokes are 133,326 ha.  The total production of
agave is 32,991 tonnes, asparagus is 7,309,432 tonnes and artichokes are
1,521,150 tonnes.  

The predominate agave producing region is Central America at 39 % and
South America at 37 %, followed by Asia at 7.9 % of the hectares and
tonnes.  The predominate asparagus producing region is Asia and accounts
for 92 % of the hectares, followed by Europe at 4 %, and South America
at 2.5 %.of the hectares.  Asia also produces over 6,567,275 tonnes. 
Europe is the predominate artichoke producing region at 59 % of the
hectares, followed by South America at 14 % of the hectares, Africa at
13 % and Asia at 11 % of the hectares.  

Table 3. Stalk, Stem and Leafy Petiole Production in 2009 (FAOSTAT)

 (FAOSTAT:    HYPERLINK "http://faostat.fao.org/site/566/default.aspx" 
http://faostat.fao.org/site/566/default.aspx , results as of May 21,
2011)

Countries/

Regions	Agave	Asparagus	Artichoke, globe

Australia	NA	1,616 ha

6,981 tonnes	NA

New Zealand	NA	639 ha

2,200 tonnes	NA

United States	NA	11,817 ha

49,670 tonnes	3,480 ha

50,710 tonnes

Africa	NA	532 ha

4,391 tonnes	17,666 ha

303,405 tonnes

North America	NA	13,677 ha

57,526 tonnes	3,480 ha

50,710 tonnes

Central America	17,956 ha

11,026 tonnes	12,602 ha

63,950 tonnes	59 ha

800 tonnes

South America	17,120 ha

15,783 tonnes	35,287 ha

341,971 tonnes	19,120 ha

279,210 tonnes

Asia	3,621 ha

3,639 tonnes	1,282,395 ha

6,567,275 tonnes	14,712 ha

131,842 tonnes

Europe	NA	52,469 ha

265,138 tonnes	78,289 ha

755,183 tonnes

World Total	45,848 ha

32,991 tonnes	1,399,217 ha

7,309,432 tonnes	133,326 ha

1,521,150 tonnes

Note:  This table reports only the Stalk, Stem and Petiole Vegetables
available on the FAO website

U.S. STALK, STEM, AND LEAF PETIOLE VEGETABLE PRODUCTION, GEOGRAPHICAL
PRODUCTION AND PER CAPITA AVAILABILITY (LB/YEAR):

	Production in the U.S. is based on the USDA 2010 Agricultural
Statistics, FAO Statistics, 2007, USDA ERS 2007, 2010, USDA NASS Crop
Production, 2007, and the U.S. Agricultural Census, 2007.  The planted
acreages for celery, artichokes, asparagus, and rhubarb in the United
States are listed in Table 4, 5, 6, and 7, respectively.

Table 4. U.S. Production of Celery for 2007 (USDA AG Census, 2007, 
HYPERLINK
"http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Ch
apter_2_US_State_Level/index.asp"
http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Cha
pter_2_US_State_Level/index.asp ) and  HYPERLINK
"http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Ch
apter_2_US_State_Level/st99_2_030_030.pdf"
http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Cha
pter_2_US_State_Level/st99_2_030_030.pdf  )..

State	Total Celery Acres Harvested (2007)	% of Total U.S. Harvested
acres (2007)

California	24,769	82.8

Michigan	   1,968	  6.5

Arizona	     437	  1.5

Oregon	       50	  0.2

North Carolina 	       31	  0.1

Pennsylvania	       28	< 0.1

Washington	       17	< 0.1

Hawaii	       14	< 0.1

New York	       10	< 0.1

Massachusetts	         5	< 0.1

US Total	29,907	  =SUM(ABOVE)  91.1 



	California, Michigan, and Arizona account for 90.9 % of the harvested
acres for celery (Table 4).  Twenty-six other states harvested acres
information for celery is not included in orders to avoid disclosing
data for individual farms.  These include: Alaska, Arkansas,
Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas,
Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire,
New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont,
Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Artichoke, globe:

Table 5. U.S. Production of Globe Artichoke for 2007 (USDA AG Census,
2007,  HYPERLINK
"http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Ch
apter_2_US_State_Level/index.asp"
http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Cha
pter_2_US_State_Level/index.asp ) and  HYPERLINK
"http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Ch
apter_2_US_State_Level/st99_2_030_030.pdf"
http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Cha
pter_2_US_State_Level/st99_2_030_030.pdf  ),  

State	Total Acres Harvested (2007)	% of Total U.S. Harvested acres
(2007)

California 	9,612	  99

Oregon 	     30	< 1

US Total	9,687	> 99



	California accounts for almost all the harvested acres for artichokes
(Table 5).  Oregon accounts for less than 1 % of the harvested acres.  

Asparagus:

Table 6. U.S. Production of Asparagus for 2007 (USDA AG Census, 2007, 
HYPERLINK
"http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Ch
apter_2_US_State_Level/index.asp"
http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Cha
pter_2_US_State_Level/index.asp ) and  HYPERLINK
"http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Ch
apter_2_US_State_Level/st99_2_030_030.pdf"
http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Cha
pter_2_US_State_Level/st99_2_030_030.pdf  )  

State	Total Acres Harvested (2007)	% of Total U.S. Harvested acres
(2007)

California 	20,211	47

Michigan	12,127	28

Washington	  7,005	16

Oregon	     369	  1

US Total	43,010	92



	California accounts for 47 % of the harvested acres for asparagus,
followed by Michigan, Washington, and Oregon at 28, 16, and 1 % of the
harvested acres (Table 6). 

Rhubarb:

Over 44 % of the harvested rhubarb acres are grown in Oregon, with 31 %
grown in Washington, and 8 % grown in Michigan (Table 7).  

Table 7.  U.S. Production of Rhubarb for 2007 (USDA AG Census, 2007, 
HYPERLINK
"http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Ch
apter_2_US_State_Level/index.asp"
http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Cha
pter_2_US_State_Level/index.asp ) and  HYPERLINK
"http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Ch
apter_2_US_State_Level/st99_2_030_030.pdf"
http://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2007/Full_Report/Volume_1,_Cha
pter_2_US_State_Level/st99_2_030_030.pdf  )  

State	Total Acres Harvested (2007)	% of Total U.S. Harvested acres
(2007)

Oregon	  616	44

Washington	  437	31

Michigan	  106	  8

US Total	1,404	83



	The percent of the total produce sales for the stalk, stem, and leaf
petiole vegetable commodities in U.S. grocery stores for the years 2008
– 2010 for globe artichoke, asparagus, and celery are shown in Table 8
(The Packer, Fairchild, 2008, 2009, 2010).  Sales in pounds of these
three vegetables increased by 0.3 % for the three-year period and
account for > 3.1 % of the total produce sold in the U.S. Sales of
celery has increased from 281,344,886 lb in 2008 to 303,426,521 lb in
2010.  Growth in sales should increase with rise in immigrant
populations and essential nutritional components of these vegetables.

Table 8.  List of the Leafy Vegetable Commodity Percent of the Total
Grocery Store Produce Sales Sold for the Years 2008, 2009, and 2010. The
Packer (Fairchild, 2008, 2009, 2010). 

Commodity	Percent of Total Produce Sales – 2008 and Pounds Sold in
2008 	Percent of Total Produce Sales – 2009 and Pounds Sold in 2009
Percent of Total Produce Sales – 2010 and Pounds Sold in 2010

Artichoke, globe	0.2 % and 33,235,757 lb	0.2 % and 34,061,741 lb	0.2 %
and 34,924,795 lb

Asparagus	1.2 % and 155,200,591 lb	1.3 % and 173,680,167 lb	1.4 % and
178,569,065 lb

Celery	1.4 % and 281,344,886 lb	1.4 % and 287,541,873 lb	1.5 % and
303,426,521 lb



	In the U.S. there is per capita consumption data for 1970, 2007 –
2009 for asparagus (Table 9), celery (Table 10), and globe artichoke
(Table 11). The per capita consumption for fresh asparagus increased
from 0.4 lb/capita in 1970 to 1.3 lb/capita in 2009.  Canned asparagus
has increased from 0.6 lb/capita in 1970 to o.2 lb/capita in 2009. 
Frozen asparagus has declined greatly from 0.29 lb/capita in 1970 to
0.07 lb/capita in 2009.  Fresh celery per capita availability has
declined from 7.3 lb/capita in 1970 to 6.1 lb/capita. Globe artichoke
has increased from 1970 at 0.4 lb/capita to 1.5 lb/capita in 2009.

Table 9.  Asparagus U.S. per Capita Availability (lb/year) for 1970, and
2000, 2007 – 2007 (USDA ERS Food Availability, February 1, 2011, USDA
Agricultural Statistics, 2010).

Asparagus	Fresh	Canned	Frozen	Total Asparagus

2009	1.3	0.2	0.07	1.4

2008	1.2	0.2	0.09	1.5

2007	1.2	0.1	0.09	1.4

2000	0.9	0.3	0.07	1.2

1970	0.4	0.6	0.29	1.3



Table 10.  Celery U.S. Per Capita Availability (lb/year) for 1970, and
2000, 2007 – 2007 (USDA ERS Food Availability, February 1, 2011, USDA
Agricultural Statistics, 2010).

Celery	Fresh	Processed	Total Celery

2009	6.1	NA	6.1

2008	6.2	NA	6.2

2007	6.3	NA	6.3

2000	6.3	NA	6.3

1970	7.3	NA	7.3



Table 11.  Globe Artichoke U.S. per Capita Availability (lb/year) for
1970, and 2000, 2007 – 2007 (USDA ERS Food Availability, February 1,
2011, USDA Agricultural Statistics, 2010).

Globe Artichoke	Fresh	Processed	Total Globe Artichoke 

2009	1.5	NA	1.5

2008	1.5	NA	1.5

2007	1.5	NA	1.5

2000	1.2	NA	1.2

1970	0.4	NA	0.4



Per Capita Consumption from USDA CSF II. Survey:

	Based on the USDA CSFII 1994 – 1996, 1998 survey, using two day
individual consumption for determined leafy vegetable consumption
(g/day) is listed in Table 12.  The highest consumed stalk, stem, and
leaf petiole vegetable is celery with 3.64 g/day.  Other stalk, stem,
and leaf petiole vegetables are asparagus at 0.751 g/day, globe
artichoke at 0.115 g/day, and rhubarb at 0.0797 g/dat.  The only
babyfood reported for this crop group is celery at 0.00264 g/day.

Table 12.  Consumption of the Stalk, Stem, and Petiole Vegetable
Commodities 

Based on USDA CSFII 1994 – 1996, 1998 Survey.

COMMODITY	CONSUMPTION (g/day) 

Asparagus	  0.751

Artichoke, globe	  0.115

Bamboo shoots	  0.148

Cactus	  0.0774

Celery, juice	  0.0161

Celery	  3.648

Celery - babyfood	  0.00264

Palm, heart, leaves	  0.00643

Rhubarb	  0.0797

Total proposed stalk, stem, and leaf petiole vegetables	  4.59444 



IMPORTS/EXPORTS OF THE PROPOSED STALK, STEM, AND PETIOLE VEGETABLE
COMMODITIES:

	Despite the U.S. being a major producer of stalk, stem, and petiole
vegetables (Table 3) significant amounts of some of the stalk, stem, and
petiole vegetables are imported (Table 13).  The vegetables are fresh
asparagus (Table 14), frozen asparagus (Table 15), prepared asparagus
(Table 16), prepared artichokes (Table 17), bamboo shoots (Table 18),
and fresh celery (Table 19) is imported.  The amount of a commodity can
vary widely from year to year based on differences in U.S. production,
weather effects, and consumer demand.   

	In 2010 over 281,780 MT of the proposed Stalk, stem, and leaf vegetable
commodities were imported to the U.S.  Over 171,090 MT of fresh
asparagus were imported in 2010 (Table 14) with 51 % of the fresh
asparagus imported from Peru, followed by Mexico at 48 % and from Canada
1,189 MT.  Over 5,683 MT of frozen asparagus were imported in 2101
(Table 15) with over 64 % of the frozen asparagus was imported from
Peru, 17 % from Mexico, and 9 % from both China and Chile.  Prepared
asparagus (Table 16) had over 98 % imported from Peru (10,072 MT).  Also
in 2010, over 55,634 MT of prepared artichokes was imported with 51 %
from Peru, 23 % from Spain and 13 % from Chile (Table 17).  In 2010 over
30,376 MT of bamboo shoots were imported from China (70 %) and 15 % each
from India and Thailand (Table 18).  Over 35,251 MT of fresh celery was
imported in 2010 with over 89 % from Mexico and about 10 % from Canada
(Table 19).

Table 13.  U.S. Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petioles Imports for 2009 - 2010.

(USDA NASS, 2010 Fr Nt 1-3, USDA ERS, FTS – 2007, USDA FATUS, 2008,
2010).

Stone Fruit	2009 (MT)	2010 (MT)

Asparagus, fresh	156,035	171,090

Asparagus, frozen	    3,907	    5,683

Asparagus, prepared	  14,252	  10,436

Artichokes, prepared	  54,611	  55,634

Bamboo shoots, preserved	    3,626	    3,586

Celery, fresh	  24,660	  35,351



Table 14.  U.S. Fresh Asparagus Imports for 2007 – 2010.  (USDA NASS,
2010 Fr Nt 1-3, USDA FATUS, 2011   HYPERLINK
"http://www.fas.usda.gov/gats/ExpressQuery1.aspx" 
http://www.fas.usda.gov/gats/ExpressQuery1.aspx 

	2007	2008	2009	2010

Product	Partner	UOM	Qty	Qty	Qty	Qty

Asparagus, Fresh	Peru	MT	70,209	79,099	86,625	87,451

Asparagus, Fresh	Mexico	MT	51,703	58,631	67,323	81,969

Asparagus, Fresh	Canada	MT	1,054	1,255	1,410	1,189

Asparagus, Fresh	Ecuador	MT	436	332	296	253

Asparagus, Fresh	Argentina	MT	88.8	76	164	150

Asparagus, Fresh	Chile	MT	206	99	143	62

Asparagus, Fresh	Colombia	MT	242	145	36	9.1

Asparagus, Fresh	Panama	MT	0.0	0.0	0.0	4.2

Asparagus, Fresh	France	MT	4.3	6.4	4.5	1.9

Asparagus, Fresh	Germany	MT	0.8	0.7	0.2	0.6

Asparagus, Fresh	China	MT	0.0	0.0	17.7	0.0

Asparagus, Fresh	Guatemala	MT	96.7	163	16.7	0.0

Grand Total

MT	124,042	139,826	156,035	171,090



Table 15.  U.S. Frozen Asparagus Imports for 2007 – 2010.  (USDA NASS,
2010 Fr Nt 1-3, USDA FATUS, 2011  HYPERLINK
"http://faostat.fao.org/site/342/default.aspx"
http://faostat.fao.org/site/342/default.aspx ).  

	2007	2008	2009	2010

Product	Partner	UOM	Qty	Qty	Qty	Qty

Asparagus, Frozen	Peru	MT	3,765	4,731	3,147	3,660

Asparagus, Frozen	Mexico	MT	53	76	13	9747

Asparagus, Frozen	China	MT	508	716	597	519

Asparagus, Frozen	Chile	MT	137	88	137	513

Asparagus, Frozen	Ecuador	MT	0.0	0.0	0.0	17

Asparagus, Frozen	Belgium-Luxembourg	MT	3.9	0.0	12.8	0.0

Asparagus, Frozen	Canada	MT	0.0	138	0.0	0.0

Asparagus, Frozen	France	MT	0.3	0.0	0.0	0.0

Asparagus, Frozen	Germany	MT	33.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

Grand Total

MT	4,502	5,749	3,907	5,683



Table16.  U.S. Prepared Asparagus Imports for 2007 – 2010.  (USDA
NASS, 2010 Fr Nt 1-3, USDA FATUS, 2011  HYPERLINK
"http://faostat.fao.org/site/342/default.aspx"
http://faostat.fao.org/site/342/default.aspx ).  

	2007	2008	2009	2010

Partner	Product	UOM	Qty	Qty	Qty	Qty

Peru	Asparagus, Prepared	MT	10,867	17,752	13,672	10,072

China	Asparagus, Prepared	MT	659	629	496.2	295

New Zealand	Asparagus, Prepared	MT	13.3	26.4	59.9	51.8

Spain	Asparagus, Prepared	MT	22.9	61.5	23.9	17.0

Israel	Asparagus, Prepared	MT	0.0	8.1	0.0	0.5

France	Asparagus, Prepared	MT	0.3	0.3	0.0	0.0

Mexico	Asparagus, Prepared	MT	0.0	18.6	0.0	0.0

Grand Total

MT	11,563	18,497	14,252	10,436



Table17.  U.S. Artichokes Imports for 2007 – 2010.  (USDA NASS, 2010
Fr Nt 1-3, USDA FATUS, 2011  HYPERLINK
"http://faostat.fao.org/site/342/default.aspx"
http://faostat.fao.org/site/342/default.aspx 

	2007	2008	2009	2010

Partner	Product	UOM	Qty	Qty	Qty	Qty

Peru	Artichokes, Prepared	MT	22,375	27,126	24,327	28,335

Spain	Artichokes, Prepared	MT	13,653	11,857	14,159	12,739

Chile	Artichokes, Prepared	MT	12,463	8,656	10,217	7,231

Ecuador	Artichokes, Prepared	MT	1,577	2,094	2,124	3,128

Egypt	Artichokes, Prepared	MT	10.4	0.0	67.1	1,760

Italy	Artichokes, Prepared	MT	3,134	2,381	1,772	1,190

China	Artichokes, Prepared	MT	1,439	1,264	1,591	931

Canada	Artichokes, Prepared	MT	1.0	110	195	188

Mexico	Artichokes, Prepared	MT	167	92.3	60.0	113

Syria	Artichokes, Prepared	MT	4.0	5.6	13.5	8.9

Thailand	Artichokes, Prepared	MT	0.0	0.0	0.0	7.1

Greece	Artichokes, Prepared	MT	8.3	5.7	4.8	5.3

Tunisia	Artichokes, Prepared	MT	5.0	1.0	0.8	1.1

Eritrea	Artichokes, Prepared	MT	18.4	0.0	0.0	0.0

Hong Kong	Artichokes, Prepared	MT	17.2	0.0	0.0	0.0

Lebanon	Artichokes, Prepared	MT	3.1	2.8	8.6	0.0

Morocco	Artichokes, Prepared	MT	201	297	72.1	0.0

Serbia and Kosovo	Artichokes, Prepared	MT	17.3	0.0	0.0	0.0

Grand Total

MT	55,108	53,894	54,611	55,634



Table 18.  U.S. Bamboo Shoots Imports for 2007 – 2010.  (USDA NASS,
2010 Fr Nt 1-3, USDA FATUS, 2011  HYPERLINK
"http://faostat.fao.org/site/342/default.aspx"
http://faostat.fao.org/site/342/default.aspx 

	2007	2008	2009	2010

Partner	Product	UOM	Qty	Qty	Qty	Qty

China	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	19,219	19,009	18,1039	21,178

India	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	1,5065	1,749	3,251	4,586

Thailand	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	3,646	3,626	3,586	3,577

Taiwan	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	910	644	668	590

Japan	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	191	1839	169	171

Guatemala	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	39.1	106	131	148

Korea, South	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	96.3	42.6	44.3	34.0

Spain	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	56.8	84	45.8	31.2

Dominican Republic	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	25.0	14.8	7.0	24.2

Colombia	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	0.8	0.0	1.9	11.6

Hong Kong	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	32.0	19.9	43.2	9.8

Italy	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	36.1	7.8	2.7	5.1

Greece	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	13.3	3.0	3.2	2.8

France	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	1.6	4.6	2.0	2.6

El Salvador	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	0.0	1.5	0.0	2.3

Lebanon	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	47.8	12.4	3.6	1.5

Vietnam	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	18.4	4.4	0.0	1.0

Philippines	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	0.0	0.0	4.3	0.5

United Arab Emirates	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	7.9	0.0	0.0	0.0

Belgium-Luxembourg	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	7.6	3.6	0.0	0.0

Brazil	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	9.1	1.9	0.0	0.0

Bulgaria	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	38.9	4.7	0.0	0.0

Canada	Bamboo Shoots, Preserved	MT	293	184	29.7	0.0

Grand Total

MT	26,802	25,940	26,180	30,376



Table 19.  U.S. Fresh Celery Imports for 2007 – 2010.  (USDA NASS,
2010 Fr Nt 1-3, USDA FATUS, 2011  HYPERLINK
"http://faostat.fao.org/site/342/default.aspx"
http://faostat.fao.org/site/342/default.aspx ).  

	2007	2008	2009	2010

Product	Partner	UOM	Qty	Qty	Qty	Qty

Celery, Fresh	Mexico	MT	19,587	19,520	21,204	31,703

Celery, Fresh	Canada	MT	8,886	6,571	3,433	3,541

Celery, Fresh	Dominican Republic	MT	23.1	5.2	23.0	3.8

Celery, Fresh	Netherlands	MT	0.0	0.0	0.0	3.0

Celery, Fresh	China	MT	353	0.0	0.0	0.0

Celery, Fresh	El Salvador	MT	0.1	0.0	0.0	0.0

Grand Total

MT	28,849	26,096	24,660	35,251



	The U.S. is also a major exporter of the proposed stalk, stem, and leaf
petiole vegetables including fresh asparagus and fresh celery (Tables
20, 21, 22).  The most widely exported commodity is fresh celery.  U.S.
exports totaled over 127.979 MT.  Total exports increased from 2009 –
2010 by 5,039 MT. 

Table 20.  U.S. Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petioles Exports for 2009 - 2010.

(USDA NASS, 2010 Fr Nt 1-3, USDA ERS, FTS – 2007, USDA FATUS, 2009,
2010).

 Exports, Metric Tons (MT).

Commodity	2009 (MT)	2010 (MT)

Asparagus, fresh	    7,422	    9,896

Celery, fresh	115,518	118,083



	In 2010, there were over 39,896 MT of U.S. grown fresh asparagus were
exported (Table 18).  Approximately 40 % of the fresh asparagus were
exported to Canada (3,944 MT), 37 % to Japan and 13 % to Switzerland. 

Table 21.  U.S. Fresh Asparagus Exports for 2007 – 2010.  (USDA NASS,
2010 Fr Nt 1-3, USDA FATUS, 2011  HYPERLINK
"http://faostat.fao.org/site/342/default.aspx"
http://faostat.fao.org/site/342/default.aspx ).  

	2007	2008	2009	2010

Product	Partner	UOM	Qty	Qty	Qty	Qty

Asparagus, Fr	Canada	MT	4,184	5,391	3,947	3,944

Asparagus, Fr	Japan	MT	1,280	1,380	2,642	3,634

Asparagus, Fr	Switzerland	MT	1,101	1,021	98	1,246

Asparagus, Fr	Netherlands	MT	31	126	212	185

Asparagus, Fr	Germany	MT	50	71	59	183

Asparagus, Fr	Australia	MT	63	144	5.3	159

Asparagus, Fr	United Kingdom	MT	112	46	105	155

Asparagus, Fr	Singapore	MT	13	86	123	118

Asparagus, Fr	Hong Kong	MT	6	10	15	74

Asparagus, Fr	Mexico	MT	63	39	2.8	50

Asparagus, Fr	Spain	MT	12	8.5	0.0	30

Asparagus, Fr	France	MT	52	38	0.7	27

Asparagus, Fr	Italy	MT	11	16	56	26

Asparagus, Fr	China	MT	0.0	43	51	22

Asparagus, Fr	Belgium-Luxembourg	MT	0.0	0.3	63	14

Asparagus, Fr	Taiwan	MT	105	103	10	9.5

Asparagus, Fr	Korea, South	MT	10	2.5	9	7.8

Asparagus, Fr	Bahamas	MT	3.4	3.0	2.2	7.3

Asparagus, Fr	Brazil	MT	1.3	3.9	0.0	3.9

Asparagus, Fr	Barbados	MT	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.8

Asparagus, Fr	Rest of World	MT	1.8	82	20.7	0.0

Grand Total

MT	7,101	8,613	7,422	9,896



	In 2010, there were over 118,083 MT of U.S. grown fresh celery were
exported (Table 19).  Approximately 80 % of the fresh celery were
exported to Canada (94,113 MT), 4.8 % exported to Taiwan, and about 3.5
% exported to Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Mexico. 

Table 22.  U.S. Fresh Celery Exports for 2007 – 2010.  (USDA NASS,
2010 Fr Nt 1-3, USDA FATUS, 2011  HYPERLINK
"http://faostat.fao.org/site/342/default.aspx"
http://faostat.fao.org/site/342/default.aspx ).  

	2007	2008	2009	2010

Product	Partner	UOM	Qty	Qty	Qty	Qty

Celery, Fr	Canada	MT	96,995	94,524	94,007	94,113

Celery, Fr	Taiwan	MT	6,518	6,458	7,963	5,682

Celery, Fr	Japan	MT	2,575	3,217	2,113	4,423

Celery, Fr	Singapore	MT	3,197	3,864	4,027	4,299

Celery, Fr	Hong Kong	MT	3,114	3,147	3,313	4,093

Celery, Fr	Mexico	MT	2,948	3,460	2,350	3,704

Celery, Fr	Malaysia	MT	1,454	912	1,648	1,586

Celery, Fr	Philippines	MT	0.0	72	18	69.0

Celery, Fr	Ecuador	MT	0.0	0.0	69.9	35

Celery, Fr	Korea, South	MT	0.0	0.0	0.0	22

Celery, Fr	China	MT	0.0	25	0.0	19

Celery, Fr	Bahamas	MT	28	19.8	14	12

Celery, Fr	Norway	MT	0.0	10.4	0.0	10

Celery, Fr	Barbados	MT	0.0	0.0	4.6	5.4

Celery, Fr	Saudi Arabia	MT	0.0	8.1	0.0	4.6

Celery, Fr	United Kingdom	MT	214	0.0	0.0	4.0

Celery, Fr	Netherlands Antilles	MT	0.0	0.0	1.9	2.1

Celery, Fr	Honduras	MT	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.2

Celery, Fr	United Arab Emirates	MT	559.1	156	0.0	0.0

Celery, Fr	Australia	MT	32.7	0.0	0.0	0.0

Celery, Fr	Rest of World	MT	172.7	178	20	0.0

Grand Total

MT	117,806	116,052	115,548	118,083



SPECIFIC CROP PRODUCTION AREAS OF THE STALK, STEM, AND LEAF PETIOLE
VEGETABLES (See APPENDIX I Figures 1 – 3, Maps of the Asparagus,
Celery and Rhubarb Acres form the USDA AGCensus, 2002).  

	There is no specific crop production data in the U.S. for the following
commodities: bamboo, edible burdock, cardoon, and celtuce.  However,
potential growing areas for the stalk, stem, and leaf petiole vegetables
occur in the U.S. and established production areas in the world will be
discussed below: 

Agave:

Agave is produced Production in U.S.: primarily Texas, Arizona, New
Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and Southern California.  Other production regions
include Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. 

Asparagus:

In the U.S. in 2005, 54,000 acres (21,852 hectares) total and 99,428
tons (90,200 tonnes) were produced.  California is the primary producer
with approximately 55,116 tons (50,000 tonnes) annually.  Other States
include Michigan, Washington, Oregon, New Jersey, and Utah.  Other
production regions in 2005 include China with 6,510,000 tons/5,906,000
tonnes and Peru with 227,109 tons/206,030 tonnes (See APPENDIX I, Figure
1. Map of the U.S. Asparagus Acres form the USDA AGCensus, 2002). 

Bamboo shoots:

	Bamboo is grown in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, California, and Washington
State.  Other production regions are throughout the tropics, much of
Asia and the Pacific including India and China. 

Burdock, edible, tops:

	Edible burdock is both naturalized and a common weed in North America,
but it is cultivated as a root crop in Hawaii.  Other production regions
include Japan, China, Java, parts of Europe.  Most of the Europe
production is for medicinal uses. 

Cardoon:

	Cardoon is rarely grown in the U.S. but can be found in ethnic markets
and gourmet stores.  It is considered an invasive weed in California. 
It is more commonly produced in Europe, Japan, Brazil, Spain, and Iran. 

Celery:

Celery production in the U.S. include 11,735 hectares (29,000 acres)
producing 833,702 tonnes (919,000 tons) of fresh celery in 2007 (USDA
2008, See Appendix I, Figure 2. Map of the U.S. Celery Acres form the
USDA AGCensus, 2002).  Other temperate production regions include India.
 

Celery, Chinese:

Chinese celery production in the U.S. is difficult to determine as
reports may combine Chinese celery and stalk celery.  Dr. Ken Shuler,
Extension Agent Vegetables, University of FL, West Palm Beach indicates
that Chinese celery is presently grown in FL, CA, and southern TX, and
should be well adapted to the MI celery producing areas.  The
geographical distribution is the same as regular celery.  Other
production regions include China and Europe.

Celtuce:

There is no production in the U.S. but there is some cultivation in
Florida.  Other production regions include China and Egypt.

Fennel, Florence:

	Florence fennel is grown in California and Florida, and other
production regions include Europe. 

Ferns, edible:

Ferns are not as important economically as seed plants but have
considerable importance in some societies.  Some ferns are used for
food, including the fiddleheads of   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bracken" \o "Bracken"  bracken , Pteridium
aquilinum,   HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ostrich_fern" \o
"Ostrich fern"  ostrich fern , Matteuccia struthiopteris, and  
HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamon_fern" \o "Cinnamon
fern"  cinnamon fern , Osmunda cinnamomea.   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diplazium_esculentum" \o "Diplazium
esculentum"  Diplazium esculentum  is also used by some tropical peoples
as food.  Tubers from the King Fern or para (  HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptisana_salicina" \o "Ptisana salicina" 
Ptisana salicina ) are a traditional food in   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand" \o "New Zealand"  New Zealand
 and the   HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oceania" \o "Oceania"
 South Pacific . Fern tubers were used for food 30,000 years ago in
Europe.  Fern tubers were used by the   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guanches" \o "Guanches"  Guanches  to make
  HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gofio" \o "Gofio"  gofio  in
the   HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canary_Islands" \o "Canary
Islands"  Canary Islands .    HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice_fern" \o "Licorice fern" 
Licorice fern    HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhizome" \o
"Rhizome"  rhizomes  were chewed by the natives of the   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Northwest" \o "Pacific Northwest" 
Pacific Northwest  for their flavor. 

Fuki:

Fuki is grown as a home garden plant for mainly ornamental uses in the
U.S.  Other production regions include China, Japan, Korea, and Russia. 

Kale, sea:

Sea kale has been naturalized on the West Coast of North America.  Other
production regions include being native along shores of Western Europe,
the Baltic Sea, and the Black Sea. 

Kohlrabi:

Kohlrabi is grown in many states of the U.S. including California,
Oregon, Washington, New Jersey, and Florida.  It is common to most of
the world particularly Canada, Mexico, W. Europe, China, the
Mediterranean, India, and Hungary, and Germany. 

Palm hearts:

	The cabbage palm grows wild in Florida in great abundance but
authorization to cut for palm hearts is required.  Palmetto is native
from North Carolina to Florida, especially south Florida.  The peach
palm is cultivated in Hawaii.  Other production regions for
heart-of-palm production in Brazil was 20,000 hectares (49,421 acres) in
2002; production in Bolivia was 3,000 hectares (7,413 acres); Costa Rica
had 8,000 hectares (19,768 acres) in production in 2002, and production
in Colombia was 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres).  The total Neotropical
production area of heart-of-palm is greater than 43,000 hectares
(106,255 acres). 

Prickly pear, pads (Cactus):

	Cactus is grown in the U.S. in California, Arizona, Texas, and Hawaii;
grown widely in home gardens and widely cultivated and naturalized in
small commercial plantings in southwestern and southern U.S.  Chile and
Mexico supply most of the US imports; widely cultivated and naturalized
in South America including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru,
Bolivia; Central America; S. Europe, the Mediterranean including Italy,
Sicily, North Africa, Spain, Greece; Turkey, Jordan, Israel, Egypt;
Africa including South Africa, Ethiopia, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia;
Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the West Indies, and Micronesia. 
Approximately 100,000 hectares (247,105 acres) are used for fruit
production in commercial plantations worldwide.  Mexico, which is the
greatest consumer of the fruit, produces approximately 400,000 tonnes
(440,925 tons) fresh mass of fruit per year on more than 70,000 hectares
(172,974 acres).  Mexico exports more than 2,000 tonnes (2,205 tons) of
fruit annually, mostly to the U.S.  Italy (Sicily) is the second most
important country for producing the fruit.  Italy contains 3,500
hectares (8,649 acres) of intensively managed plantations that produce
approximately 70,000 tonnes (77,162 tons) of fruit annually.  An
additional 10,000 plus hectares (24,711 acres) produce some fruit. 
Other countries including Argentina, Chile, South Africa, and Tunisia
grow over 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) for fruit production.  Major
production also occurs in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Spain,
Greece, Turkey, Jordan, Israel, Egypt, Ethiopia, Algeria, Morocco, and
the U.S.  The plant is cultivated on over 1.6 million hectares
(3,953,686 acres) for forage and fodder.  Fruit yields vary and range
from 4 tonnes (4.4 tons) of fruit fresh mass/year/hectare
(non-irrigated, marginal regions) to 30 tonnes (33 tons) /year/hectare
(intensive management).  Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri: 
naturalized in South Africa and Mexico including the Mojave, Sonora and
Chihuahua deserts.  

Rhubarb:

Rhubarb is grown in many states, particularly Washington, Oregon,
Michigan, California, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin (See Appendix I,
Figure 2. Map of the U.S. Celery Acres form the USDA AGCensus, 2002). 
Other production regions include Canada, Europe, and China.

Udo: 

	Limited information in the U.S. and other production regions include
Japan and its surrounding regions. 

Zuiki

Zuiki is commercially cultivated in Hawaii for local consumption and
export to the continental U.S.  Other production regions:  include
China, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia.

SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL AND COMPARISON OF CULTURAL PRACTICES OF THE STALK,
STEM, AND LEAF PETIOLE VEGETABLES: 

	Specific cultural practices for the stalk, stem, and leaf petiole
vegetables which include asparagus, celery, fennel, and kohlrabi will be
discussed in this section.  Also, a comparison of the stalk, stem, and
leaf petiole vegetable planting depth, seeds/lb, seeds/100 ft row, and
row spacing’s are shown in Table 23 and a listing of days to
germinate, time planting to harvest, yield/plant and range of yields for
each crop are shown in Table 24, respectively.  

Agave: 

Many of the agave species are edible in some way and nearly all are
useful for fiber.  Characteristically, the plant grows in a large
rosette with long, tough and thick leaves that taper to a point, often
have spines around the margins, and appear to spring directly out of the
ground.  The most commonly grown species for human consumption are Agave
americana, A. angustifolia, and A. tequilana, but many others are eaten,
either grown or collected from the wild.  Size and other characteristics
vary greatly by species, but some types may have rosettes up to 4 m (13
ft) across with leaves nearly 1.8 m (6 ft) in length.  Agaves are
monocarpic and grow for many years before they flower a single time and
then die.  In some species, the flower stalk may reach up to 7.9 m (26
ft) in height, usually with large yellow or white flowers borne in a
spike.  In many species the root, thick central stem, and flower stalk
are edible, although they must be well roasted first.  The flowers are
also edible in many species, and the seeds are occasionally eaten as
well.  Care should be taken prior to use, as the juice of the leaves of
some species can cause contact dermatitis and cut leaves and other parts
of the plant should be handled only with gloves prior to being dried or
cooked.  Aside from its major use as a source of fiber, arguably the
most famous usage of agave is for the sap of its flower stalk, which may
be fermented in mescal or tequila (depending on the species used) or
processed into agave “nectar”, a popular natural sweeter.  Prior to
consuming any part of a wild agave, care should be taken to ensure a
positive species identification, as not all species are edible even
after cooking and there is significant variation within each species. 

Asparagus: 

	Asparagus is an herbaceous perennial, native to east-central Europe,
but now widely cultivated and escaped throughout much of the temperate
world.  Asparagus plants may reach 1.5 m (4.9 ft) in height during the
growing season and die back completely after frost.  The leaves are
scale-like and reduced, with tiny modified stems growing needle-like
from the axils, giving the entire plant a feathery appearance.  The tiny
flowers (4.5 - 6.5 mm/0.18 - 0.26 in long) are bell shaped and green to
white.  The plant grows new from a crown of rhizomes underneath the
ground each spring.  The asparagus “spears” are a highly prized
vegetable, and are really the very young shoots cut before leaves or
branches have a chance to develop.  Mature asparagus plants have
feathery foliage referred to as ferns.  There are three main kinds of
asparagus: green (which is the most common in the U.S.), white (which is
green asparagus that has been blanched using mounded dirt or plastic to
cover the growing stems), and purple (which is considered to have a
sweeter and more delicate flavor than green).  Asparagus is grown both
commercially and in home gardens, and is economically important in
several countries.  Three methods are used to establish an asparagus
bed: transplanting one year old crowns, direct-seeding in the field, and
transplanting 8 - 12 week old seedling plants.  The underground portion
consists of stems or rhizomes, and the edible aerial stems grow upward
from them.  Young "crowns" consisting of roots and rhizomes are grown
from seed planted in beds and transplanted to the field.  A considerable
amount of labor, including irrigation and weed control, is required to
establish the plants.  They should be grown in a sandy loam soil to
facilitate digging the crowns the following year for transplanting. 
Thus, one year of spear production is lost due to transplanting crowns. 
Due to the high cost of hybrid asparagus seed, some growers will
germinate seed in flats in a greenhouse and grow these seedlings for 10
- 12 weeks before planting in the field.  These seedlings are called
"transplants."  They can be transplanted to the field in the spring or
in the fall if greenhouse space for growing seedlings is limited during
the spring.  A one-year-old crown is the crown and fleshy root system of
a one-year-old plant grown from seed.  Starting asparagus plantings with
one-year-old crowns is still the easiest and most popular method used by
Eastern and Midwestern U.S. growers.  Research has shown that using
one-year-old crowns is more economical and higher yielding than using
two- and three-year-old crowns.  The transplants or crowns are spaced
from 12 - 18 inches between plants in the row and 5 to 6 feet between
rows.  Fields with good care will produce for up to 15 years or longer. 
The tender, succulent aerial stems are cut for 2 to 3 months as they
emerge in spring.  Then cutting stops and they are allowed to grow to
nourish the underground part for the following year's crop.  Cutting may
be deep in the soil with just the tip emerging for "white" or near the
soil surface when spears are 6 to 8 inches high for green asparagus. 
All-male varieties are preferred, as males typically produce longer and
yield better than female plants.  

	Asparagus cannot be harvested during the year of crown planting because
it must be allowed to grow and develop a strong storage root system. 
Using vigorous varieties, high-quality crowns, good management, and
having a long growing season to permit maximum fern growth, it is
possible to harvest for 2 to 4 weeks the first year after crown
planting.  The harvest season can be extended to 4 to 6 weeks the next
year and to 6 to 8 weeks in subsequent years.  Buds on an asparagus
crown are arranged in a "dominant hierarchy" or "pecking order" system. 
The first bud to emerge as a spear is the largest in diameter.  When a
spear from a crown is harvested, it signals another bud on that crown to
send up another spear.  With each successive spear that is harvested,
the spear diameter decreases because the lower-order buds are smaller
and produce smaller diameter spears.  The largest spears occur between
the second and fifth week of harvest and decrease rapidly thereafter,
and this is why asparagus harvesting should stop after a certain number
of weeks to allow the crown to send up small diameter spears that will
lignify and become ferns to manufacture carbohydrates to send down to
the crowns for next year's crop.  Spear diameter during the first year
after crown planting will be smaller and possibly more difficult to
market than the larger spears produced after the first harvest season. 
Because the length of harvest season will vary from year to year
depending on air temperature, stopping the harvest when one-fourth to
three-fourths of the spears have a diameter of less than 3/8 inch (about
the diameter of a pencil) is a better guide than harvesting for a
specified number of weeks.  Over-harvesting will weaken the crown,
reducing the amount of carbohydrates stored for the following year, and
will lead to further decline of the planting, putting plants under
stress and making them more susceptible to insects and diseases. 
Asparagus spears can be cut or snapped to produce spears of marketable
length, which is usually between 7 and 9 inches.  Asparagus spears may
be cut below the soil surface with a knife, or they may be hand-snapped
above the soil surface.  Cutting asparagus requires more labor, but
increases yield 20 to 25 % because spears are longer.  However, cutting
spears below the soil greatly increases the chance of the knife injuring
a bud or emerging spear on the same crown.  When hand-snapping, the
spear usually breaks above the area containing fiber.  In other words,
the portion of the spear left in the field will be fibrous, while the
harvested spear is tender and is all edible.  The small stub left in the
soil after snapping dries up and disintegrates. A new spear does not
come up at that spot, but comes up from another bud that enlarges on
another part of the crown.  Snapped all-green asparagus has no trim-off
waste and should command a higher price than cut asparagus with white
butts. 

	White (blanched) asparagus is produced in the absence of sunlight.  It
is commonly grown in Asia and Europe.  However, fresh white asparagus is
rare even in major U.S. markets and supports a price structure of two to
three times that of green asparagus.  White asparagus is easily grown as
there is a consumer demand for it.  The traditional growing method was
to mound up soil over the plant row to an 8 to 10 inch height just
before spears start to grow in the spring.  Once the tip of the soil
mound started to crack above the emerging spear, the asparagus knife was
thrust into the mound, cutting the spear before it was exposed to light.
This growing method is very labor intensive.  When harvesting white
asparagus, avoid exposing spears to light for periods longer than 15
minutes or they will turn green.  After harvesting, spears are placed
into opaque bags and storage is similar to green asparagus. 

Bamboo shoots: 

	Bamboo is a woody, perennial, evergreen grass found throughout much of
Asia, the Pacific, and parts of Africa.  A huge group with incredible
variability; some species grow over 30.5 m (100 ft) tall, while others
remain relative small and shrub-like.  All species have a woody, jointed
stem and lanceolate, entire, alternate leaves.  The stem is usually dark
green and shiny, and the leaves light green to yellow green.  The
flowers are inconspicuous and small.  The group ranges from tropical
species which grow in jungles, to frost tolerant species which colonize
the Himalayas.  Bamboo is also the fastest growing plant in the world,
with some species able to grow a total of 4 ft (121 cm) in a 24-hour
period, and have even been measured growing 3.3 ft (1 m) in the space of
an hour.  Many species are economically important, and most have shoots
which are edible when young and which form an important part of many
Asian diets.  In addition, the seeds of several species are valued as a
famine food.  Bamboo can be propagated by seed, sown at surface, but
more commonly by rhizome division.  Clumping bamboos are extremely
productive.  D. asper can produce 60 shoots a year, with 2 - 3 pounds of
edible core on each shoot.  Bamboo is cultivated in plantations with 400
plants/ha, 5 m row spacing’s and 6 – 8 m between clumps.  The culms
(stems) are often used in construction, and have a lifespan of 5 - 7
years.  Culms for commercial use should be harvested at the peak of
growth, 3 - 5 years old. 

Burdock, edible, tops: 

	Burdock is a hardy, biennial plant, reaching up to 6.6 ft (2 m) tall. 
Burdock grows thickly, and is much branching with large, alternating,
cordiform leaves, which are borne on a long petiole and are hairy
underneath.  The clusters of prickly purple flowers grow in terminal
clusters on each branch.  The fruit is an achene, which is surrounded by
burr-like capitula, which sticks to the fur of animals for dispersal. 
It has a very long, thin, tapering taproot.  The tops die down in the
winter and new growth springs from the root.  Burdock was much used as a
vegetable in Europe during Medieval times, but has since fallen out of
favor and its primarily cultivated and consumed in Japan in other parts
of Asia.  The root is the primary part valued, but the young stalks and
leaves are also consumed, like asparagus and spinach.  The peeled stem
is also eaten.  Burdock is propagation by seed and often will self-sow
as it tends to be weedy.  For best results, soak overnight and sow in
seed tray, then transplant seedlings to field before taproot can
develop.  Space 10 - 23 cm (4 - 9 in) apart, or 5 - 7.6 cm (2 - 3 in)
apart within rows spaced 30.5 cm (12 in) apart.  It requires little care
after planting, although mulching will keep the weeds down, and can be
planted in early spring for harvest in fall, or in fall for spring or
early summer harvest.  Autumn planting should be done as late as
possible to prevent bolting before winter. 

Cardoon:

		Cardoon is a prickly perennial native to the Mediterranean, and is
closely related to globe artichoke.  Growth is up to 1.8 m (6 ft) with
large pinnate leaves bearing sharp spines.  The thickened leaf petioles
are eaten as a vegetable.  Leaf stalks are bundled before harvest in
order to blanch the petioles and make them more desirable.  They are
usually tied up before harvest to blanch the inner stems and thus reduce
the bitterness, and they are nearly always eaten cooked.  The raw
petioles are very bitter, but are eaten in some places, particularly
after being marinated.  The flower buds may be eaten much like
artichokes.  The root is edible and may be eaten like parsnip.  Cardoon
can be highly invasive and is considered a weed in California and
Australia. 

Celery: 

	Celery is grown for the thick, succulent leaf stalks or petioles the
first year which are esteemed as salad and to a lesser extent as a
cooked vegetable.  Celery is a biennial plant, which produces vegetative
growth (the edible stalks, or petioles) during the first year and seed
stalks during the second year.  The leaves rise from a crown at ground
level.  Leaf stems are up to 30 cm (1 ft) long, with the greatly
compound leaf blades extending an additional foot during growth.  Plants
are usually started in beds, but seed may be field sown in cool
climates.  Outer leaves develop first and to largest size, inner leaf
stems are smaller and more succulent.  Formerly most of the celery was
blanched by placing heavy paper or boards against each side of the rows
to exclude most of the light.  At present, green or non-blanched celery
is mainly marketed.  Outermost leaves, particularly if the stems are
very coarse or scarred, are frequently removed before packing.  Plants
must be grown rapidly for most succulent and desirable quality.  For
seed production, celery plants are exposed to cold, mainly by
overwintering in mild climates.  They then develop the seed stalks, 0.6
- 0.9 m (2 - 3 ft) tall.  Seeds are numerous in compound umbels.  For
seed production, celery plants are exposed to cold, mainly by
overwintering in mild climates, and then harvested by pulling the
plants, allowing them to dry, and then threshing.  It is harvested about
90 days after transplanting, but if the plant were left to grow for the
second year and were exposed to low temperatures, it would produce a
longer stem and a seed head.  Celery is a cool-season crop that grows
best in temperatures under 65 degrees, but will tolerate a range of 45
to 75 - 80 degrees.  Freezing temperatures and hot weather conditions
should be avoided for optimum growing seasons.  In CA, celery growing
areas can produce up to 2.5 crops per acre per year. Planting and
harvesting schedules are coordinated to provide a steady supply of fresh
celery throughout the year with a peak in November for Thanksgiving. 

Celery, Chinese:

Chinese celery is a biennial plant, typical grown as an annual.  Closely
resembles the wild celery, with thinner, hollow leafstalks and a more
pungent flavor than European celery.  Chinese celery has a branching
rather than bunching habit, which makes it easier to harvest individual
leafstalks.  The leaves are flat and lobed, with jagged edges, and the
whole plant may reach up to 1.2 ft (37 cm) in height.  The stems may be
dark green, yellow, or pale green to white and are sometimes blanched by
piling dirt around the base.  Mainly grown for its strongly aromatic
leaves and stalks which are cut like parsley, the whole plant top is
often chopped up for use.  Rarely if ever eaten fresh, Chinese celery
looks like the 'American' celery, except that its stalks are less
compact (< 1/2 in. diam.), hollow, more in number, and range from 10 to
15 in. tall with the average height 10 inches.  Celery stalks vary in
height from 6 to 15 inches, and are < 1 in. diameter. 

Chinese celery is an important Chinese and Vietnamese vegetable that
adds flavor to dishes such as soups and stir fries.  The leaves
themselves may be used as a culinary herb, and both the leaves and
stalks can be dried for later use.  Chinese celery can be planted
indoors for up to 6 weeks until they grow to 3 to 4 in, and are then
transplanted to the field in the spring when the danger of frost is
over.  Celery can also be planted indoors for up to 12 weeks before
transplanting.  Both types of celery can also be seeded at a depth of
1/16 in. in July or August and will take 10 to 21 days to germinate. 
Chinese celery is spaced at 4 to 6 in. apart in the row with 12 in.
between rows, while regular celery is planted 5 to 10 in. apart and up
to 24 in. between rows.  Chinese celery matures from transplanting to
harvest in < 90 days, while early maturing cultivars of regular celery
matures in 90 days and can range up to 125 days for a late maturing
cultivar.  The stalks are harvested when they are < 14 in. tall, and
regular celery can range from 15 to 24 in. tall.  Both Chinese and
American celery stalks can be blanched by mounding soil around them to
produce a bleached light green stalk. 

Celtuce:

Celtuce is an annual cool season herbaceous plant, originating in
Southern China.  Celtuce is a variety of lettuce that does not form
heads but instead has a lush, thick leaf growth that bears a resemblance
to bolted lettuce.  It has a thick stem or flower stalk which harvested
before the plant flowers and is prized as a vegetable, particularly in
China.  The stem is usually harvested at a length of around 5.9 - 7.9 in
(15 - 20 cm) and a diameter of around 1.2 - 1.6 in (3 - 4 cm).  The
leaves are also edible, although old leaves may become bitter.  Young
leaves particularly are used in salad mixes, although the leaves are
considered much less desirable than the stem due to the milky sap that
forms soon after it matures.  The flavor of celtuce is said to be
delicate and unique, and the texture is crisp and tender.  The stem is
edible raw, but is usually cooked or pickled before eating.  The stem
should be peeled before consumption.  Even though it is a cool season
crop, although can tolerate warmer conditions once established.  Does
not germinate well in heat (optimum germination temperature is 59 - 68
°F /15 - 20 °C).  Except special summer cultivars, most celtuces are
sensitive to bolting in hot summer.  Shortage of water and fertilizer as
well as big day-night temperature difference may contribute to premature
bolting.  Recommended planting density is 7.9 - 10.2 in (20 - 26 cm)
between plants in a row.  For commercial production, transplanting is
recommended, although direct seeding is possible, and it is somewhat
frost tolerant. 

Fennel, Florence:

This plant is an annual, native to Europe but is now grown in the U.S. 
The plant reaches 60 - 90 cm (2 - 3 ft).  It is cultivated for the
thickened and enlarged leaf bases.  These make a bulb-like structure
just above the ground, up to 7.6 - 10.2 cm (3 - 4 in) long, and oval in
cross section.  By covering with soil, these are sometimes blanched. 
They have an aromatic and distinctive flavor, and are generally used as
a boiled vegetable.  The foliage is also used as an herb.  All parts of
the plant have an anise-like flavor.  The seed-like fruits and root are
occasionally used, and a tea may be made from the leaves.  It is hardy
to zone 7 and is not frost tender.  It prefers a dry, sunny position,
and can inhibit the growth of some other species around it. 

Fern, Edible:

Ferns are a group of about 12,000 species of non-flowering, vascular
plants which reproduce via spores.  They were one of the earliest
lineages of vascular plants, and they range in size from tiny floating
aquatic plants to tree ferns up to 20 m in height.  Many species of fern
are consumed in various ways, but the most common species used as leafy
vegetables are generally small to medium ferns, no more than 2 m in
height at maturity, with pinnate, much divided leafy fronds.  The young
fronds emerge from the ground curled up and are harvested before they
can uncurl, and are known in North America as fiddleheads.  Fronds are
generally not edible once they have uncurled.  Fiddleheads are rarely
cultivated and are often gathered from the wild for personal
consumption, or sold to markets and restaurants.  They have a very
limited season, typically early spring for a short time as the fronds
first emerge.  Many species of fern are not edible even when young, and
fiddleheads are usually eaten cooked as they often contain toxins which
may are destroyed in the cooking process.  Ferns are not as important
economically as seed plants but have considerable importance in some
societies.  Some ferns are used for food, including the fiddleheads of  
HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bracken" \o "Bracken"  bracken ,
Pteridium aquilinum,   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ostrich_fern" \o "Ostrich fern"  ostrich
fern , Matteuccia struthiopteris, and   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamon_fern" \o "Cinnamon fern" 
cinnamon fern , Osmunda cinnamomea.   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diplazium_esculentum" \o "Diplazium
esculentum"  Diplazium esculentum  is also used by some tropical peoples
as food.  Tubers from the King Fern or para (  HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptisana_salicina" \o "Ptisana salicina" 
Ptisana salicina ) are a traditional food in   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand" \o "New Zealand"  New Zealand
 and the   HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oceania" \o "Oceania"
 South Pacific .  Fern tubers were used for food 30,000 years ago in
Europe.  Fern tubers were used by the   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guanches" \o "Guanches"  Guanches  to make
  HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gofio" \o "Gofio"  gofio  in
the   HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canary_Islands" \o "Canary
Islands"  Canary Islands .    HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice_fern" \o "Licorice fern" 
Licorice fern    HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhizome" \o
"Rhizome"  rhizomes  were chewed by the natives of the   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Northwest" \o "Pacific Northwest" 
Pacific Northwest  for their flavor. 

Fuki: 

Fuki is a perennial dioecious herb native to temperate eastern Asia. 
Tiny white, heavily scented flowers are borne in dense corymbs atop a
heavily bracted scape, which appears in the spring before the leaves. 
The leaves are up to 2.6 ft (80 cm) across and borne on long, thick
petioles which come out of a spreading rhizome in the ground and may
cover large areas alongside rivers and in bogs.  The petioles may reach
up to 6.6 ft (2 m) and are valued as a vegetable, mainly in Japan and
China.  The leaves can be up to 16 inches wide, held 3 - 4 feet high. 
The flower buds are also consumed, and occasionally the flower stems. 
Full to partial shade; will wilt in full sun even when kept moist. 
Spreads rhizomatous and can become weedy if not contained, and is
propagated by seed. 

Kale, Sea:

Sea kale is a large-leaved perennial about 3 ft (0.9 m) high and wide,
native to the coasts of Western Europe, the Baltic Sea and the Black
Sea, and occasionally found in North America.  Sea kale resembles large
silvery gray cabbages.  Nearly all parts of the plant are edible, but
the primary crop is the young shoots, which are eaten in the spring,
like asparagus, and often blanched.  The plant has floppy, blue green
foliage, glabrous, and resembling true kale.  The small, white,
four-parted flowers are numerous, borne in loose heads in the spring,
and are also edible.  They are fragrant and flavorful.  The fruit is a
seed borne singly in a globular pod.  Sea kale grows wild in maritime
climates and is highly tolerant of salt and wind.  It may be cultivated
or gathered from the wild.  The roots may be forced like Belgium endive
and blanched.  Shoots are harvested in 4 to 5 weeks at 6 - 9 inches. 
Plants may be grown from seed or from root cuttings, and usually are
given a year to become firmly established before any harvesting.  The
second year and thereafter the young, etiolated shoots are harvested
when 4 - 8 in (10 - 20 cm) high.  Usually they are blanched by covering
the crown deeply with soil, through which the young shoots grow, or by
otherwise darkening.  The plant may produce for up to 10 years.  

Kohlrabi:

Kohlrabi is a cabbage relative, reaching about 2 ft (61 cm) tall and
wide, known only in cultivation.  It likely originated in northern
Europe, but it grown over much of the world including mountainous areas
of the tropics.  The leaves resemble those of turnips or collards and
grow directly out of a bulbous, swollen part of the stem, for which it
is grown.  The flowers are yellow and cross-shaped and the tiny black
seeds are born in sickle-shaped pods contain many seeds each.  The
enlarged stem is typically harvested when 2-4 in (5.1-10.2 cm) across,
and is most sweet and tender when small.  As the stem gets larger it
becomes tougher and less desirable.  Kohlrabi is extremely popular in
parts of Europe, the Middle East, India, and China, and although it is
less common elsewhere, it is still grown on some scale and available in
many parts of the world.  It is considered to be a versatile and highly
underrated vegetable by many gardeners, as it is easy to grow, has a
mild flavor, and is very nutritious.  Although most kohlrabi is green in
color, white and purple cultivars are not unusual.  Plants are grown
from seed, and must be grown rapidly for good quality stems.  It is
fairly tolerant of both heat and drought, and can tolerate temperatures
down to 10 °F (-12.2 °C).  .

Palm, hearts: 

Palm hearts or heart of palm is a vegetable harvested from the growing
bud of certain palm trees.  Harvesting of the inner core kills the tree.
 Cultivated peach palm has supplanted wild harvested palms in most
producing countries, except for Brazil, where Euterpe species
predominant.  Peach palms are self-suckering and produce multiple stems,
up to 40 on a plant.  Harvesting of these stems does not destroy the
plant.  The peach palm, Bactris gasipaes, known in Ecuador as
“chontadure” and in Costa Rica as “palmito” is most widely used
for canning.  This palm is the only domesticated palm in tropical
America.  The Florida cabbage palm reaches a height of up to 90 feet at
maturity, most are 10 - 20 feet tall, but it is the 8 - 10 feet palms
that are cut for the heart or cabbage.  The heart is the growing bud at
the apex within and protected by the stem. The palm offers three
potential products: Palm heart, the tender leaves above the palm growing
point that are wrapped within the tender sheath of an older leaf; Palm
stem, the tender stem portion immediately below the growing point; and
Palm leaf, the tender leaves above the palm heart that are not wrapped
within the tender sheath of the older leaf; of which only the heart is
currently commercialized.  “All palms are propagated by seed.  Time to
harvest is from 5 to 10 years.  Most palm trees are cut down to harvest
the heart.  For peach palm, under orchard cultivation with about 2,000
plants per acre, the palm is a multi-shoot palm with each clump yielding
a harvestable stem to 4 feet from the base up to the lowest petiole
every 9 to 15 months and can weigh about 20 pounds.  Each stem can
produce 0.5 pound of edible palm heart and 1 pound of edible stem.  For
heart-of-palm crops, plants should be grown in high density (> 5,000
plants per hectare), high input stands, where standard spacing is 1 by 2
meters (3 by 7 feet). 

Prickly, pear, pads (Cactus): 

Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a large, segmented, branched,
succulent, spiny shrub (cactus) that grows to a height of 2 to 5 meters
(7 to 16 feet) and a width of 3 meters (10 feet).  Roots are shallow and
measure 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches).  A woody stem is formed
from old pads or cladodes.  Dull green to grey cladodes are large, flat,
pad-like, succulent stem segments which are branched, leaf-like, oblong,
ovate, or broadly obovate in shape, and 25 to 60 centimeters (10 to 24
inches) long by 20 to 40 centimeters (8 to 16 inches) wide.  Margins are
entire.  Cladodes can hold large amounts of water.  New cladodes are
produced in a single flush on the terminal cladodes in the spring. 
Cladodes contain areoles (similar to lateral buds) that are spaced a few
centimeters apart and contain 1 to 6 white or yellowish spines
(measuring 1 to 3 centimeters (0.4 to 1.2 inches) long) and glochids. 
Each cladode can contain a few hundred areoles.  Each areole can produce
one flower that occurs near the apex (perimeter) of a cladode.  Yellow
or orange flowers are solitary, large, cup-shaped, and range in size
from 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) in diameter.  Flowers open for
only one day to limit water loss.  Individual flowers contain both male
and female reproductive organs, an inferior ovary that occurs beneath
the perianth parts and spirally-arranged yellow stamens, 150 to 400
ovules, a thickened greenish style and a stigma.  Flowers can be
self-pollinated.  Most fruit is produced on 1 year old cladodes at the
top and periphery of the plant.  Each cladode can produce 4 to 20 fruit.
 Purple, red-purple, yellow-orange, greenish-orange, greenish or red
fruit is a berry that is pear-shaped, roundish, or barrel-shaped, and 4
to 10 centimeters (1.6 to 4 inches) long by 4 to 9 centimeters (1.6 to
3.5 inches) in diameter.  The skin contains spines and glochids.  The
pulp is red, red-purple, yellow-orange, or greenish in color, fleshy,
watery, and succulent.  The flavor is sweet to slightly acidic and
resembles watermelon.  Fruit contains 150 to 400 hard edible seeds that
are similar in size and texture to those in grapes.  Some countries
regard the plant as an invasive noxious weed.  Opuntia engelmannii var.
lindheimeri is a thicket-forming, heavy-bodied shrub (cactus) that can
grow to a height of 0.9 to 3 meters (3 to 9 feet) and a width of 1.5 to
2.4 meters (5 to 8 feet).  The trunk is cylindrical and can be erect to
spreading.  Cladodes (joints) are green to bluish green in color,
obovate, subcircular, round, oval or orbicular in shape, asymmetrical,
flat, waxy, juicy, and 15 to 30 by 12.5 to 25 centimeters (6 to 12 by 5
to 10 inches) in size.  Tubercles are 3.8 to 6.4 centimeters (1.5 to 2.5
inches) apart.  Cladodes contain dense tufts of minute yellow to brown
barbed glochids (0.3 centimeter (0.1 inch) long) and 1 to 6 translucent,
yellow, creamy white, brown or black spines (up to 4 centimeters (1.6
inch) long) per areole.  Some varieties are spineless.  Red, yellow or
orange flowers are bowl-shaped, contain one pistil, many yellow stamens,
many greenish-yellow sepals, and measure 5 to 13 centimeters (2 to 5
inches) wide.  Most flowers are crowded on the edge of the cladodes. 
Red to purple fruit (tuna) is variable in shape and size.  The thick
rind is covered with scattered tufts of glochids and small areoles.  The
skin is thin.  Pulp is juicy.  Fruit contain many seeds.  Flowering
occurs from the end of winter to summer.  Fruiting occurs in the summer,
but can be timed by low wintertime temperatures, the application of
fertilizers, or the removal of the spring flush of flower buds.  Bud
removal can lead to a second flowering and the production of fruit in
November and December.  Shade and gibberellic acid can inhibit
flower-bud initiation.  Flower opening to fruit maturity occurs in
approximately 70 to 150 days.  Fruit production occurs in 5 to 6 years
from seed and 2 to 3 years from cuttings.  Trees can bear fruit for 30
to 40 years.  Propagation is by seed, tissue culture and cuttings. 
Cuttings are used in commercial practices.  Stem segments (pads) with
one to three cladodes are selected during late spring to early summer. 
Detached cladodes are dried for 1 to 3 weeks before planting to minimize
fungal infections.  The basal cladode should be planted upright, with 30
to 50 percent of its surface area in the soil and spaced 30 to 40
centimeters (12 to 16 inches) apart.  New roots will develop from the
areoles in 2 weeks.  No irrigation is required for establishment. 
Vegetative propagation can also be done with flower buds and fruit.  For
commercial production, plants are planted in a rectangular grid or in
rows oriented north-south.  Spacing for fruit production should be 3 by
4 meters (10 by 13 feet) or 400 to 1,600 plants per hectare.  Light
irrigation and fertilization aids production.  Pruning and shaping is
used to facilitate movement of equipment between plants and fruit
picking.  Thinning of flower buds can produce larger fruit.  Fruit
ripening is favored by temperatures above 25 °C (77 °F).  Temperatures
below 15 °C (59 °F) delay fruit ripening and extend the harvest
period.  Fruit are harvested over a 2 to 6 week period that is
accomplished by multiple pickings.  Fruit is harvested with gloved hands
and knives just after the peel color changes from green to its final
color.  Fruit are harvested on the outer portions of the canopy.  A
small piece of the underlying cladode is removed with the fruit to
prolong fruit shelf life.  During processing, the cladode is removed, a
de-prickling machine removes the spines and sizes are sorted.  Fruit can
be stored for 2 to 6 weeks at temperatures near 5 °C (41 °F).  Pads
are harvested twice per year.  Commercially pricky pear is the most
important cactus species.  Cactus fruit is cultivated in more than 20
countries.  

Rhubarb:

Rhubarb is a cool season perennial plant, known only in cultivation from
ancient times and probably originating in China, that reaches up to 4.9
ft (1.5 m) in height when mature.  It forms large fleshy rhizomes and
large leaves with long, thick petioles, which are the edible portion. 
Rhizomes and the crown persist for many years, and the leaves and
petioles grow from the crown in early spring.  Leaf blades (and roots),
which are highly, poisonous, are up to a foot or more in width and
length.  The leaves and roots can cause nausea, dizziness, convulsions
and even death.  The edible petioles are up to 18 in (45.7 cm) long, 1 -
2 in (2.5 - 5 cm) in diameter, generally somewhat hemispherical in cross
section, like celery.  They are ribbed and range in color anywhere from
a light pink to a bright, scarlet red and are highly distinctive.  Roots
may be taken up and bedded in cellars or houses in winter, forcing
growth in darkness to produce etiolated leaf-stems, which are much
prized.  Rhubarb is one of the earliest spring vegetables, and used to
be extremely popular in the U.S. and Europe.  Although this is the
primary species of rhubarb grown commercially, there are other species
of wild and cultivated rhubarb which hybridize readily.  It is
propagation is by seed or division of rootstock.  Sow seeds in autumn or
divide in spring or autumn.  Rhubarb may be produced in containers or in
greenhouses, which typically yield an earlier crop with redder stems
than field-grown rhubarb.  

Udo: 

Udo is large herbaceous perennial, native to Japan and China, reaching
up to 1.8 m (6 ft) when mature.  It is grown for its tender, etiolated
spring shoots, somewhat like asparagus, only much longer, reaching up to
2 ft (61 cm) at market.  The plant is a strong growing perennial,
producing the edible shoots from the roots each spring.  Only the young
shoot is edible; when the stem is older it becomes tough and hollow.  It
is grown primarily in Japan and to a limited extent by home gardeners in
the U.S.  The blanched stalks are mild in flavor and considered a
delicacy in Japan, China, and in higher class restaurants.  Udo is
propagated by stem or root cuttings or by seed.  In culture, the roots
are established in beds or rows, like asparagus.  As the young shoots
start in spring, they are kept covered with soil for complete blanching.
 The shoots harvested are up to 2 ft (61 cm) long and 1.5 in (3.8 cm) in
diameter at the base.  

Zuiki:

Zuiki is an aroid herbaceous perennial plant with a large rhizome and
very large arrow head shaped leaves.  The long pale green petioles
extend from a thickened corm.  This aroid is cultivated for its edible
petioles (low oxalate content).  The corms of this variety are not
usually eaten.  It is propagated vegetatively by corms.  Cultivated
zuiki have less acridity and require less processing than wild forms. 

	Comparisons of the stalk, stem, and leaf petiole planting depth,
seeds/lb, seeds/100 ft row, and row spacing’s are shown in Table 23
and a listing of days to germinate, time planting to harvest,
yield/plant and range of yields for each crop are shown in Table 21,
respectively.  Planting depths range from 0.125 - 0.5 inches, and seed
size is up to 1,500 seeds/100 ft row, and between row spacing’s are 18
-24 inches for celery and kohlrabi and from 48 – 60 inches for
asparagus, and between plant spacing in a row ranges 12 – 18 inches. 
Days to germination range to 8 – 25 days (Table 24).  Average yields
of celery for fresh market are 53,500 lb/acre while good yields are
about 70,000 lb/acre.  

Table 23.  Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Vegetable Planting Depth,
Seeds/lb, Seeds/100 ft, and Row Spacings (Splittstoesser, W.E. 1990,
Carolina Seed Co, 2006, Harris Seeds, 2007, Rupp Vegetable Catalog,
2010, Siegers Seed, 2010, Territorial Seed Co., 2009). 

Commodity	Planting Depth (inches)	Seeds/lb	Seeding Rate (lb/A)	Average
Number of seeds or plants/100 ft)	Spacings between row and [between
plants in the row] in inches

Asparagus	0.5 -1.0	12,800	4 – 5	60 plants or one oz	48 – 60 

[12 - 18]

Bamboo shoots	1.0	-	400 plants/ha, 

6 – 8 oz seed/A gives 	1 oz  equals 10,000 plants	5 m

6 – 8 m 

Celery	0.125	960,000	0.5 – 0.75	200 plants	18 - 24

[6 - 12]

Fennel, Florence	0.5

	0.25 oz

	Kohlrabi	0.5	144,000	1/4	1,500 seeds	18 -24

[15 – 18]

*number of transplants.

Table 24 Fruiting Vegetable Days to Germinate, Time Planting to Harvest,
Yield/plant and Range of Yields (Hessayon, 1997, Cranberry, 1999,
Carolina Seed Co, 2006, Harris Seeds, 2007, Siegers Seed, 2010,
Territorial Seed Co., 2009, Park Seed, 2011, Markle, et al, 1995, USDA
Agricultural Statistics, 2010).  Days may vary depending upon cultivar,
growing area and climatic conditions.

Commodity	Approximate Days from Seeding to Germination (days)	Planting
to Harvest	Approximate Yield/plant	Yield/100 foot row	Range of Yields

Asparagus	15	2 years	20 – 25 spears/mature plant	One crown yields 6
– 8 lb	1,500 – 4,000 lb/A 

Plants/A 4,800 – 8,700.

Celery	12 – 25	90 - 125 days	12 lb/10 ft of row	100 heads/100 ft row
69,100 – 70,800 lb/A. Average yields of celery for fresh market are
53,500 lb/acre while good yields are about 70,000 lb/acre.  Yields of
celery for processing are about 35 tons/acre. 

Fennel

120 days



	Kohlrabi	8 - 10	55 – 75 days	20 globe /10 ft	50 lb/ 100 ft row	12,000
– 16,000 lb/A.

Rhubarb	-	3 – 4 weeks in second year of planting and 6 – 8 weeks as
crowns become more mature.	-	-	A yield of 12,000 – 20,000 lb/A is
common at the first harvest



Ferns are not as important economically as seed plants but have
considerable importance in some societies.  Some ferns are used for
food, including the fiddleheads of   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bracken" \o "Bracken"  bracken , Pteridium
aquilinum,   HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ostrich_fern" \o
"Ostrich fern"  ostrich fern , Matteuccia struthiopteris, and  
HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamon_fern" \o "Cinnamon
fern"  cinnamon fern , Osmunda cinnamomea.   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diplazium_esculentum" \o "Diplazium
esculentum"  Diplazium esculentum  is also used by some tropical peoples
as food.  Tubers from the King Fern or para (  HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptisana_salicina" \o "Ptisana salicina" 
Ptisana salicina ) are a traditional food in   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand" \o "New Zealand"  New Zealand
 and the   HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oceania" \o "Oceania"
 South Pacific .  Fern tubers were used for food 30,000 years ago in
Europe.  Fern tubers were used by the   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guanches" \o "Guanches"  Guanches  to make
  HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gofio" \o "Gofio"  gofio  in
the   HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canary_Islands" \o "Canary
Islands"  Canary Islands .    HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Licorice_fern" \o "Licorice fern" 
Licorice fern    HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhizome" \o
"Rhizome"  rhizomes  were chewed by the natives of the   HYPERLINK
"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Northwest" \o "Pacific Northwest" 
Pacific Northwest  for their flavor. 

	For rhubarb, yields of rhubarb depend on the number of pickings, and
the age and condition of the field.  In the Pacific Northwest yields may
range from 6 to 12 tons per acre for red varieties.  A yield of 8 - 10
tons/acre is most common at the first harvest. Fields may be harvested a
second time with yields generally reduced by 50 percent from the first
harvest. Green varieties tend to yield more. A well-maintained field may
remain productive for 15 or more years. 

WORKER ACTIVITIES (Partially Adapted from USDA Crop Profiles (AK, AZ,
CA, FL, GA, MI, NJ, SC, WA), and Agricultural Extension Publications). 

Asparagus:

	Asparagus worker practices can be seen from this chart of estimated
costs to produce asparagus.  

Practices Needed to Establish Asparagus (First Year)

Input

Soil preparation for planting

(soil test, lime, plow, disk)

Fertilizer (N,P,K)

Asparagus crowns (6,000 @ $130.00 per 1,000)

Planting labor (furrowing, planting, covering)

Hand hoeing (if herbicide not labeled)

(12 hours/week X 10 weeks X $5.00/hour)

Insecticide, fungicide (5 sprays)

Machinery costs

Inputs for Asparagus (Second Year)

Year 1 establishment cost 

Pre-emergence herbicide, 2 sprays 

Insecticide, fungicide, 6 sprays 

Harvesting and marketing (500 lbs@$0.30/lb.)

(an average between direct marketing

and wholesale marketing costs) 

Machinery, fuel, lube, repairs 

Production

Asparagus spears (500 lbs) 

Inputs for Asparagus (Third Year)

Pre-emergence herbicide, 2 sprays 

Insecticide, fungicide, 6 sprays 

Harvesting and marketing (1,000 lbs @ $0.30/lb.) 

Machinery, fuel, lube, repairs 

Production

Asparagus spears (1,000 lbs) 

Inputs for Asparagus (Fourth Year)

Pre-emergence herbicide, 2 sprays 

Insecticide, fungicide, 6 sprays 

Harvesting and marketing (2,000 lbs @ $0.30/lb.) 

Machinery, fuel, lube, repairs 

Production fourth year

Asparagus spears (2,000 lbs) 



Asparagus varieties should be both high yielding and disease resistant.
Asparagus is a dioecious plant, meaning that there are both male and
female plants. Generally, females produce larger spears than males, but
the males produce greater numbers of smaller diameter spears. Only
female plants produce berries. High yielding all male asparagus lines
are most typically used in commercial production. The main benefit from
an all-male hybrid is that it doesn’t produce seed, which can later
germinate and create a significant weed problem in the form of several
volunteer asparagus seedlings. Asparagus spears produced from all male
hybrids are usually very uniform. 

For many years, the most common varieties have been from the Washington
series (‘Mary’, ‘Martha’, ‘Waltham’), developed by the USDA
culture which are dioecious. However, several of the all-male hybrids
developed in NJ. ‘Jersey Giant’, ‘Jersey Knight’, offer proven
higher yields and increased rust resistance and tolerance to Fusarium
crown rot and are often the preferred choice Other all-male hybrid
varieties released from the Jersey series with excellent resistance to
fusarium include ‘Jersey Jewel’, ‘Jersey King’ (green spears
with purple bracts), ‘Jersey General’, and ‘Jersey Titan’ (green
spears with purple bracts). These have done well in Michigan and Canada.
A newer all male hybrids released from the University of Guelph called
‘Guelph Millenium’ has performed very well in Canada.  ‘Purple
Passion’ is a variety that produces attractive purple spears for an
added twist. This unique variety could provide a niche market
opportunity. Varieties from California have been bred for warm climates
and do not possess the longevity or hardiness needed in Northern
climates. One of the key attributes associated with California varieties
has been their strong production potential during very warm conditions
and delaying the onset of fern development. However in northern
climates, yield decline has often been observed in these varieties
shortly after the establishment years. 

Celery: 

In AZ, celery is a grown during the fall and the winter months.  Most
celery is transplanted in September and may continue through December. 
In CA, celery is grown year-round.  Prior to planting celery, the field
is deeply tilled, disked, land planed, the beds are formed and then the
field is pre-irrigated.  A preplant herbicide may be applied prior to
bed formation.  If a preplant fungicide is utilized it is usually
applied after bed formation but prior to planting.  Most commercial
celery is planted from greenhouse-grown transplants as celery seed is
very difficult to germinate and is slow to establish.  Transplants
decrease the field-growing period, provide uniformly sized plants and
confer a competitive advantage over newly emerging weeds.  Celery
transplants may be either overhead irrigated or sub-irrigated by soaking
of seedling flats. Production of uniformly sized seedlings is also
required for the efficient operation of the mechanized transplanting
equipment. Greenhouse growers mow plant tops several times during the
production cycle to produce such uniformity. This practice results in a
stout 6" plant with a well-developed root system.  Under both field and
greenhouse conditions excess foliar moisture encourages disease
development. Therefore, overhead irrigation requires repeated fungicidal
applications to maintain disease-free plants.  Drip irrigation has
proven to be a valuable alternative system that is increasing in use. 
Growers indicate drip irrigation significantly reduces disease incidence
and a more uniform stand at harvest.  Celery production demands
relatively large amounts of fertilizers.  After approximately 70 days in
the greenhouse, celery seedlings are transplanted onto double-rowed
40-inch beds.  The transplants are spaced 9 to 10 inches apart and, in
CA, celery matures and is harvested 75-140 days later depending on
season and weather.  In AZ, celery is grown during the fall and winter
months and requires 3 to 4 months (90 to 120 days) to mature after
transplanting. Harvesting begins in November and usually completed by
January, but may continue through April.  In CA, celery is a grown
year-round.  Option celery growth temperatures ranges from 30°F to
75°F in CA, and 40 to 70°F in AZ.  Celery is grown on soil types range
from a dry loam to a sandy loam with a pH of 7.5 - 8.0 (AZ).  In
Florida, celery is grown on organic, muck soils. Proper soil preparation
is more important in celery than in most other crops.  Celery, due to
its shallow root system, requires a steady and uniform supply of
moisture.  Transplants are immediately sprinkler-irrigated after
planting followed by drip, furrow or sprinkler irrigation during the
rest of the season. Celery field are minimally cultivated, i.e., once or
twice in a season.  Drip irrigation is usually used for celery
production; furrow irrigation can be used, often with a small amount of
fertilizer added to the furrow water. 

In CA, the Central and South Coastal growing regions account for 98.8%
of California celery production.  In the southern portion of the region,
seedlings are transplanted from early August through mid-April and the
mature crops are harvested from November through mid-July.  In the
regions northern portion (i.e. the Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara
County); seedlings are transplanted from late February through August,
following a weather-driven celery-free period from approximately
mid-December to February.  Mature crops are harvested from late May to
December.  CA growers must follow a county government-mandated
celery-free period from July 15 through August 4 as a defensive measure
to control outbreaks of western celery mosaic virus.  Greenhouse
seedling operations also conform to a mandated 8-consecutive day
celery-free period every year during growing of transplants for export
to Monterey, Ventura, and Imperial Counties.  Celery may be hand
harvested or machine harvested, but that which is grown in Oregon is
hand harvested.  Harvest when stalks are of sufficient size but before
any pith has developed in the petioles.  In some U.S. production areas,
celery is trimmed to produce "hearts" which are packaged 2 or 3 per
package with the stalks that are trimmed off being used for processing. 
It is critical that harvested stalks be quickly cooled.  

Celery may be hand harvested or machine harvested, but that which is
grown in Oregon is hand harvested.  Harvest when stalks are of
sufficient size but before any pith has developed in the petioles.  In
some U.S. production areas, celery is trimmed to produce "hearts" which
are packaged 2 or 3 per package with the stalks that are trimmed off
being used for processing.  It is critical that harvested stalks be
quickly cooled.  In general (for all growers and growing regions),
celery production begins in greenhouses from healthy seeds, optimum soil
type and well-controlled irrigation.  Good seedling production is an
essential first step in celery production.  Celery greenhouse seedlings
are transplanted to the field, using mechanical transplanters and the
mature crop is harvested by hand.  Crews cut, trim, size, wash and pack
the crop in the field.  Outer petioles (stalks) are removed, the celery
is trimmed to a uniform length, which is usually 14 or 15 inches (36 to
38 cm), and it is packed into cartons or crates.  Celery that will be
used as sticks, diced, or crescents may be machine harvested. It is
taken to a packinghouse, where it is washed and processed.  In general
(for all growers and growing regions), celery production begins in
greenhouses from healthy seeds, optimum soil type and well-controlled
irrigation. Good seedling production is an essential first step in
celery production. Celery greenhouse seedlings are transplanted to the
field, using mechanical transplanters and the mature crop is harvested
by hand.  Crews cut, trim, size, wash and pack the crop in the field. 
Outer petioles (stalks) are removed, the celery is trimmed to a uniform
length, which is usually 14 or 15 inches (36 to 38 cm), and it is packed
into cartons or crates. Celery that will be used as sticks, diced, or
crescents may be machine harvested. It is taken to a packinghouse, where
it is washed and processed. 

	In Michigan production may exceed 40 tons per acre with about 60% of MI
celery packed for fresh market.  About 25% of MI celery is processed for
frozen food, soup, juice, or other products. About 15% of the crop is
packed as hearts, using stalks that are too small for regular pack. 
Celery produces highest yields and best quality at temperatures of 60 to
80 degrees F.  The MI, celery seed is sown in the greenhouse starting
February 1 for transplanting in the field after April 1.  After April
20, seedbeds can be established in the field.  The last seed is normally
planted about June 1 for transplanting in mid-July.  MI celery
production notes that spores of two common leaf blights of celery
(Cercospora and Septoria) are carried on the seed.  The seed is
harvested by hand as it matures, to obtain seed that is at a very
uniform stage of maturity. The seed is then carefully sized to achieve
an additional degree of uniformity.  The soil in transplant beds is
fumigated in the fall, when soil temperatures are above 50 degrees F, to
kill insects, nematodes, disease organisms and weeds.  

Rhubarb: 

Rhubarb in Oregon is all hand harvested.  For processing, both ends of
the petiole are trimmed so that no leaf tissue remains.  For fresh
market a small amount (1/4 inch) of leaf tissue is usually left attached
to the petiole and the basal end is not trimmed.  Splitting of the
petiole will be more serious if the entire leaf is removed.  Stalks
should not be pulled during the first year of growth.  Stalk color is
best after the field is 2 to 3 years old.  In subsequent years,
harvesting can be expected to start in March and to end in June.  This
will vary with management practices, with the variety being grown, and
is somewhat driven by market demand.   Plants should not be over-pulled
at any time, as a certain amount of foliage is required for the
development of the present crop as well as next year's crop.  A
well-cared-for field will last for l0-15 years or longer.  In the
Willamette Valley, early rhubarb is harvested for processing from April
25 to May 25.  The prime harvest period is from April 25 to May 15. 
Late rhubarb is harvested from June 25 to July 25.  The prime harvest
period for late rhubarb is June 25 to July 7. 

PEST PROBLEMS FOR THE STALK, STEM, AND LEAF PETIOLE VEGETABLE CROPS: 
(Developed from USDA Crop Profiles from AZ, CA, FL, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OR,
and USDA Agricultural Extension Bulletins, and Research Literature).  

	There are several common pest problems that occur among the stalk,
stem, and leaf petiole vegetable group.  The most important pest
problems associated with this group of commodities are plant diseases
including postharvest diseases, as well as some insects and mites, and
weed problems that reduce yield and quality.  Weeds include annual
grasses such as: crabgrass, barnyardgrass, foxtails; perennial grasses
such as quackgrass, and Johnsongrass; and annual and perennial broadleaf
weeds such as black nightshade, lambsquarter, pigweed, purslane, ragweed
and velvetleaf.  Weed control in asparagus is especially essential since
the most critical time in the life of an asparagus bed is the first two
to three growing seasons, especially the period from mid-August until
frost.  Competition with weeds for light, nutrients, and moisture will
greatly reduce vigor the following year.  A significant amount of food
is stored in the crowns during the latter part of the growing season. 
Damage or early fern removal before frost during the first year results
in visibly reduced fern height and vigor at the beginning of the
following growing season. 

	Examples of insects are cutworms, asparagus aphid, asparagus beetles,
thrips, asparagus fern, caterpillar, beet armyworm, and Japanese
beetles.  Fusarium root rot, Phytophthora crown and spear rot, purple
spot, asparagus rust, white mold (Sclerotinia) and gray mold (Botrytis).
 Various viruses affect the stalk, stem and leaf petiole vegetables such
as celery. 

Asparagus:

	Several insect pests affect asparagus.  Damaging insects include the
asparagus beetle, spotted asparagus beetle, and asparagus aphid.  The
asparagus beetle is a common pest wherever asparagus is grown.  Both
adults and larvae feed on the plant. In the spring they feed on the
spears and reduce the quality of the crop.  In the summer they defoliate
the ferns and reduce the food supply to the crowns, thus affecting
future yields.  Spotted asparagus beetle is also widespread but is more
common in the Eastern United States.  Natural predators include a
chalcid wasp and lady beetle larvae.  Asparagus aphid has spread across
most of the country, and has become a serious pest requiring extensive
control, and causes bushy, stunted new growth called “witches
broom.”  The common and spotted asparagus beetle adults lay eggs
perpendicularly on the tips of asparagus spears, making them
unmarketable.  Harvesting on a timely basis and not letting spears
become over mature are the best prevention measures.  The common
asparagus beetle can severely damage asparagus in the fern stage.  It
chews and strips off the green material on the fern stalks, causing
dieback and reducing the amount of photosynthesis taking place to
provide carbohydrate storage in the roots for next year's crop.  Spotted
asparagus beetle larvae feed mainly on the berries of the female plants.
 Growing male hybrids eliminates the problem. 

	Asparagus is also affected by several diseases such as: Fusarium, which
causes assorted crown and root rots and wilts, results in poor stands
and yellowing and wilting of seedlings in new plantings.  In established
plants, wilting of individual ferns occurs and the foliage turns yellow
to tan.  Diseased crowns will have a yellowish-red internal
discoloration, and the major roots will be rotted.  If Fusarium does
become serious, the field may have to be destroyed and not replanted to
asparagus.  Asparagus rust (Puccinia asparagi) can be a problem if the
cultivars being grown are not rust-resistant.  Rust can cause premature
defoliation or death of the ferns, reducing yields and increasing the
incidence of root or crown diseases.  Needle blight (Cercospora
asparagi) has recently become a problem disease of newer hybrid
asparagus cultivars.  Like rust, needle blight is a defoliating disease
prevalent during periods of high humidity or abundant rain and warm
temperatures.  Purple spot, a fungal disease that infects young spears
of asparagus, is caused by Stemphylium vesicarum.  Infection causes
sunken purple spots that reduce the value of the crop.  Burying
asparagus debris in the late fall or late winter significantly reduces
the severity of the disease. 

	Weed control is also very important in asparagus, controlling weeds is
a serious challenge.  Since asparagus is a perennial crop that increases
in bed-width each year, cultivation for weeds “in the row” during
spear harvest, and following harvest during fern production, is not
possible.  Elimination of perennial weeds such as bermudagrass,
quackgrass, Johnsongrass, and nutgrass prior to planting is especially
critical.  Annual weeds can be controlled through a combination of
herbicides, cultural, mechanical, and biological control techniques.  To
control winter annual weeds that have emerged in the field, cultivate at
a shallow depth after the winter ferns (i.e., trash ferns from previous
season) have been mowed or burned off.  Following harvest the field
should be disked or tilled again to eliminate weeds that have emerged
since the last cultivation and to prepare the field for summer fern
production.  Cultivating between the rows with a high-clearance tractor
and 3-point hitch-mounted row cultivators will control the bulk of
interrow weeds during the growing season  During harvest of spears and
during fern production, in-row cultivation opportunities are limited. 
Yet, these in-row weeds pose the greatest threat because weed
competition with ferns interferes with crown storage and reduces yield
the following growing season.  During fern production, alternative weed
control options in the row include hand weeding, mulching, and/or the
use of weeder geese.  On large-scale operations, mulching can be
mechanized using straw spreaders or forage wagons carrying green chop or
shredded dry mulch.  Cover crops are another useful tool in asparagus
weed management.  Dying mulch is a cover crop planted out of season. 
While growing it suppresses weeds; then it dies back out on its own
without requiring the use of herbicides, mowing, or tillage.  Winter rye
planted in the spring has been used successfully in this manner in
several agronomic and horticultural crops.  White cutworms and the
dark-sided cutworms can damage asparagus spears, and feed on the growing
tip of the spear, but also feed readily on the butts of previously
harvested spears.  Spears should be snapped as close to the ground as
possible to discourage cutworm feeding on harvested spear butts.  
Asparagus rust is a fungus disease that attacks fern growth; reducing
the amount of photosynthesis and food translocated to the crown for next
year's crop. 

	Purple spot fungus (Stemphyllium vesicarium) can sometimes cause small
purple spots, often in great numbers, on spears ready to be harvested.
This fungus overwinters on plant debris and is a problem in reduced
tillage systems.  Cercospora blight is a very destructive fungus disease
that can devastate asparagus in the south-central and southeastern U.S.,
especially where rainfall and humidity levels favor infection. The
fungus overwinters on fern residues left on the soil, and spores
produced on this debris infect ferns after harvest when conditions are
favorable for infection. Favorable conditions include humidity of 95% or
higher and average temperatures of 77 to 86 degrees F. Symptoms first
appear on lower portions of the ferns after row closure and periods of
high humidity.  

	Major pests of bamboo are weeds which interfere with spreading of its
rhizomes.

Celery: 

	Insect pests of celery include aphids, leafhoppers, carrot weevils,
flea beetles, leafminers, armyworms and loopers.  It is important to
control leafhoppers, a common carrier of viruses.  Celery is a poor
competitor with weeds; therefore, effective weed control is necessary. 
Diseases of celery include damping-off, root rot, pink rot (Sclerotinia
sclerotiorum), basal stalk lesions (Rhizoctonia), early blight
(Cercospora apii), late blight (Septoria apiicola), bacterial blight
(Pseudomonas cichorii), western celery mosaic virus, cucumber mosaic
virus (CMV), aster yellows, fusarium yellows (Fusarium oxysporum), and
nematodes. Soil samples should be taken to determine if nematode control
is necessary. 

	Pests of rhubarb include turnip aphids, flea beetles, root maggots and
wireworm.  Rutabagas are susceptible to clubroot, root knot, leaf spot,
white rust, white spot, and anthracnose.  Several pest problems of
asparagus are common to rhubarb. 

	Chinese celery shares pest problems common to other celery types such
as aphids, leaf miners, celery fly, spider mites, cabbage loopers,
fungal diseases, nematode, and weed problems are also similar.  

POLLINATION OF STALK, STEM, AND LEAF PETIOLE VEGETABLES (Adapted from
Russell Goodman, 1994, Honeybee Pollination of Fruit Tree Crops. AG
20092, Westerfield, R., Pollination of Vegetable Crops, 2000). 

	Pollination is one of the most important factors in fruit and vegetable
production.  Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male part of
the flower to the female part of a flower.  Pollination is less
significance when they are growing vegetables for their foliage or
roots. However, many leafy vegetable do not require pollination because
the fruit (seed bearing body) is not harvested.  These include stem
vegetables (e.g. celery and rhubarb).  

Pollination becomes important when we grow vegetables for their seeds,
fruit, or seed pods.  Without pollination the seeds and fruit will not
develop.  Most plants have male and female flowers parts on the same
flower and are easily pollinated by wind or insects. 

	Vegetables may be grouped into four categories according to the way
they pollinate.  Group 1 vegetables have flowers that can receive only
their own pollen.  They are called self-pollinizers.  Examples are
endives, escarole, and chicory leaves.  Vegetables in group 2 form seed
only with pollen from an unrelated plant such as cabbage and radish. 
The cross-pollinated vegetables in group 3 may either set seed from
their own pollen (self-pollinated) or from pollen received from another
plant (cross-pollinated).  They can be divided into two subgroups: (a)
vegetables pollinated by air-borne pollen and (b) vegetables pollinated
by insect-borne pollen.  Celery is usually pollinated by air borne
pollen.  Usually vegetables pollinated by insect borne pollen include
broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi,
lettuce, mustard, parsley, and rutabaga.  Vegetables in group 4 have
both male and female plants.  Seeds are formed only when male plants
furnish pollen and include asparagus and spinach.  

Many insects visit flowers to collect pollen and nectar as food.  As
they forage, these insects spread pollen grains among flowers,
accomplishing pollination.  Many flowers offer sugary liquid nectar as
an added enticement for these pollinating insects. Among insect
pollinators, bees are especially efficient because they eat pollen and
nectar exclusively, visit many flowers of the same species during a
single trip and have hairy bodies that easily pick up pollen grains. 

The formation of seed in more complex plants depends on sexual
reproduction in the flower. This process can be quite complex and is of
fundamental interest to plant breeders.  It is important that plantings
be sufficiently separated when crossings are not wanted.  Growers of
vegetable plants for seed production have specific cultural practices
that must be followed for the seed crop as well as isolation distance
requirements for these crops. 

COMPARISON OF HARVESTING, POSTHARVEST HANDLING, RAW AGRICULTURAL
COMMODITY (RAC), EDIBLE PORTIONS, AND PROCESSED FOOD ITEMS FOR THE
STALK, STEM AND LEAF PETIOLE VEGETABLES: 

	If vegetables are not harvested at the proper stage of maturity,
physiological processes occur that permanently change their taste,
appearance and quality.  The texture, fiber and consistency of all
vegetables are greatly affected by the stage of maturity at harvest, by
postharvest handling and by the time interval between harvesting and
consumer consumption. 

	Harvesting most vegetables when they are young and storing them
properly will help extend their shelf life.  In some cases, newer hybrid
varieties have helped add shelf life to certain vegetables.  Lowering
the internal temperature also helps to slow both the respiration process
and quality decline.  This is one reason for harvesting vegetables early
in the day before the heat from the sun has warmed them.  After the
harvest, most vegetables should be kept cool and out of direct sunlight
until they are either processed or consumed.   While harvesting too soon
may result in only a reduction in yield, harvesting too late can result
in poor quality due to development of objectionable fiber and the
conversion of sugars into starches.  Fully-mature vegetables left on the
plant also attract more disease and insect problems.  The following
Table 25 shows suggestions for determining the proper stage of maturity
for harvesting many vegetables.  

Table 25.  Suggested Harvest Timing for Various Stalk, Stem, and Leaf
Petiole Vegetables. (Adapted from Westerfield, R. 1999. CAES Publ.
C935). 

Leafy Vegetable	Part Eaten	Optimum Maturity	Harvested Too Early
Harvested Too Late

Celery	Stem	Plant stands 12" to 15" tall; medium-thick stem.	Stem too
small.	Seed stalk formed; bitterness.

Rhubarb	Stem	Stem 8" to 15" long is best.	Small size; immature.	Fleshy
stem becomes fibrous.



	The maturity of each commodity in the proposed Stalk, stem, and leaf
petiole group as well number of days to harvest and number of harvests
per season are listed in Table 26.  

Table 26, Detailed Maturity and Harvesting of Stalk, Stem, and Leaf
Petiole Vegetable Crops.

Commodity	Growing Season

Agave	Typically spring, after anywhere from 10 to 60 years of growth. 
Care should be taken prior to use, as the juice of the leaves of some
species can cause contact dermatitis and cut leaves and other parts of
the plant should be handled only with gloves prior to being dried or
cooked.

Asparagus	Emergence of spears to harvest:  About a week for green and
purple asparagus.  Spears first emerge in early spring.  Harvest
continues for up to 90 days The tender, succulent aerial stems are cut
for 2 to 3 months as they emerge in spring.  Then cutting stops and they
are allowed to grow to nourish the underground part for the following
year's crop.  Cutting may be deep in the soil with just the tip emerging
for "white" or near the soil surface when spears are 6 to 8 inches high
for green asparagus.  All-male varieties are preferred, as males
typically produce longer and yield better than female plants. 

Bamboo, shoots	Shoots emerge in early spring and can generally only be
harvested for one month before the last shoots are too tough to be
edible.  Culms take two years to mature.  The culms have a lifespan of 5
- 7 years, and are are often used in construction.

Burdock, edible, tops	Can be planted in early spring for harvest in
fall, or in fall for spring or early summer harvest.  Autumn planting
should be done as late as possible to prevent bolting before winter. 
Two to four weeks for young shoots and leaves.  Mature roots can be
harvested from about 2½ to 10 months after seeding, depending on
climate and size of root.

Cardoon	Takes 4 to 5 months to mature.  Leaf stalks are bundled before
harvest in order to blanch the petioles and make them more desirable.

Celery	Seeding to field planting: 2 ½ to 3 months; field planting to
harvest, 3 to 4 months for fresh celery.  For seed production, celery
plants are exposed to cold, mainly by overwintering in mild climates,
and then harvested by pulling the plants, allowing them to dry and then
threshing.  Celery may be hand harvested or machine harvested, but that
which is grown in Oregon is hand harvested.  Harvest when stalks are of
sufficient size but before any pith has developed in the petioles.  In
some U.S. production areas, celery is trimmed to produce "hearts" which
are packaged 2 or 3 per package with the stalks that are trimmed off
being used for processing.  It is critical that harvested stalks be
quickly cooled for storage.

Celery, Chinese	Six weeks to first harvest.  Stalks may be harvested
individually or the whole top cut just above ground level so that
regrowth can occur and harvests can continue for several months as long
as the weather remains cool.  

Fennel, Florence	About 3 months for edible leaf base harvest.

Fern, edible	Many species of fern are consumed in various ways, but the
most common species used as leafy vegetables are generally small to
medium ferns, no more than 2 m in height at maturity, with pinnate, much
divided leafy fronds.  The young fronds emerge from the ground curled up
and are harvested before they can uncurl, and are known in North America
as fiddleheads.  Fronds are generally not edible once they have
uncurled.  Thus far, fiddleheads are rarely cultivated and are often
gathered from the wild for personal consumption, or sold to markets and
restaurants.  They have a very limited season, typically early spring
for a short time as the fronds first emerge.  

Fuki	Flowers emerge early in spring and bloom for 2 - 3 weeks then
leaves follow and are harvested.

Kohlrabi	Plants are grown from seed, and must be grown rapidly for good
quality stem.  Seeding to harvest is about 2 months.

Palm hearts	All palms are propagated by seed.  Time to harvest is from 5
to 10 years.  Most palm trees are cut down to harvest the heart.  For
peach palm, under orchard cultivation with about 2,000 plants per acre,
the palm is a multi-shoot palm with each clump yielding a harvestable
stem to 4 feet from the base up to the lowest petiole every 9 to 15
months and can weigh about 20 pounds.  Each stem can produce 0.5 pound
of edible palm heart and 1 pound of edible stem.  Palm hearts or heart
of palm is a vegetable harvested from the growing bud of certain palm
trees.  Harvesting of the inner core kills the tree.   The peach palm,
Bactris gasipaes, known in Ecuador as “chontadure” and in Costa Rica
as “palmito” is most widely used for canning.

Prickly, pear, pads (Cactus)	Flowering occurs from the end of winter to
summer.  Fruiting occurs in the summer, but can be timed by low
wintertime temperatures, the application of fertilizers, or the removal
of the spring flush of flower buds.  Bud removal can lead to a second
flowering and the production of fruit in November and December.  Shade
and gibberellic acid can inhibit flower-bud initiation.  Flower opening
to fruit maturity occurs in approximately 70 to 150 days.  Fruit
production occurs in 5 to 6 years from seed and 2 to 3 years from
cuttings.

Rhubarb	Propagation is by seed or division of rootstock.  Sow seeds in
autumn or divide in spring or autumn.  Rhubarb may be produced in
containers or in greenhouses, which typically yield an earlier crop with
redder stems than field-grown rhubarb.  A stand of rhubarb is most
productive beginning its third year and lasting through its sixth year. 
Start of spring growth to first harvest is about 3 - 4 weeks with a two
harvest cycles

Udo	Propagation is by stem or root cuttings or by seed.  In culture, the
roots are established in beds or rows, like asparagus.  As the young
shoots start in spring, they are kept covered with soil for complete
blanching.  The shoots harvested are up to 2 ft (61 cm) long and 1.5 in
(3.8 cm) in diameter at the base.  The plant is a strong growing
perennial, producing the edible shoots from the roots each spring.
Season from growth start in spring to harvest varies from 2 to 4 weeks.

Zuiki	Propagated vegetatively by corms.  Cultivated aroids have less
acridity and require less processing than wild forms.



	For asparagus do not harvest asparagus the year of planting.  Harvest
for two weeks the second year after planting and increase to 6 – 8
weeks as the planting matures.  Stop harvesting by June 15 if fern vigor
was good the previous fall.  Stop sooner if spear thickness drops. 
Prolonged cutting increases stress on the plant and can increase root
and crown rot.  If foliage diseases were severe or fern vigor was low
the previous fall, stop harvesting 10 days sooner than normal.  Leave
soil unrigged on young beds for the first 2 to 3 weeks of harvest.  On
old beds, and in fields where freezing of early emerged spears occurs
frequently, begin ridging at start of harvest season.  In areas where
freeze damage to spears occurs frequently, mulch the beds with straw
after herbicide application to delay spear emergence.  Remove spears
from field promptly after cutting to maintain freshness and low fiber
content. 

Approximate artichoke yields in California average 450 cartons, with
good yields at 550 cartons/acre for established plantings.  Select buds
for size, compactness, and age. Harvest by cutting stem 1 to 1.5 inches
below base of the bud.  All buds that are of suitable size should be
removed.  Old stems should be removed as soon as all buds have been
harvested to allow new stems to grow. 

	Celery may be hand harvested or machine harvested, but that which is
grown in Oregon is hand harvested.  Harvest when stalks are of
sufficient size but before any pith has developed in the petioles.  In
some U.S. production areas, celery is trimmed to produce "hearts" which
are packaged 2 or 3 per package with the stalks that are trimmed off
being used for processing.  It is critical that harvested stalks be
quickly cooled. Celery should be harvested when the petioles (stalks)
from the soil line to the first node are at least 6 inches long.  Plants
must be compact and tight without excessive open space in the center of
the stalk.  The crop should be ready for harvest 85 to 120 days after
transplanting, depending on the variety.  A block of celery with a
single maturity date should be no larger than can be harvested at one
time so the celery can be harvested at peak quality. Quality of the crop
will decline with time due to increased amount of pithiness, yellow
leaves and seed stalks.  Average yields are 25 to 35 tons per acre. 

	Kohlrabi it is very important to harvest spring-sown kohlrabi when they
are small.  They will get larger than tennis balls in fair soil, but by
this time they are of very poor quality.  To get tender, sweet kohlrabi,
pick them when they are less than 2 - 2.5 inches in diameter. 
Fall-grown kohlrabi is less likely to get woody and may remain at good
quality until Christmas when it is 4 - 5 inches in diameter. 

	Yields of rhubarb depend on the number of pickings, and the age and
condition of the field.  Green varieties tend to yield more.  A
well-maintained field may remain productive for 15 or more years. 
Rhubarb in Oregon is all hand harvested.  For processing, both ends of
the petiole are trimmed so that no leaf tissue remains.  For fresh
market a small amount (1/4 inch) of leaf tissue is usually left attached
to the petiole and the basal end is not trimmed.  Splitting of the
petiole will be more serious if the entire leaf is removed.  Stalks
should not be pulled during the first year of growth. Stalk color is
best after the field is 2 to 3 years old. In subsequent years,
harvesting can be expected to start in March and to end in June.  This
will vary with management practices, with the variety being grown, and
is somewhat driven by market demand.  Plants should not be over-pulled
at any time, as a certain amount of foliage is required for the
development of the present crop as well as next year's crop.  A
well-cared-for field will last for l0-15 years or longer.  

Comparison of the Raw Agricultural Commodities (RAC) and Processed
Commodities for the Proposed Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Vegetable
Group (see Tables 27 and 28). 

	The raw agricultural commodities (RAC) for the amended Leafy Vegetable
Crop Group similar (Table 27).  There are no processed commodities or
livestock feedstuffs for this proposed group.  

Table 27.  Proposed Salk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Vegetable Group 40 CFR
Vol. 58, No. 187, 9/29/1993, pp. 50888 – 50893. Portion of Food
Commodities Analyzed Pesticide Residues: Proposed Rule), and Table 1 Raw
Agricultural and Processed Commodities Derived from Crops (EPA Residue
Chemistry Guidelines OPPTS 860.1000).

Commodity

Portion Analyzed (RAC) and/or Feedstuff (F)

Processed Commodity (PC) and /or Use as a Feedstuff (F) 

Proposed Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Vegetable

Analyze the whole commodity after removal of obviously decomposed or
withered leaves.  Rhubarb leaf stems only; globe artichokes, flowerhead
only; celery and asparagus, remove adhering soil.

None.





	The proposed members of the Stalk, stem, and leaf petiole crop group 22
all have edible portions that are stalks, stems and or leaf petioles
(see Table 28). 

Table 28.  Description of the Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Commodities
Parts Harvested and The Edible Portion.

Commodity	Plant Parts Utilized 	Description

Agave	Stalk, nectar	Stalk consumed for the sweet pulp; nectar for
tequila or sweetener.

Asparagus	Shoots	Young shoots only.

Burdock, edible, tops (leaves)	Stems and shoots	Young shoot eaten like
asparagus, peeled stems eaten in Italy.

Cardoon	Petiole	Existing member of crop group 4B.

Celery	Petiole	Existing member of Leaf Petiole subgroup 4B.

Celery, Chinese	Petiole and leaves 	Existing member of Leaf Petiole
subgroup 4B. 

Celtuce	Stem and leaves	Existing member of Leaf Petiole subgroup 4B.

Fennel, Florence	Petioles/leaf bases	Existing member of Leaf Petiole
subgroup 4B (also a member of herbs and spice group).  Enlarged bulbous
leaf base.

Fern, edible	Leaf front uncurled	Uncurled leaf fronds are eaten,
immature fronds are called “crosiers”.

Fuki	Petioles	Leaves and leaf petioles eaten

Kale, sea	Shoots	Shoots are similar to rhubarb.

Knotweed	Shoots	Young shoots only. Invasive in U.S. but widely consumed
in Asia. Also being developed as a source of resveratrol.

Kohlrabi	Swollen stem	Young stems 

Prickly pear	Stem	Technically the "pad" is the stem and the prickles are
the leaves. The fruit is the best known commodity but pads eaten in
Mexico and known as "nopales"

Rhubarb	Petiole	Existing member of Leaf Petiole crop subgroup 4B

Swiss chard	Petioles and leaves	Existing member of Leaf Petiole subgroup
4B.

Udo	Shoots	Shoots are similar to asparagus.

Zuki	Petiole

	

LIVESTOCK FEED ITEMS: 

	There are no significant animal feed items associated with the proposed
Stalk, stem, and leaf petiole crop group (Table 27).  

CROP ROTATIONS FOR THE STALK, STEM, LEAF PETIOLE VEGETABLES (Adapted
from Schneider, 1990, 1998, Swiader, 1992, (  HYPERLINK
"http://www.dannylipford.com/vegetable-garden-crop-rotation-made-easy/" 
http://www.dannylipford.com/vegetable-garden-crop-rotation-made-easy/ ).
 

	Crop rotation is the practice of growing different crops, rather than
the same vegetable or members of the same family of vegetables, in the
same land each year.  Crop rotation benefits vegetable crops in two
ways: first, it will prevent the build-up of soil-borne pests and
diseases; second, it allows for the replenishment and efficient use of
soil nutrients.  Vegetables should not be grown the same area year after
year or more than once every three or four years in the same field. 

	Vegetable insect pests tend to feed on similar plants and members of
the same plant family.  For example, an insect pest that attacks and
eats cabbage will lay its eggs before it dies.  If cabbage or a member
of the Brassica family is planted in the same field the next year, the
eggs of the insect will hatch and the pests will find exactly the food
they need to continue the pest life cycle.  Soil borne diseases from
fungi, bacteria, and viruses also can be hosted by specific plants as
well.  Removing host plants or alternating unrelated plants into the
garden can break the cycle of pests and disease.  Weed problems in
vegetables may also be reduced by rotations, since different herbicides
can be used in rotations to control various weeds.  Rotations to a cover
crop like a cereal grin or alfalfa can help reduce the weed
competitiveness with various vegetable crops. 

Crop rotation also helps prevent soil nutrients from being depleted. 
Vegetables draw upon a wide range of soil nutrients for growth:
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the key or major soil nutrients.
 Members of the same vegetable family usually draw the same nutrients
from the soil.  Crop rotation will prevent the soil from wearing out:
heavy nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium feeding crops such as tomatoes
are rotated with soil-building crops such as beans which add nitrogen
and organic matter to the soil. 

	The stalk, stem, and leaf petiole crops are listed in bold, and several
of them are perennial crops and are not rotated (Table 29).  Celery is
included in the same recommendations as the tomato family below. 
Asparagus, bamboo, cactus, and rhubarb are perennials and are not
rotated on a yearly basis.  Planting asparagus into an old asparagus
field may also cause an alleleopathic response or suppression of growth
of the new plants by substances that are released from old root pieces. 
New hybrid varieties are somewhat tolerant to the fungus than older
varieties, and the growth of the hybrids is vigorous enough to yield
well in spite of the presence of the disease.  However, some growers
have observed that waiting four years is insufficient.  Also, the eight
major vegetable plant families and specific notes on individual family
crop rotations.  

First is the Brassica family:   

• Cabbage Family (Brassica, Cruciferae):

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage,
collards, cress, kale, kohlrabi, radishes, and turnips.  These are heavy
feeders.  These crops should follow legumes.  After these crops the
field trial garden to go fallow for a season or plant a cover crop or
add plenty of compost and organic matter to the garden.

• Lettuce Family (Composite, Asteraceae): 

Artichoke, globe, chicory, endive, lettuce. These are heavy feeders. 
Follow these crops with legumes.

• Beet Family (Chenopodiaceae): Beets, spinach, Swiss chard. These are
heavy feeders.  Rotate these crops with legumes or fallow.

• Squash Family (Cucurbitaceae): Cucumbers, melons, summer and winter
squash, pumpkins, watermelon.  These crops are heavy feeders. Plant
these crops after members of the grass family.  Follow these crops with
legumes.

• Carrot Family (Umbelliferae): Carrots, celery, anise, coriander,
dill, fennel, parsley.  These are light to medium feeders.  These crops
can follow any other group. Follow these crops with legumes, onions, or
leave fallow for a season.  In MI, it is recommended that celery be
rotated with other crops whenever possible to avoid a buildup of pests
in the soil.  Onions or potatoes are good rotation crops with few pests
in common with celery. Corn or sudangrass should be included in the
rotation every five years.  A winter cover crop of barley or rye will
reduce wind erosion and add active organic matter to the soil. 

• Tomato Family (Solanaceae Family): Tomato, pepper, eggplant, and
potatoes, celery, anise, coriander, dill, fennel, parsley.  These are
heavy feeders.  These crops should follow a legume like clover or
alfalfa or grass like rye.

• Legume or Bean Family (Leguminosae): Beans including snap bean, lima
bean, vegetable soybean, chickpea, cowpea, etc.  These are light
feeders.  Plant these crops after a grain crop such as sweet corn.

• Grass Family (Graminaceae/Poaceae): Sweet corn and popcorn. These
are heavy feeders.  Plant these crops after a legume like alfalfa or a
bean.

The examples of crop rotations in Figure 1 below includes all the other
leafy vegetable crop families groups (Cabbage/Brassica, Lettuce, and
Carrot) equivalent to EPA Crop Groups 4 and 5 is grouped below.  The
rotation is a four year rotation. 

Simple Four-Year Crop Rotation

To follow a simple four-year crop rotation, divide fields into four
areas or plots:  Field Plot One, Plot Two, Plot Three, and Plot Four. 
In each of the next four years, a different crop or different members of
the crop families in a different field plots following this rotation:

This four-year crop rotation intersperses members of the other vegetable
families among members of the Tomato, Onion, Bean, and Brassica/cabbage
families.  The leaves are the leafy vegetable families.  Here is how
they are grouped: 

Year 1. Tomato Family and others (Solanaceae family)

Beets

Celeriac and celery

Salsify

Year 2. Bean Family (Leguminosae family)

Year 3. Cabbage Family and others (Brassica family)

Broccoli

Brussels sprouts

Cabbage

Cauliflower

Radish

Rutabaga

Turnip

Year 4. Onion Family and others (Allium family)

Perennial Vegetables are not included in crop rotation since they grow
in the same spot for several years in a row and include:

Asparagus

Cactus

Globe artichoke

Jerusalem artichoke

Rhubarb

Figure 1.  Sample Four Year Crop Rotation Plan. 

 

 

 

 

TABLE 29. DETERMINATION OF STALK, STEM, AND LEAF PETIOLE VEGETABLE
COMMODITIES WHO’S CULTURAL PRACTICES DO NOT NORMALLY INCLUDE CROP
ROTATIONS.

COMMODITY	CROP ROTATED (Y/N)	NOTES

Artichoke, globe	N 	All of the commercial production of globe artichokes
is in California.  The artichokes are maintained in perennial culture in
the same fields for 5 to 10 years. 

Asparagus	N	Grown in the same field for < 20 years.  Takes two years
after planting to produce the first crop.  Ideally, growers should wait
at least four years from plowing under an old asparagus planting until
replanting it to asparagus, to give the roots time to decompose and also
to reduce the population of soil borne Fusarium.  In a virgin soil (free
of Fusarium), the expected life of an asparagus field (any variety) is
15 - 20 years.  Growers feel that peak production occurs in the 6th or
7th year, with the best production occurring during years 7 - 12.  There
is a decline of production of about 5% per year in the 10th year and
every year thereafter.  After the 15th year, the field may no longer be
economically profitable. Established asparagus growers recover their
investment after the 5th year and years 5-10 are their most profitable
years.





Cactus	N	Grown in same areas for over 40 years.

Rhubarb	N	Grown in the same field for 8 to 10 years.



COMPARISON OF POTENTIAL RESIDUE LEVELS IN THE STALK, STEM, AND LEAF
PETIOLE VEGETABLE COMMODITIES: 

	Magness, Markle, and Compton in 1971 classified food and feed crops
based on predicting the potential for pesticide residues based on
exposure of the edible parts to applied pesticides, which led to the
development of the crop groups.  All the leafy vegetables commodities
fit into two categories: Category VI and VII and are based on their
potential exposure to pesticides.  The majorities of the stalk, stem,
and leaf petiole vegetables are in Category VII which includes
“vegetables with edible parts, mainly leaves, fully exposed to
pesticides applied during the growing season”.  These include
“vegetables with edible parts, leaves, petioles, flower bracts, or
stems, partially protected from direct contact with pesticides by outer
leaves or leaf canopy generally removed prior to marketing”.  These
include globe artichoke, bamboo shoots, celery, celtuce, Florence
fennel, kohlrabi, and rhubarb.

	Since there is no crop group the current Leafy vegetable, except
Brassica crop group 4 has been very successful in establishing 43
tolerances for the crop group, and 13 for the leaf petiole subgroup 4B. 
The leaf petiole subgroup members will move from subgroup 4B to the
proposed new Stalk, stem, and leaf petiole crop group.  Based on
existing tolerances in 40 CFR and the USDA FAS MRLdatabase, a comparison
of these tolerances for the representative commodities are listed in
Tables 31 and 32 for the U.S. and Codex MRL’s. 

	Comparison of asparagus U.S. tolerances and Codex tolerances show that
in the case of carbaryl, and methomyl they are the same and for
azoxystrobin, dimethoate, malathion, and permethrin the tolerances are
higher in the U.S. (Tables 31 and 32).  U.S. tolerances for celery in
five cases are higher than Codex MRL (Table 32).  For kohlrabi the one
pesticide (azoxystrobin) has a Codex MRL at a higher level (Table 30). 
Palm hearts have a tolerance on glyphosate at 0.2 ppm (Table 31).  

Table 30. Tolerances established on Proposed Stalk and Stem Vegetables
for Asparagus, Celtuce, and Kohlrabi.   (FASonline:  mrldatabase.com;
tolerances as of May 21, 2011; note that shading indicates a crop group
tolerance)

	

Asparagus (ppm)	

Celtuce (ppm)	

Kohlrabi (ppm)

Compound	US	Codex	US	Codex	US	Codex

2,4-D	5	--	--	--	--	--

Abamectin	--	--	0.1	--	--	--

Acetamiprid	--	--	3	--	1.2	--

Acibenzolar-S-methyl	--	--	0.25	--	1	--

Azoxystrobin	0.04	0.01	30	--	3	5

Benoxacor	0.01	--	0.01	--	0.01	--

Bensulide	--	--	0.15	--	0.15	--

Beta-cyfluthrin	--	--	6	--	2.5	--

Bifenthrin	--	--	3	--	0.6	--

Boscalid	--	--	45	--	3	5

Buprofezin	--	--	35	--	12	--

Captan	--	--	0.05	--	0.05	--

Carbaryl	15	15	3	--	10	--

Carfentrazone-ethyl	--	--	0.1	--	0.1	--

Chlorantraniliprole	13	--	13	--	4	--

Chlorothalonil	0.1	--	--	--	5	--

Chlorpyrifos	5 (regional)	--	--	--	1	--

Clethodim	1.7	--	0.6	--	3	--

Clopyralid	1	--

	2	--

Clothianidin	--	--	3	--	1.9	--

Cryolite	--	--	--	--	7	--

Cyazofamid	--	--	--	--	1.2	--

Cyfluthrin	--	--	6	--	2.5	--

Cymoxanil	--	--	6	--	--	--

Cyromazine	--	--	7	--	--	--

Cypermethrin	--	--	--	--	2	(1)

Cyprodinil	--	--	--	--	1	--

Cyromazine	--	--	--	--	10	--

d-Phenothrin	0.01	--	0.01	--	0.01	--

DCPA	--	--	--	--	5	--

Diazinon	--	--	--	--	0.7	0.2

Dicamba	4	--	--	--	--	--

Difenoconazole	--	--	--	--	1.9	--

Dimethoate	0.15 (regional)	0.05	--	--	--	--

Dimethomorph	--	--

	2	0.02

Dinotefuran	--	--	5	--	1.4	--

Disulfoton	0.1 (regional)	0.02	--	--	--	--

Diuron	7	--	--	--	--	--



Table 30. Tolerances established on Proposed Stalk and Stem Vegetables
for Asparagus, Celtuce, and Kohlrabi.  (FASonline:  mrldatabase.com;
tolerances as of May 21, 2011; note that shading indicates a crop group
tolerance)

	

Asparagus (ppm)	

Celtuce (ppm)	

Kohlrabi (ppm)

Compound	US	Codex	US	Codex	US	Codex

Emamectin	--	--	0.1	--	0.05	--

Esfenvalerate	--	--	--	--	2 (regional)	--

Famoxadone	--	--	25	--	--	--

Fenamidone	--	--	60	--	5	--

Fenhexamid	0.02	--	--	--	--	--

Fenpropathrin	--	--	--	--	3	--

Flonicamid	--	--	4	--	1.5	--

Fluazifop-p-butyl	3 (regional)	--	--	--	--	--

Fluazinam	--	--	--	--	0.01	--

Flubendiamide	--	--	11	--	3	--

Fludioxonil	--	--	0.01	--	2	--

Flumioxazin	0.02	--	0.02	--	--	--

Fluopicolide	--	--	25	--	5	--

Flutolanil	--	--	--	--	0.1	--

Fosetyl-Al	0.1 (regional)	--	--	--	60	--

Fluoxastrobin	--	--	4	--	--	--

Fosetyl-Al	--	--	100	--	--	--

Gamma Cyhalothrin	--	--	--	--	0.4	--

Glyphosate	0.5	--	0.2	--	0.2	--

Halosulfuron-methyl	0.8	--	--	--	--	--

Imidacloprid	--	--	6	--	3.5	--

Indoxacarb	--	--	14	--	12	--

Inorganic bromide	100	--	--	--	--	---

Lambda Cyhalothrin	--	--	--	--	0.4	--

Linuron	7	--	--	--	--	--

Malathion	8	1	8	--	8	--

Mancozeb	0.1

(negligible residue)	0.1	--	--	--	--

Mandipropamid	--	--	20	--	3	--

Maneb	--	--	--	--	10	--

Mesotrione	0.01	--	--	--	--	--

Metalaxyl	7	0.05	5	--	0.1	--

Metaldehyde	--	--	--	--	2.5	--

Methomyl	2	2	--	--	0.2	--

Methoxyfenozide	--	--	25	--	7	--

Metribuzin	0.1	--	--	--	--	--

Myclobutanil	0.02	--	--	--	--	--



Table 30. Tolerances established on Proposed Stalk and Stem Vegetables
for Asparagus, Celtuce, and Kohlrabi.  (FASonline:  mrldatabase.com;
tolerances as of May 21, 2011; note that shading indicates a crop group
tolerance)

	

Asparagus (ppm)	

Celtuce (ppm)	

Kohlrabi (ppm)

Compound	US	Codex	US	Codex	US	Codex

Napropamide	0.1	--	--	--	0.1	--

Norflurazon	0.05	--	--	--	--	--

Novaluron	--	--	--	--	0.5	--

Paraquat dichloride	0.5	--	--	--	0.05	--

Pendimethalin	0.15	--	--	--	0.1	--

Pentachloronitrobenzene	--	--	--	--	0.1	--

Permethrin	2	1	5	--	--	--

Prometryn	--	--	0.5	--	--	--

Propiconazole	--	--	5	--	--	--

Pymetrozine	0.04	--	0.6	--	0.5	--

Pyraclostrobin	--	--	29	--	5	--

Pyridalyl	--	--	20	--	3.5	--

Pyridate	--	--	--	--	0.03	--

Pyriproxyfen	2	--	3	--	0.7	--

S-metolachlor	0.1	--	0.1	--	0.6	--

Sethoxydim	4	--	4	--	5	--

Spinetoram	0.04	---	8	--	2	--

Spinosad	0.2	--	8	--	2	2

Spiromesifen	--	--	6	--	2	--

Spirotetramat	--	--	9	--	2.5	--

Sulfentrazone	0.15	--	--	--	0.2	--

Tebuconazole	0.05	--	--	--	--	--

Tebufenozide	--	--	2	--	5	--

Terbacil	0.4	--	--	--	--	--

Thiamethoxam	--	--	4	--	4.5	--

Thiodicarb	--	--	35	--	--	--

Trifloxystrobin	0.07	--	3.5	--	--	--

Triflumizole	--	--	--	--	8	--

Trifluralin	0.05	--	--	--	0.05	--

Zeta-cypermethrin	--	--	10	--	2	1



Table 31. Tolerances established on Proposed Stalk and Stem Vegetables
for Florence Fennel, Artichoke, and Palm Hearts.  (FASonline: 
mrldatabase.com; tolerances as of May 21, 2011; note that shading
indicates a crop group tolerance)

	Fennel, Florence, Fresh Leaves and Stalk (ppm)	

Artichoke (ppm)	

Palm Heart (ppm)

Compound	US	Codex	US	Codex	US	Codex

Abamectin	0.1	--	--	--	--	--

Acephate	10	--	--	--	--	--

Acetamiprid	3	--	--	--	--	--

Acibenzolar-S-methyl	0.25	--	--	--	--	--

Azoxystrobin	30	10	4	5	--	--

Benoxacor	0.01	--	--	--	--	--

Bensulide	0.15	--	--	--	--	--

Beta-cyfluthrin	6	--	--	--	--	--

Bifenthrin	3	--	1	--	--	--

Boscalid	45	5	--	--	--	--

Buprofezin	35	--	--	--	--	--

Captan	0.05	--	--	--	--	--

Carbaryl	3	--	--	--	--	--

Carfentrazone-ethyl	0.1	--	--	--	0.1	--

Chlorantraniliprole	13	--	4	--	--	--

Chlorothalonil	15	--	--	--	--	--

Clethodim	0.6	--	1.2	--	--	--

Clothianidin	3	--	--	--	--	--

Cyfluthrin	6	--	--	--	--	--

Cymoxanil	6

--	--	--	--

Cyromazine	7	--	--	--	--	--

d-Phenothrin	0.01	--	0.01	--	--	--

Diazinon	0.7 (regional)	--	--	--	--	--

Deltamethrin	--	--	0.5	--	--	--

Dicloran	15	--	--	--



Diflubenzuron	--	--	6	--	--	--

Dimethoate	2	--	--	--	--	--

Dinotefuran	5	--	--	--	--	--

Diuron	--	--	1	--	--	--

Emamectin	0.1	--	--	--	--	--

Endosulfan	8	--	--	--	--	--

Esfenvalerate	--	--	1	--	--	--

Famoxadone	25	--	--	--	--	--

Fenamidone	60	--	--	--	--	--

Flonicamid	4	--	--	--	--	--

Fluazifop-p-butyl	--	--	--	--	--	--

Flubendiamide	11	--	--	--	--	--

Fludioxonil	0.01	--	--	--	--	--

Flumioxazin	0.02	--	--	--	--	--

Fluopicolide	25	--	--	--	--	--



Table 31. Tolerances established on Proposed Stalk and Stem Vegetables
for Florence Fennel, Artichoke, and Palm Hearts.   (FASonline: 
mrldatabase.com; tolerances as of May 21, 2011; note that shading
indicates a crop group tolerance)

	Fennel, Florence, Fresh Leaves and Stalk (ppm)	

Artichoke (ppm)	

Palm Heart (ppm)

Compound	US	Codex	US	Codex	US	Codex

Fluoxastrobin	4	--	--	--	--	--

Fosetyl-Al	100	--	--	--	--	--

Glyphosate	0.2	--	0.2	--	0.2	--

Halosulfuron-methyl	--	--	--	--	--	--

Imidacloprid	6	--	2.5	--	--	--

Indoxacarb	14	--	--	--	--	--

Linuron	0.5

(regional)	--	--	--	--	--

Malathion	8	--	--	--	--	--

Mancozeb	5	--	--	--	--	--

Mandipropamid	20	--	--	--	--	--

Maneb	5	--	--	--	--	--

Mesotrione	--	--	--	--	--	--

Metalaxyl	5	--	0.05	--	--	--

Metaldehyde	--	--	0.07	--	--	--

Methamidophos	1	--	--	--	--	--

Methidathion	--	--	0.05	0.05	--	--

Methomyl	3	--	--	--	--	--

Methoxyfenozide	25	--	3	--	--	--

Mevinphos	1	--	--	--	--	--

Myclobutanil	--	--	0.9	--	--	--

Naled	3	--	--	--	--	--

Napropamide	--	--	--	--	--	--

Oxamyl	10	--	--	--	--	--

Oxyfluorfen	--	--	0.05	--	--	--

Paraquat dichloride	--	--	0.05	--	--	--

Pendimethalin	--	--	0.1	--	--	--

Permethrin	5	--	5	--	--	--

Prometryn	0.5	--	--	--	--	--

Propiconazole	5	--	--	--	--	--

Propyzamide	--	--	0.01	--	--	--

Pymetrozine	0.6	--	--	--	--	--

Pyraclostrobin	29	--	--	--	--	--

Pyridalyl	20	--	--	--	--	--

Pyriproxyfen	3	--	2	--	--	--

Quinoxyfen	--	--	1.4	--	--	--

S-metoachlor	0.1	--	--	--	--	--

Sethoxydim	4	--	5 (regional)	--	--	--

Spinetoram	8	--	0.3	--	--	--

Spinosad	8	--	0.3	--	--	--



Table 31. Tolerances established on Proposed Stalk and Stem Vegetables
for Florence Fennel, Artichoke, and Palm Hearts.  (FASonline: 
mrldatabase.com; tolerances as of May 21, 2011; note that shading
indicates a crop group tolerance)

	Fennel, Florence, Fresh Leaves and Stalk (ppm)	

Artichoke (ppm)	

Palm Heart (ppm)

Compound	US	Codex	US	Codex	US	Codex

Spiromesifen	6	--	--	--	--	--

Spirotetramat	9	--	--	--	--	--

Streptomycin	0.25	--	--	--	--	--

Tebufenozide	2	--	--	--	--	--

Thiamethoxam	4	--	0.45	--	--	--

Thiobencarb	0.2 (regional)	--	--	--	--	--

Thiodicarb	35	--	--	--	--	--

Trifloxystrobin	3.5	--	--	--	--	--

Trifluralin	0.05	--	--	--	--	--

Zeta-cypermethrin	10	--	--	--	--	--

Zinc phosphide	--	--	0.01 (regional)	--	--	--



Table 32. Tolerances established on Proposed Leafy Petiole Vegetables
for Celery, Cardoon, and Edible Burdock, Edible Tops.  (FASonline: 
mrldatabase.com; tolerances as of May 21, 2011; note that shading
indicates a crop group tolerance)

	

Celery (ppm)	

Cardoon (ppm)	Burdock, Edible Tops (ppm)

Compound	US	Codex	US	Codex	US	Codex

2,4-D	--	--	--	--	0.1	--

Abamectin	0.1	--	0.1	--	--	--

Acephate	10	--	--	--	--	--

Acetamiprid	3	--	3	--	--	--

Acibenzolar-S-methyl	0.25	--	0.25	--	--	--

Azoxystrobin	30	5	30	--	50	--

Benoxacor	0.01	--	0.01	--	--	--

Bensulide	0.15	--	0.15	--	--	--

Beta-cyfluthrin	6	--	6	--	--	--

Bifenthrin	3	--	3	--	--	--

Boscalid	45	--	45	--	--	--

Buprofezin	35	--	35	--	--	--

Captan	0.05	--	0.05	--	0.05	--

Carbaryl	3	--	3	--	75	--

Carfentrazone-ethyl	0.1	--	0.1	--	0.1	--

Chlorantraniliprole	13	(7)	13	--	--	--

Chlorothalonil	15	(10)	--	--	--	--

Clethodim	0.6	--	0.6	--	--	--

Clothianidin	3	--	3	--	--	--

Cyfluthrin	6	--	6	--	--	--

Cymoxanil	6	--	6	--	--	--

Cyprodinil	--	--	--	--	10	--

Cyromazine	7	(4)	7	--	--	--

d-Phenothrin	0.01	--	0.01	--	0.01	--

Diazinon	0.7 (regional)	--	--	--	--	--

Dicloran	15	--	--	--	--	--

Dimethoate	2	(0.5)	--	--	--	--

Dinotefuran	5	--	5	--	--	--

Emamectin	0.1	--	0.1	--	--	--

Endosulfan	8	--	--	--	--	--

Famoxadone	25	--	25	--	--	--

Fenamidone	60	--	60	--	--	--

Flonicamid	4	--	4	--	--	--

Flubendiamide	11	--	11	--	--	--

Fludioxonil	0.01	--	0.01	--	30	--

Flumioxazin	0.02	--	0.02	--	--	--

Fluopicolide	25	--	25	--	15	--

Fluoxastrobin	4	--	4	--	--	--

Fosetyl-Al	100	--	100	--	--	--

Glyphosate	0.2	--	0.2	--	0.2	--



Table 32. Tolerances established on Proposed Leaf Petiole Vegetables for
Celery, Cardoon, and Edible Burdock, Edible Tops.   (FASonline: 
mrldatabase.com; tolerances as of May 21, 2011; note that shading
indicates a crop group tolerance)

	

Celery (ppm)	

Cardoon (ppm)	Burdock, Edible Tops (ppm)

Compound	US	Codex	US	Codex	US	Codex

Imidacloprid	6	--	6	--	4	--

Indoxacarb	14	--	14	--	--	--

Linuron	0.5 (regional)	--	--	--	--	--

Malathion	8	--	8	--	--	--

Mancozeb	5	--

	--	--

Mandipropamid	20	20	20	--	--	--

Maneb	5	--	--	--	--	--

Metalaxyl	5	--	5	--	15	--

Methamidophos	1	--	--	--	--	--

Methomyl	3	--	--	--	--	--

Methoxyfenozide	25	15	25	--	30	--

Mevinphos	1	--	--	--	--	--

Naled	3	--	--	--	--	--

Oxamyl	10	--	--	--	--	--

Permethrin	5	(2	5	--	--	--

Prometryn	0.5	--	0.5	--	--	--

Propiconazole	5	--	5	--	--	--

Pymetrozine	0.6	--	0.6	--	--	--

Pyraclostrobin	29	--	29	--	16	--

Pyridalyl	20	--	20	--	--	--

Pyriproxyfen	3	--	3	--	2	--

S-metolachlor	0.1	--	0.1	--	--	--

Sethoxydim	4	--	4	--	--	--

Spinetoram	8	--	8	--	10	--

Spinosad	8	2	8	--	10	--

Spiromesifen	6	--	6	--	--	--

Spirotetramat	9	4	9	--	--	--

Streptomycin	0.25	--	--	--	--	--

Tebufenozide	2	--	2	--	--	--

Thiamethoxam	4	--	4	--	--	--

Thiobencarb	0.2 (regional)	--	35	--	--	--

Thiodicarb	35	--	--	--	--	--

Trifloxystrobin	3.5	1	3.5	--	--	--

Trifluralin	0.05	---	--	--	0.05	--

Zeta-cypermethrin	10	--	10	--	--	--



Table 33. Tolerances established on Proposed Leaf Petiole Vegetables for
Chinese Celery and Rhubarb.   (FASonline:  mrldatabase.com; tolerances
as of May 21, 2011; note that shading indicates a crop group tolerance)

	

Celery, Chinese (ppm)	

Rhubarb (ppm)

Compound	US	Codex	US	Codex

Abamectin	0.1	--	0.1	--

Acephate	--	--	--	--

Acetamiprid	3	--	3	--

Acibenzolar-S-methyl	0.25	--	0.25	--

Azoxystrobin	30	70	30	--

Benoxacor	0.01	--	0.01	--

Bensulide	0.15	--	0.15	--

Beta-cyfluthrin	6	--	6	--

Bifenthrin	3	--	3	--

Boscalid	45	--	45	--

Buprofezin	35	--	35	--

Captan	0.05	--	0.05	--

Carbaryl	3	--	3	--

Carfentrazone-ethyl	0.1	--	0.1	--

Chlorantraniliprole	13	--	13	--

Chlorothalonil	--	--	4	--

Clethodim	0.6	--	0.6	--

Clothianidin	3	--	3	--

Cyfluthrin	6	--	6	--

Cymoxanil	6	--	6	--

Cyromazine	7	--	7	--

d-Phenothrin	0.01	--	0.01	--

Diazinon	--	--	--	--

Dichlobenil	--	--	0.06	--

Dicloran	--	--	10	--

Dimethoate	--	--	--	--

Dinotefuran	5	--	5	--

Emamectin	0.1	--	0.1	--

Endosulfan	--	--	--	--

Famoxadone	25	--	25	--

Fenamidone	60	--	60	--

Flonicamid	4	--	4	--

Fluazifop-p-butyl	--	--	0.5 (regional)	--

Flubendiamide	11	--	11	--

Fludioxonil	0.01	--	0.01	--

Flumioxazin	0.02	--	0.02	--

Fluopicolide	25	--	25	--



Table 33. Tolerances established on Proposed Leaf Petiole Vegetables for
Chinese Celery and Rhubarb.  (FASonline:  mrldatabase.com; tolerances as
of May 21, 2011; note that shading indicates a crop group tolerance)

	

Celery, Chinese (ppm)	

Rhubarb (ppm)

Compound	US	Codex	US	Codex

Fluoxastrobin	4	--	4	--

Fosetyl-Al	100	--	100	--

Glyphosate	0.2	--	0.2	--

Halosulfuron-methyl	--	--	0.05	--

Imidacloprid	6	--	6	--

Indoxacarb	14	--	14	--

Linuron	--	--	0.5	--

Malathion	8	--	8	--

Mancozeb	--	--	--	--

Mandipropamid	20	--	20	--

Maneb	--	--	--	--

Mesotrione	--	--	0.01	--

Metalaxyl	5	--	5	--

Methamidophos	--	--	--	--

Methomyl	--	--	0.2	--

Methoxyfenozide	25	--	25	--

Mevinphos	--	--	--	--

Naled	--	--	--	--

Napropamide	--	--	0.1	--

Oxamyl	--	--	--	--

Paraquat dichloride	--	--	0.05	--

Permethrin	5	--	5	--

Prometryn	0.5	--	0.5	--

Propiconazole	5	--	5	--

Propyzamide	--	--	0.1

(regional)	--

Pymetrozine	0.6	--	0.6	--

Pyraclostrobin	29	--	29	--

Pyridalyl	20	--	20	--

Pyriproxyfen	3	--	3	--

S-metoachlor	0.1	--	0.1	--

Sethoxydim	4	--	0.3 (regional)	--

Spinetoram	8	--	8	--

Spinosad	8	--	8	--

Spiromesifen	6	--	6	--

Spirotetramat	9	--	9	--



Table 33. Tolerances established on Proposed Leafy Petiole Vegetables
for Chinese Celery and Rhubarb.   (FASonline:  mrldatabase.com;
tolerances as of May 21, 2011; note that shading indicates a crop group
tolerance)

	

Celery, Chinese (ppm)	

Rhubarb (ppm)

Compound	US	Codex	US	Codex

Streptomycin	--	--	--	--

Tebufenozide	2	--	2	--

Thiamethoxam	4	--	4	--

Thiobencarb	--	--	--	--

Thiodicarb	35	--	35	--

Trifloxystrobin	3.5	--	3.5	--

Trifluralin	--	--	--	--

Zeta-cypermethrin	10	--	10	--



	A comparison of established tolerances on the proposed Stalk, stem, and
leaf petiole crop group members also supports that residue levels will
be similar between members of the proposed crop group (See Tables 30,
31, 32).  Table 30 presents comparative tolerances for proposed stalk
and stem vegetables for asparagus, celtuce, and kohlrabi, Table 31
presents tolerances established on tolerances for proposed stalk and
stem vegetables Florence fennel, artichoke, and palm hearts, while Table
32 presents tolerances established on Leaf petiole vegetables for
celery, cardoon, and edible burdock, edible tops, and Table 33 presents
tolerances for Leaf petiole vegetables for Chinese celery and rhubarb. 
Comparative tolerances for twenty pesticides show that for eleven
pesticides have the higher tolerances for celery than for asparagus,
four tolerances are higher for asparagus, and six are at the same level.
 The proposed representative commodities (asparagus and celery) also
cover over 99 % of the total Stalk, stem, and leaf petiole crop group
commodity production in the U.S., and they also tend to be an equal or
more conservative estimate of tolerances and potential residues.  Having
both asparagus and celery will adequately help in the establishment of
crop group tolerances.  We expect that all proposed members of the
proposed Stalk, stem, and leaf petiole vegetable crop group will have
similar residue levels based on similarities of the raw agricultural
commodities (RAC’s), cultural practices, and pest problems.  

REQUIRED NUMBER OF CROP FIELD TRIALS FOR THE BRASSIA HEAD AND STEM
VEGETABLE AND COMPARISON OF EPA CROP PRODUCTION REGIONS WITH THE NAFTA
CROP PRODUCTION REGIONS: 

A reevaluation of crop production data from the 2007 USDA Agricultural
Census shows that the proposed Brassica head and stem crop group
representative commodity has not changed significantly from the 1991
data used in the current field trial guidelines (EPA OPPTS 860.1500). 
However, the field trial regions may have changed and would be updated
by a future HED ChemSAC workgroup.  If a crop group tolerance is being
pursued the number of field trials for the individual commodities
asparagus and celery may be reduced from 16 to 12, depending which field
trial sampling scenario is followed (Table 34).  Also, the concept of
dietary consumption will be reviewed sometime in the future as a
guideline revision.  

Table 34.  EPA Crop Production Regions Suggested Distribution of the 

Proposed Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Group Field Trials > 3 for Both
the Representative Commodities and other Commodities in the Crop Group
based on Current EPA Guidelines (OPPTS 860.1500) 

Commodity	Field Trials #	Region # 1	Region # 2	Region # 3	Region # 5
Region # 6	Region # 8	Region # 10	Region # 12

Asparagus*	8

1

2

	3	2

Celery	8

	2	1

	5

	Cabbage, Chinese	3

	1



2

	Total**	12 or 16 

1	1**	2	2	1	6 or 8**	1**

*Asparagus and celery are the proposed representative commodities for
the Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Crop Group.  

** Total for a Crop Group tolerance number of trials are reduced by 25 %
for a crop group tolerance.

	Recently Canada has released a Regulatory Directive 2010-05 (Table 35)
that will update their field trial requirements and will be implemented
after December, 2011 ((  HYPERLINK
"http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/pest/_pol-guide/dir2010-05/index-en
g.php" 
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/pest/_pol-guide/dir2010-05/index-eng
.php  .  The Canadian revisions are shown in Table 35.

Table 35.  Canada Revisions to Residue Chemistry Crop Field Trial
Requirements, December 21, 2010.  Canada Regulatory Directive DIR
2010-05.  (  HYPERLINK
"http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/pest/_pol-guide/dir2010-05/index-en
g.php" 
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/pest/_pol-guide/dir2010-05/index-eng
.php  

Commodity	Field Trials #	Region 1A	Region 5	Region 5A	Region 5B	Region
12

Asparagus	3	-	2	1

-

Celery	5	-	2	-	3	-

Rhubarb	2	1	-	-	-	1



	The location of each commodity in the proposed Stalk, Stem, Petiole
Crop Group is shown in Table 36.  The most common EPA Crop Productions
for this group are Regions 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 190, and 12.  Regions 3 and 13
represent Florida, Guam, and Hawaii.

Table 36.  EPA Crop Production Regions for the Proposed Stalk, Stem,
Petiole Crop Group.  [Representative Commodities (*) for the Crop Group.

Commodity**	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13

Agave

	X	X

X

X	X	X	X

X

Aloe vera

	X

	X

X

X

	X

Asparagus*	X	X

X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X

Bamboo shoots









X

	X

Burdock, edible, tops











	X

Cardoon









X	X	X

	Celery*

	X

X	X



X



	Celery, Chinese

X	X	X	X	X

X

X	X	X	X

Celtuce









X

	X

Florence Fennel

	X





	X



	Fern, edible	X









X	X

	Fuki









	X	X

	Kale, sea 









X

X

	Kohlrabi









X	X	X

	Palm hearts

X	X









X

Prickly pear, pads

X	X	X	X	X

X	X	X

	X

Rhubarb	X	X

X	X

	X	X





Udo











	X

Zuiki











	X

* Proposed Representative commodities are Asparagus and Celery.

** Commodities that are not representative commodities have field trial
regions generally based on the USDA Plants Database, 2006. 

CODEX CLASSIFICATION OF PROPOSED COMMODITIES AND EPA FOOD AND FEED
COMMODITY VOCABULARY:  See Table 37 Comparisons of Stalk, Stem, and Leaf
Petiole Group 22 and Codex (   ).  (Data prepared by Dr’s. Yuen-Shaung
NG, Dr. Bernard A. Schneider, US EPA and Bill Barney, USDA IR-4, 2007,
2011).

	Another important aspect of crop grouping is the harmonization effort
with the Codex Classification of Foods and Animal Feeds.  The proposed
EPA crop group for Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole is very similar to the
corresponding Codex Stalk and Stem Vegetables (Group 017).  The Codex
Group 017, Stalk and Stem Vegetables consist of ten commodities (Table
37).  The U.S. has seventeen proposed commodities and twelve are direct
matches.  There are six commodities proposed in the U.S. crop group not
yet in Codex (agave, Chinese celery, edible fern, fuki, udo, and zuiki. 
Codex has witloof chicory sprouts (VS 469) that is not being proposed
for the U.S. group since its cultural practices are much different than
other members of the group.  Witloof chicory is also called Belgium
endive.  A revision of the Codex Classification is underway with
consideration to include adding new commodities, creating subgroups, and
selecting representative commodities.  

We continue to note that the current Codex crop group does not have
representative commodities.  A revision of the Codex Classification is
underway with consideration to include adding new commodities, creating
subgroups, and selecting representative commodities.  The IR-4/EPA Crop
Grouping Working Group and the International Crop Grouping Consulting
Committee (ICGCC) are making every effort to cooperate with the Codex
revision effort.  The new Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Vegetable Crop
Group and the representative commodities proposed in this petition would
facilitate the harmonization of the U.S. and the Codex crop
classification systems.  In the next proposed revision to the Codex
Classification of Foods and Animal Feeds we would expect these changes
to be considered as part of the Codex Stalk and Stem Vegetables Group in
the harmonization effort that Bill Barney, USDA IR - 4 is coordinating
with the Codex delegation.  Therefore, this proposal will not only
increase harmonization with the Canadian and NAFTA crop grouping system,
but it is compatible with the international system of Codex.  The Food
Quality Protection Act of 1996 placed increased emphasis on using Codex
MRLs in setting tolerances for pesticides in the U.S. 

Table 37.  EPA/Codex Stalk, Stem, and Petiole Vegetable Crop Group
Comparison.  The Codex Group Name is “Stalk and Stem Vegetables (Group
017, Code Number VS 78).”  (Based on Ng and Schneider, 2011).

LETTER	CODEX COMMODITY NUMBER	CODEX COMMODITY NAME

 (* Proposed Commodity)	PROPOSED 

EPA PREFER COMMODITY NAME

-	-	-	AGAVE

VR	4547	GLOBE ARTICHOKE, SEE GROUP 017; ARTICHOKE GLOBE	NOT INCLUDED

-	-	-	ALOE VERA

VS	620	ARTICHOKE, GLOBE	NOT INCLUDED 

VS	621	ASPARAGUS	ASPARAGUS

VS	622	BAMBOO SHOOTS	BAMBOO SHOOTS

VS	623	CARDOON	CARDOON

VS	624	CELERY	CELERY

VS 4595

CELERY LEAVES (SEE GROUP 027 HERBS)	NONE CELERY INCLUDES LEAF AND STALKS

-	-	-	CELERY, CHINESE

VS	625	CELTUCE	CELTUCE

VA	380	FENNEL, BULB	FENNEL, FLORENCE, STALK

VA	4163	FENNEL, SWEET, SEE FENNEL, ROMAN	FENNEL, FLORENCE, STALK

-	-	-	FERN, EDIBLE

-	-	-	FUKI

FI	356	PRICKLY PEAR	PRICKLY PEAR, PADS

FI	4133	INDIAN FIG, SEE PRICKLY PEAR	PRICKLY PEAR, PADS

VB	405	KOHLRABI	KOHLRAB

VS	626	PALM HEARTS	PALM  HEARTS

VS	627	RHUBARB	RHUBARB

VL	499	SEA KALE	KALE, SEA

VS 	78	STALK AND STEM VEGETABLES	STALK, STEM, and LEAFY VEGETABLE GROUP

-	-	-	UDO

VS	469	WITLOOF CHICORY (SPROUTS)	NOT INCLUDED

-	-	-	ZUIKI



PREPARATION, FOOD FORMS, COOKING METHODS, SPECIFIC USES, MEDICINAL USES,
FRUIT YIELDS, AND MARKETING STANDARDS FOR PROPOSED MEMBERS OF THE STALK,
STEM, AND LEAF PETIOLE VEGETABLE GROUP: 

	The members of this proposed crop group have similar food preparations,
uses, and all are consumed fresh or consumed raw or cooked from frozen
in various recipes including salads, soups, stews, stir fried, steamed,
microwaved, roasted, baked, and boiled.  Food forms include raw, cooked,
boiled, blanched, steamed, and shredded.  Detailed preparation and
cooking methods and specific uses for the Stalk, stem, and leaf
vegetable crop group are listed in Table 37.  Agave can be used as
nectar or sugar syrup substitute or for making tequila.  Bamboo shoots
can be pickled or fermented.  Rhubarb is commonly used to make pies and
as a food thickener in pie ingredients.  There are also ornamental uses
for some of these crops such as agave. 

Table 38.  Preparation, Cooking Methods and Specific Uses for the Stalk,
Stem, and Leaf Petiole Vegetable Commodities:

Commodity	Preparation for Cooking and Specific Uses

Agave	The flower stalk may be cut, usually prior to full bloom, and
roasted and eaten as a vegetable.  The central stem with root attached
(known as the heart) is also roasted prior to eating.  A traditional
method is to remove the leaves, dig a pit around the plant, fill it with
coals, and slow-roast it for many hours before digging it up and eating
it.  The flowers may be boiled and are often served with eggs for
breakfast.  The sweet sap from the flower stalk may be fermented to
produce pulque, mezcal, or tequila (depending on the species of origin
and type of processing) or processed into agave nectar which is used as
a home and commercial sweetener.  The juice of some species, extracted
by cutting the bud in the center of the rosette to form a basin in which
the sap collects, may be consumed fresh and is known as aguamiel  Used
as a liquor, medicinal, fiber, food thickener, stem vegetable, root
vegetable, sweetener, soap making, housing, musical instruments,
ornamental, needles and pins for sewing

Asparagus	Asparagus should be used as soon as possible after being cut. 
The white variety must be peeled before use, as it develops a tough and
bitter skin during the blanching process.  Asparagus can be prepared in
nearly any manner and is often boiled, fried, made into soups and stews,
cooked and used in salads, roasted, microwaved, and stir-fried. 
Asparagus is also often canned.  It has a very short cooking time, and
long cooking should be avoided to prevent the breakdown of flavor and
texture.

Bamboo, shoots	Young shoots are usually cooked, although some species
can be eaten fresh.  Other species contain toxins and need to be cooked
with several changes of water before they are safe to eat.  It is
important to properly identify the species of bamboo before cooking is
attempted.  The shoots are used in stir-fries, soups, curries, and stews
as a vegetable.  They may also be pickled or fermented and used as a
condiment. The sap of the young stalks may be made into a wine or a soft
drink.  The pith of very young stalks may also be pickled.  The seeds
are pickled, candied, or used for making beer Vegetable, condiment,
liquor, beverage, tea, animal fodder, ornamental, barrier, building
material, cloth, paper, household utensils, flooring, furniture,
roofing, tools, shoes, rope, packing material, charcoal production,
musical instruments, containers, medicinal uses.

Burdock, edible, tops	The root is the primary part valued, but the young
stalks and leaves are also consumed, like asparagus and spinach.  The
peeled stem is also eaten.  Very young roots may be eaten raw, but older
roots are more often peeled and cooked.  May be steamed, boiled, or
fried and used as a typical root vegetable.  The root may also be cut
into strips and dried for later use.  The root is used to produce a
sweetener suitable for use by diabetics, and is used to make a popular
soft drink in the UK.  Roots have a mild flavor when young, which grows
stronger as the plant ages.  If the root has a bitter flavor, soaking
before use is recommended.  The young leaves may be eaten raw or cooked,
like spinach, and have a mucilaginous texture when cooked.  The young
stalks and branches are also eaten raw or cooked, preferably after
peeling.  The petioles are used as a substitute for cardoon, and the
flower stalks are peeled for the white pith inside, which is tender and
delicate, and usually steamed or boiled and served like asparagus.  The
seeds can be sprouted and eaten like bean sprouts or pressed to produce
an edible drying oil.

Cardoon	The thickened leaf petioles are eaten as a vegetable.  They are
usually tied up before harvest to blanch the inner stems and thus reduce
the bitterness, and they are nearly always eaten cooked.  The raw
petioles are very bitter, but are eaten in some places, particularly
after being marinated.  The flower buds may be eaten much like
artichokes.  Cardoon is much less popular today as a vefgetable but
remains a common vegetable in Spain and Italy, as well as some
cultivation in Asia and South America.  In addition to its use as a
vegetable, cardoon is a source of vegetable rennet used to make
vegetarian and vegan cheeses.  

Celery	As vegetable celery stalks are used whole or chopped for use in
dishes such as soups or stews. Celery seed is dried and used whole as a
spice vegetable, seasoning, or in salads.

Celery, Chinese	The stems may be dark green, yellow, or pale green to
white and are sometimes blanched by piling dirt around the base.  Mainly
grown for its strongly aromatic leaves and stalks which are cut like
parsley, the whole plant top is often chopped up for use.  Rarely if
ever eaten fresh, Chinese celery is an important Chinese and Vietnamese
vegetable that adds flavor to dishes such as soups and stir fries.  The
leaves themselves may be used as a culinary herb, and both the leaves
and stalks can be dried for later use Boiled or used as a potherb.  Both
Chinese celery and American celery are grown for their edible stalks and
leaves.  The leaves and stalks are cut, chopped and cooked in soups and
stews for flavoring. Leaves may be dried for use as an herb and use in
soups. The Chinese use more American celery for cooking, since it has a
milder taste and is tenderer.  The Chinese celery has a more aromatic
smell and stronger flavor than American celery.  Both are stir-fried or
use fresh in salads.   

Fennel, Florence	Young leaves particularly are used in salad mixes,
although the leaves are considered much less desirable than the stem due
to the milky sap that forms soon after it matures.  The flavor of
celtuce is said to be delicate and unique, and the texture is crisp and
tender.  The stem is edible raw, but is usually cooked or pickled before
eating.  The stem should be peeled before consumption. Before going to
market the lower leaves are usually removed leaving only the stem and a
plume of young leaves at the top.  The leaves and stem are separated and
the leaves may be used fresh or cooked.  The stem is usually peeled and
may be eaten raw, but is more frequently chopped up and cooked by
boiling or stir-frying.  However, the vast majority of the celtuce grown
in China is pickled and sold commercially Vegetable, salad ingredient,
pickling, and medicinal uses.  Most parts of the plant are used fresh;
eaten raw or cooked.

Fern, edible	Immature fronds, called crosiers, buckhorns or fiddleheads
are used in soups or boiled and served on toast.  They are also pickled.

Fuki	The main part of the plant consumed is the long petiole, which is
cooked much like rhubarb.  It can be boiled, pickled, or preserved in
miso.  After boiling it can be baked, or used in winter soups.  In
Japan, it is traditionally salted and soaked in water before cooking to
remove the “harshness”, or some of the bitter flavor.  The flower
buds may be eaten green with miso, or boiled in soy sauce Vegetable,
medicinal, ornamental, ground cover, as umbrellas for children.

Kale, sea	Young shoots may be used like asparagus, usually cooked but
sometimes used fresh in salads.  They are most often steamed and if not
overcooked they will retain a pleasant crispness.  The root is also
edible and can be roasted and eaten as a vegetable.  It is rich in
starch and sugar.  The flower buds and heads are also cooked and eaten
somewhat like broccoli, and are said to have a sweet flavor.  The mature
leaves can also be eaten, much like collards, although they can be tough
and somewhat bitter Stalk vegetable, like asparagus.  Salads; leaves
sometimes as potherb.  Edible flower heads like broccoli

Kohlrabi	Although the primary crop is actually the swollen, bulbous,
stem which grows above ground, it is prepared much like a root vegetable
and is sometimes referred as such.  The stems are typically peeled
before use, although this may not be necessary for very small ones.  It
may be sliced and used fresh as a snack or appetizer with dip or a
smear, grated and used in salads, either fresh or after being briefly
blanched to sweeten it.  It can be boiled, baked, fried, or steamed and
may be cooked quickly to retain its crispness or slow roasted to obtain
a softer texture.  It is used in vegetables dishes, soups, casseroles,
and stir-fries.  The leaves may also be eaten and can be prepared much
like kale or collards, but the tough petioles and mid-ribs should be
removed and the flavor is not as desirable as other leaf crops.  They
should be blanched before consumption and may be tough.  Very young
leaves from thinning of kohlrabi plantings may be used as salad greens.

Palm hearts	Heart of palm is typically eaten in salads.  The center core
or cabbage of the plant is edible and creamy white.  The edible part
consists of the base of the young developing fronds or tender leaves
from the meristem before they expand and green.  Also the young
unfolding leaves or fronds of Arenga (sugar palms) are used as a green
vegetable.  The fruit (drupe) of the saw-palmetto is edible, recently,
dried and used as a pharmaceutical extract.

Prickly, pear, pads (Cactus)	Most pulp is consumed fresh after chilling.
 Care must be taken to remove the spines and glochids (fine spines). 
Glochids are usually removed by mechanical brushing.  Pulp can be
removed by gripping the fruit on the two ends and cutting out the pulp,
which is the size of a golf ball.   Lime or lemon juice can add flavor
to fresh fruit.  Pulp can be dried or cooked and made into jelly, candy
and preserves; pulp is used in ice cream, milkshakes, fruit salads,
compotes, sorbets, puree, jams, marmalades, wines, and soft drinks. 
Pulp is also added to some Indian and Mexican savory dishes.  Flowers
are sometimes consumed raw.  Seeds are swallowed whole while eating the
fruit or consumed after drying, roasting, or grinding.  Immature young
stems (pads or nopales) are consumed as vegetables (cooked and used like
French beans) or pickles.  Spineless varieties can be entirely free of
the large visible spines, but still have glochids.  Opuntia engelmannii
var. lindheimeri fruit are consumed raw.  Fruit can be processed into
preserves, syrups, fermented juice, tuna cheese, and tea.

Rhubarb	Rhubarb stems are often peeled and/or de-stringed prior to use,
although whether this is done may depend on the individual stalk and the
preference of the cook.  Acidity varies greatly by individual plant. 
Care should be taken to remove all traces of the leaves before eaten. 
Rhubarb is almost always cooked before consumption (although sometimes
eaten fresh with sugar), usually boiled until soft (45 minutes to an
hour or more).  It is most often paired with fruit, particularly in
pies, jams, and preserves, due to its acidity.  However, it is also
cooked with meat, in soups, or as part of a savory tart or vegetable
dish.  Vegetable or almost like a fruit in sauces, jams, jellies, and
pies.

Udo	The blanched stalks are mild in flavor and considered a delicacy in
Japan, China, and in higher class restaurants.  Stalks are mild in
flavor and considered a delicacy in Japan, China, and in higher class
restaurants Prior to use; shoots are boiled in salt water, or are sliced
and held in cold water, to remove a turpentine-like resin.  They are
then eaten raw as a salad or cooked.  They are often cut up and added to
miso soup and other dishes.  The flavor may be slightly lemony.

Zuiki	The aroid petiole is sold whole (approximately 1 m long) or cut
into smaller sections with the leaf blade completely removed.  In
Vietnam, some of the leaf blade is left on the petiole. The young leaves
and petioles are cooked as a vegetable.   Zuiki (bạc hà) is a key
ingredient in making a Vietnamese soup called canh chua (sour soup). 
The epidermis of the petiole is peeled and then sliced in cross sections
and slightly blanched in soup to retain its crisp texture.  The petioles
may also be peeled and consumed raw in salads



The Stalk and stem and leaf petiole vegetables cooking ingredient
equivalents are listed in Table 39.  For example, one pound of asparagus
is equal to 16 to 20 spears.  One pound of celery stalks is equal to
four cups, and one pound of rhubarb stalks is equal to four to eight
stalks. 

Table 39.  Cooking Ingredient Equivalents for the Stalk, Stem, and Leaf
Petiole Vegetables.  (e-cookbooks, www.e-cookbooks.net/ingredeq.htm).

Commodity Ingredient	Amount 	Equivalent

Asparagus, fresh	1 lb	16 – 20 spears



3 cups trimmed



2 ½ cups cooked

Asparagus, frozen	10 oz	2 cups



equals 1 1/2

Asparagus, canned	14 ½ - 16 oz	12 – 18 spears

Celery	1 bunch	1 lb untrimmed 



2 cups sliced or diced

	2 -3 medium ribs	1 cup chopped or sliced

	1 lb stalks	4 cups chopped

	1 medium bunch	4 to 6 servings

Hearts of Palm, canned	14 oz	5 – 6 stalks

Kohlrabi	2 lb	4 medium bulbs



3 ½ cups cubed cooked

Rhubarb, fresh	1 lb	2 cups cooked



4 to 8 stalks



MEDICINAL USES OF PROPOSED STALK, STEM, AND LEAF PETIOLE VEGETABLE CROP
GROUP: 

	There are several medicinal uses of the Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole
Vegetables and these are discussed in Table 40.  Celery and Chinese
celery may be useful in reducing blood pressure.  Several are useful in
treating stomach ailments. 

Table 40.  Medicinal Uses for the Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole
Vegetable Commodities:

Commodity	Medicinal Uses

Agave	Many traditional medicinal uses in Central and South America such
as Agave extracts are used for their anti-colic, anti-inflammatory and
anti-spasmodic   HYPERLINK
"http://www.ehow.com/facts_5593151_medicinal-uses-agave-plant.html" 
properties .

Aloe vera	Stomach aliments.

Asparagus	Various folk remedies; a diuretic and laxative.

Bamboo, shoots	Chinese medicine has long used bamboo to treat
infections. Other Eastern medicinal systems, like Indian traditional
medicine, use bamboo to concoct a tonic that helps alleviate symptoms of
respiratory diseases. Bamboo is also used to treat fevers, resolve
phlegm, and relieve lung inflammation.

Burdock, edible, tops	Much used as a medicinal plant, particularly in
traditional Chinese medicine and as a home remedy in parts of Europe,
mainly as a general detoxifier and diuretic.

Cardoon	Used in herbal medicine for liver and for gall bladder ailments.

Celery	Celery contains vitamin C and several other active compounds that
promote health, including phthalides, which may help lower cholesterol,
blood pressure.

Celery, Chinese	Helps regulate blood pressure.

Celtuce	In Chinese herbal medicine used for stimulating hair growth,
improving milk quality for nursing mothers, and in the treatment of
kidney disease

Fennel, Florence	Home remedy for digestive ailments.

Fuki	Various folk remedies; the juice is used as a remedy for snakebite
in China.

Kohlrabi	Leaf is considered a digestive and tonic.

Prickly, pear, pads (Cactus)	Pads, flowers and fruit are used for
medicinal purposes.  Plants are used to treat kidney ailments, burns and
diabetes; diuretic, analgesic, cardiotonic, laxative, and antiparasitic
properties.  Juice is used to treat nausea, fever, and ulcers.  Roasted
fruit is used to cure coughs.  The rind is used to cure kidney diseases.
 Flowers and stems are antispasmodic, diuretic and emollient.  Flowers
are astringent and used to reduce bleeding and treat stomach problems. 
Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri fruit is made into tea that is used
to cure gallstones.  Tender young cladodes (joints) are used as
poultices to reduce swelling.

Rhubarb	Used in many traditional remedies, particularly as a laxative
and astringent.

Udo	Used like ginseng in traditional Chinese medicine.

Zuiki	Laxative and antioxidant.



USDA MARKETING STANDARDS FOR THE PROPOSED STALK, STEM, AND LEAF PETIOLE
VEGETABLE CROP GROUP (USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, AMS, 1944,
1946, 1956, 1959, 1964, 1968, 2001, 2008, 2010):

	The USDA AMS (USDA AMS 1944, 1946, 1956, 1959,  1964, 1968, 2001, 2008,
and 2010 has established standards for marketing many of the Stalk,
stem, and leaf petiole vegetable commodities and each will be discussed
below.  These marketing standards grades are an outgrowth of the widely
accepted principle that price should be directly proportional to
quality.  The grower who delivers high quality vegetable will receive a
premium price because such vegetables enable the processor to pack a
better quality product.  

Globe artichoke (USDA, AMS, 2006) U.S. No. 1 grade must meet the
following requirements: properly trimmed; fairly well formed; not
overdeveloped; fairly compact, free from decay, and fairly uniform in
size.  ''U.S. No. 1 Long Stem'' consists of artichokes which meet the
requirements of the U.S. No. 1 grade except that the stems must be
smoothly cut to a minimum length of at least 8 inches.

Fresh asparagus (USDA, AMS, 2006)  ''U.S. No. 1'' consists of stalks of
asparagus which are fresh, well trimmed, and fairly straight; which are
free from decay and free from damage caused by spreading or broken tips,
dirt, disease, insects, or other means.  The diameter of each stalk is
not less than one-half inch.  Two-thirds of the stalk length shall be
the color of the lot.  Defects include 10 % for stalks in any lot which
fail to meet the requirements of this grade other than for trimming,
including therein not more than 5 percent for defects causing serious
damage.  ''U.S. No. 2'' consists of stalks of asparagus which are fresh,
fairly well trimmed, and not badly misshapen; which are free from decay
and free from serious damage caused by spreading or broken tips, dirt,
disease, insects or other means, ands the diameter of each stalk is not
less than five-sixteenths inch.  The diameters for each lot are
described:

Very Small....................................... Less than 5/16 inch.

Small................................................ 5/16 inches to
less than 8/16 inch.

Medium............................................ 8/16 inches to less
than 11/16 inch.

Large................................................ 11/16 inch to less
than 14/16 inch.

Very Large....................................... 14/16 inch and up.

 California has different stalk diameters such as small is 3/16 inches
and larger and large is 7/16 inches and larger.  

Green asparagus (USDA, AMS, 1972) for processing "U.S. No. 1" consists
of spears of asparagus which meet the following requirements: fresh;
and, well formed; free from decay; and, broken tips, knife cuts, hail
and freezing damage, dirt, insects, and diseases.  Size of each spear
should be not less than one-fourth inch diameter, and for length not
more than 7-1/2 inches, and color the spear shall have green color
extending at least 4 ½ inches below the tip.  The diameter of the
spears are considered small if one-fourth inch to less than
three-eighths inch in diameter, medium three-eighths inch to less than
five-eighths inch in diameter, and large five-eighths inch or larger in
diameter with the diameter the greatest thickness of the spear measured
at a point 5 inches from the tip, except that spears which are less than
5 inches in length shall be measured at the base of the spear. 

Celery fresh market standards (USDA, AMS, 1959) "U.S. Extra No. 1"
consists of stalks of celery of similar varietal characteristics which
are well developed, well formed, clean, well trimmed, compact, and which
are free from blackheart, brown stem, soft rot, doubles and free from
damage caused by freezing, growth cracks, horizontal cracks, pithy
branches, seed stems, suckers, wilting, blight, other disease, insects
or mechanical or other means.  Stalks shall be green unless specified as
fairly well blanched, or mixed blanch.  The average midrib length of the
outer whorl of branches shall be not less than 7 inches.  The number of
stalks of celery in the container may be specified by numerical count or
in terms of dozens or half-dozen.  Variations from the number specified
shall be permitted as follows: provided, that the average for the lot is
not less than the number specified:  with variations permitted in the
specified number per in individual package: 

Packages of 

24 stalks or less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 stalk variation.

25 to 50 stalks, inclusive . . . . . . . . 3 stalk variation.

51 to 70 stalks, inclusive . . . . . . . . 4 stalk variation.

More than 70 stalks . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 stalk variation.

In Michigan standards are that stalks must be fairly well developed and
well formed, good heart formation, uniform green color, fresh and crisp,
well trimmed, compact, and clean.  The average midrib length of the
outer petioles must be at least 8 inches between the butt and the first
node, and the stalks must be no more than1.5 inches shorter than the
width of the container (the direction the celery lies from butt to tip).
Container width must be given in whole, even numbers, such as 14 or 16
inches.  Full size boxes must average 65 lb gross weight and 58 lb net
weight when packed.  The stalks must be free from blackheart, brown
stem, soft rot, pink rot, and other diseases.  There can be no damage
from freezing, growth cracks, horizontal cracks, pith, seed stems, or
suckers. 

	The U.S. standards for field grown rhubarb (USDA, AMS, 1966) "U.S.
Fancy" consists of stalks of rhubarb of similar varietal characteristics
which are very well colored, fresh, tender, straight, clean, well
trimmed and not pithy; which are free from decay, and free from damage
caused by scars, freezing, disease, insects, or mechanical or other
means.  The diameter of each stalk is not less than 1 inch, and the
length not less than 10 inches.  Very well colored stalks means that a
pink or red color predominates on three-fourths or more of the length of
the stalk.

AVAILABILITY AND STORAGE LIFE OF THE BRASSICA HEAD AND STEM VEGETABLE S
AS PROPOSED CROP GROUP MEMBERS IN THE MARKETPLACE: 

	Most of the Stalk, stem, and leaf petiole vegetables have major markets
and are widely available during the year.  Asparagus is available
throughout the year from Peru and from California February through June
(Table 41).  Washington production is April through June.  Mexico also
has asparagus available most of the year.  Common in the U.S., Europe,
Asia, parts of N. Africa, and New Zealand.  The green variety is most
common in the U.S., although purple varieties are available.  White
asparagus is a favorite in Europe (blanched by covering with soil, mulch
or use of polytunnels).

Table 41.  Availability of Asparagus in the U.S. Marketplace (A =
Available, P = Peak) Packer, 2010). 

Location 	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

California

A	P	P	P	A







Washington



A	A	A







Chile









A	A

	Mexico	P	P	P	A

	A	A	A	A	A	A

Peru	A	A	A	A	A	A	A	A	P	P	A	A



	Celery is also available in the marketplace year around from California
(Table 42).  Florida produces celery January through June, followed by
Michigan June through August.  Celery is also popular in Europe. 

Table 42.  Availability of Celery in the U.S. Marketplace (A =
Available, P = Peak) Packer, 2010). 

Location 	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

California	A	A	A	A	A	A	A	A	A	A	A	A

Florida	A	A	A	A	A	A







Michigan





A	A	A	A	A



Texas	A	A	A	A











	Availability of other stalk, stem, and leaf vegetable commodities are
for agave products, such as tequila and nectar, are nearly ubiquitous
around the world.  Agave stems, stalks, roots, or flowers are mainly
consumed on a local level or found in local markets where they are grown
or harvested from the wild.

	Bamboo shoots are bought canned throughout much of the world.  Fresh is
usually limited to areas near where it is cultivated or in Asian
specialty markets in the U.S. 

The edible tops of burdock are available in parts of Europe,
particularly Italy, or gathered from the wild anywhere.  Roots are
common in Asian markets in the U.S. and abroad; quite common in Japan
and Korea.  

Cardoon is hard to find in U.S. markets, but can be found in ethnic
markets and gourmet stores.  It is more common in Europe, Japan, and
Brazil. 

	Chinese celery is available in Asian markets in the U.S., and also
found in Europe, though mostly replaced by parsley as an herb and stalk
celery as a vegetable.  It is very common in Asia, particularly China
and Vietnam.

	Celtuce is also mostly found in Asian specialty markets in the U.S. and
Europe, although very common in China. 

Florence fennel is commonly found in the U.S. and Europe as a vegetable.

Fuki: is mainly found in local markets in China and Japan.

Sea kale in the U.S. mainly found in home gardens, and it is slightly
more common in Europe where there is commercial growth and trade. 

Kohlrabi is readily available in most large supermarkets or produce
markets in the U.S. 

	Large quantities of heart-of-palm are exported to Europe and the United
States each year, and available as canned products. 

Prickly, pear, pads have their fruit and young stems are sold in
informal street markets by street vendors in South America and in major
markets throughout the world including Europe.  The most important
markets in Mexico are near Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. 
Fruit from many species of Opuntia are sold in informal markets in
Mexico, Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America and Southern
Europe. 

Rhubarb is widely available in U.S. markets. 

	At present udo is available only in ethnic or gourmet markets in the
U.S. 

Zuiki: is commonly available in markets in Hawaii and Asian markets in
the United States. 

STORAGE LIFE OF THE STALK, STEM, AND LEAF PETIOLE VEGETABLES:

	The approximate storage life of the Stalk, stem, and leaf petiole
vegetables is listed in Table 43.  Most of these vegetables have limited
storage life with a range from 14 to 21 days for artichokes and kohlrabi
and 10 – 21 days for asparagus.  Celery has a long storage life of 1
– 2 months. 

Table 43. Approximate Storage Life of Stalk, Stem, and Petioles Leafy
Vegetables.  (Adapted Hardenburg, et al., 1986, Gast, 1991, University
of California Postharvest Technology, 2010,
http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu/pfvegetable). 

Vegetable	Typical Storage/Shelf Life

Artichoke, globe	14 – 21 days

Asparagus	10 - 21 days

Cactus	14 – 35 days

Celery	  1 – 2 months

Kohlrabi	14 – 21 days



Asparagus is a highly perishable crop, some method of cooling after
harvest is necessary.  Precooling to remove field heat prior to shipment
is commonly practiced via hydrocooling. Hydrocooling is accomplished by
flooding, spraying, or immersing vegetables in chilled water.  Following
hydrocooling, asparagus should be kept refrigerated.  According to the
USDA, fresh asparagus is highly perishable and deteriorates rapidly
above 41° F.  Thus, the spears should be cooled immediately after
cutting, preferably by hydrocooling, and placed at a low temperature. In
addition to general deterioration, growth, loss of tenderness, loss of
flavor, loss of vitamin C, and development of decay take place at
moderately high temperatures.  Asparagus can be kept successfully for
about 3 weeks at 35° F. It can be held for about 10 days at 32° F.,
but is subject to chilling injury when held longer at this temperature. 

Celery after leaving the field, the packed celery is taken to a cooling
facility, where it is cooled either by forced air or hydrocooling and
then packed onto refrigerated trucks and transported to the market. 
Trimmings and outer petioles are often used for processing, in soups,
juices and convenience dinners.  When the large outer stalks are
stripped to sell the remainder as celery hearts, the outer stalks are
processed.  Celery for processing is shipped in bulk to the processing
plant.  At the distribution center, if cooled to 32 °F and 95 %
relative humidity, celery can be stored from 2 to 4 weeks.  Celery
absorbs odors from other commodities and is not stored in close
proximity to other crops.  Any celery sold for processing is washed and
cut up before leaving for the processor. Fresh celery is primarily sold
to retailer-wholesalers, terminal market brokers, wholesale handlers and
the military. 

Store kohlrabi at 32 F and 98 to 100 % relative humidity.  Topped
kohlrabi should keep for 2 to 3 months if stored under the recommended
conditions.  Some space between containers for air circulation is
desirable, and a high relative humidity is recommended to prevent
shriveling and toughening of texture.  Packaging in perforated film can
be used to reduce moisture loss.  Kohlrabi with leaves has a storage
life of only 2 weeks at 32 F.  Storage should be at or near 32 F to
prevent the development of diseases. Major storage diseases are
bacterial soft rot and black rot. 

	Rhubarb should be stored at 32 F and 95 to 100% relative humidity. 
Fresh rhubarb stalks in good condition can be stored 2 to 4 weeks at 32
F and high relative humidity.  Rhubarb can be hydro-cooled or
air-cooled, and the temperature of the stalks should reach 32 or 33 F
within 1 day of harvest.  The topped bunches or loose stalks should be
packed in crates, and the crates should be stacked to allow ample air
circulation; otherwise, there is danger of heating and mold growth. 
Fresh rhubarb that is cut into 1-inch pieces and packaged in 1 lb
perforated polyethylene bags can be stored 2 to 3 weeks at 32 F with
high relative humidity. 

CHANGES TO EPA DATABASES NEEDED FROM ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW CROP GROUP:
STALK, STEM, AND LEAF PETIOLE GROUP 22: 

The establishment of a new Stalk, stem, and leaf petiole vegetable crop
group 22 will affect the need to update many Risk Assessment Models,
Residue Chemistry Guidelines, OPP databases, and/or HED Standard
Operating Procedures (SOP).

The affected EPA databases may include the following:

(1) Risk Assessment Models - The terminology in the Food Exposure
Modules of our current Risk assessment Models from DEEM-FCID, LIFELINE,
and CARES will need to be updated to reflect new terminology and the new
Crop Group terminology.

	(2) EPA Residue Chemistry Test Guidelines (OPPTS 860.1000, Background),
Table 1 Raw Agricultural and Processed Commodities and Feedstuffs
Derived from Crops and EPA Residue Chemistry Test Guidelines (OPPTS
860.1000, Background), EPA Residue Chemistry Test Guidelines (OPPTS
860.1500, Crop Field Trials), Table 5 Suggested Distribution of Field
Trials by Region for Crops Requiring > 3 trials and Table 6 Regional
Distribution of Crop Production. 

	Any differences between the EPA and NAFTA Crop Production Regions after
the NAFTA Regions are updated will be addressed by the ICCGR Workgroup
or by the EPA HED ChemSAC with attendance by Canada, PMRA and Mexico. 
The EPA Residue Chemistry Test Guidelines (OPPTS 860.1500, Crop Field
Trials) Table 5 Suggested Distribution of Field Trials by Region for
Crops Requiring > 3 trials and Table 6 Regional Distribution of Crop
Production will be updated to reflect more recent crop production
information.   There is currently no conflict with Canada.  

	(3) Health Effects Division Standard Operating Procedures:  HED SOP
99.3 -  SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1 – “Translation of Monitoring Data”
issued March 26, 1999.  This policy provides guidance on translating
pesticide-monitoring data from one commodity to other similar
commodities.  Most of the monitoring data is from the USDA Pesticide
Data Program (PDP) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  The
policy is based on the crop groupings in the 40 CFR 180.41. 

	In the current SOP there are no entries for any of the proposed members
of the Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Vegetable Group.  

	(4) HED SOP 99.6 -   SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1  “Classification of Food
Forms with Respect to Level of Blending” issued August 20, 1999.  This
SOP provides rationale and guidance to HED on revised criteria for
inputting residue values and pesticide usage information into acute
dietary exposure and risk assessments based on commodities.  These
revisions permit the Agency to fully utilize data generated by the USDA
Pesticide Data Program. 

	Some of the proposed members of the Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole
Vegetable Group,  Leafy Vegetable except Brassica crop group 4 and the
Brassica leafy vegetable crop group 5 HED SOP 99.6.  See Table 44 below.
 

Many members of the proposed stalk, stem, and leaf petiole vegetable
group are considered non-blended commodities since they can be eaten as
a vegetable.  Canned and frozen stalk and stem commodities are partially
blended since they are mixed for canning or freezing.  They are uncooked
be uncooked, and cooked baked, boiled, or frozen and canned. 

TABLE 44. Classification of Food Forms with Respect to Level of Blending
for the Proposed Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Vegetable Group 22. (HED
SOP 99.6, April 20, 1999). 

COMMODITY	CROP GROUP 	FOOD FORM	CLASSIFICATION (B – Blended; NB –
Not blended; PB – Partially blended)

	O	14 - Boiled	PB 

Asparagus	O	11 - Uncooked	NB

Asparagus	O	14 - Boiled	NB

Asparagus	O	32 – Canned: Cooked	PB 

Asparagus	O	42 – Frozen: Cooked	PB 

Bamboo shoots	O	11 - Uncooked	PB

Bamboo shoots	O	12 – Cooked: NFS	PB

Bamboo shoots	O	14 - Boiled	PB

Cactus pads (nopal)	O	Cactus pads (nopal)	NB

Celery	4	12 – Cooked: NFS	NB

Celery	4	13 - Baked	NB

Celery	4	14 - Boiled	NB

Celery	4	15 - Fried	NB

Celery	4	31 – Canned: NFS	PB

Celery	4	32 – Canned: Cooked	PB

Celery	4	34 – Canned: Boiled	PB

Celery	4	42 – Frozen: Cooked	PB

Celery juice	4	31 – Canned: NFS	PB

Kohlrabi	5	14 - Boiled	NB

Palm hearts	O	14 - Boiled	PB

Rhubarb	4	12 – Cooked: NFS	NB

Rhubarb	4	13 - Baked	NB

Rhubarb	4	43 - Frozen	PB



(5) HED SOP 2000.1 – “  SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1 Guidance for Translation
of Field Trial Data from Representative Commodities in the Crop Group
Regulation to Other Commodities in Each Crop Group/Subgroup” issued
September 12, 2000. 

There is no guidance in the SOP for the proposed Stalk, Stem, and Leaf
Petiole Vegetable group and its proposed subgroups.  The proposed Stalk,
Stem, and Leaf Petiole Vegetable commodities will be listed below
followed by a listing of the proposed representative commodities below: 

Proposed Crop Group 22:  Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Vegetable

Representative Commodities:  Asparagus and celery.

CROP GROUP COMMODITY	REPRESENTATIVE COMMODITY

Agave	Asparagus

Aloe vera	Asparagus

Asparagus	Asparagus

Bamboo shoots	Asparagus

Cardoon	Celery

Celery	Celery

Celery, Chinese	Celery

Celtuce	Asparagus

Fennel, Florence	Asparagus

Fern, edible	Asparagus

Fuki	Celery

Kale, sea	Asparagus

Kohlrabi	Asparagus

Palm heart	Asparagus

Prickly pear, pads	Asparagus

Rhubarb	Celery

Udo	Celery

Zuiki	Celery



	The proposed new translations of field trials from the representative
commodities to other commodities in the Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole
Vegetable Crop Subgroups would be as follows: 

	Stalk, Stem and Leaf Petiole Proposed New Crop Subgroup 22A: Stalk and
Stem Subgroup.

	Representative Commodity:  Asparagus

CROP SUBGROUP COMMODITY	REPRESENTATIVE COMMODITY

Agave	Asparagus

Aloe vera	Asparagus

Asparagus	Asparagus

Bamboo shoots	Asparagus

Celtuce	Asparagus

Fennel, Florence	Asparagus

Fern, edible	Asparagus

Kale, sea	Asparagus

Kohlrabi	Asparagus

Palm heart	Asparagus

Prickly pear, pads	Asparagus



	Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Crop Subgroup Proposed New Crop Subgroup
22B: Leaf Petiole Subgroup.

	Representative Commodity:  Celery

CROP SUBGROUP COMMODITY	REPRESENTATIVE COMMODITY

Cardoon	Celery

Celery	Celery

Celery, Chinese	Celery

Fuki	Celery

Rhubarb	Celery

Udo	Celery

Zuiki	Celery



______________________________________________________________________

(6) HED Dry Matter Database will be updated to add the Table below:

Table45.  Health Effects Division Dry Matter and Seeding Rate Database. 


Stalk, Stem, and Petiole Vegetable Crop Group.  Prepared by Dr’s NG
and B. A. Schneider.  2006, 2011.

Commodity	% Dry Matter

Agave, nectar	76.3, 78.5

Agave, peduncle	12.8, 17.2

Artichoke, globe	16.0

Asparagus	7.0 %, 8.0, 8.3

Bamboo shoots	9.0

Cactus	8.9

Cactus, prickly pear	12.0, 17.0, 19.0

Celery	5.0, 5.2, 5.9

Celtuce	5.5

Fennel, Florence	9.8, 12.0

Fern, edible	11.4

Kohlrabi	8.3, 9.0, 9.7

Palm, hearts, leaves	30.5

Rhubarb	6.0

Udo	-

Zuiki	-



COMMODITY DEFINITIONS [(40 CFR § 180.1(g)]:

	At present, celery is the only one current established commodity
definitions that impact the proposed stalk, stem, and leaf petiole
vegetables.  Commmodity definitions fro edible ferns and palm heart are
being proposed.  The definitions are listed below:

Tolerances and exemptions established for pesticide chemicals in or on
the general category of raw agricultural commodities listed in column A
apply to the corresponding specific raw agricultural commodities listed
in column B. However, a tolerance or exemption for a specific commodity
in column B does not apply to the general category in column A.



(A) General Category	(B) Specific Commodities

Celery	Celery, Florence fennel (sweet anise, sweet fennel, finochio)
(fresh leaves and stalks only). 



ChemSAC (Reviewer(s Guide and Summary of HED ChemSAC Approvals for
Amending Commodity Definitions [40 CFR (180.1(h)] and Crop
Group/Subgroups [40 CFR (180.41], Schneider, B., June 14, 2002) had
approved a revision to add Chinese celery to the commodity definition
for celery as follows: 

“

(A) General Category	(B) Specific Commodities

Celery	Celery, Florence fennel (sweet anise, sweet fennel, finochio)
(fresh leaves and stalks only), Chinese celery. 

“

	With the proposed establishment of a new crop group for Stalk, stem,
and leaf petiole vegetables, the need for a celery commodity definition
to cover Chinese celery is negated since the proposed Leaf Petiole
Vegetable subgroup 22C has celery as the representative commodity that
covers Chinese celery.  Also Florence fennel, fresh leaves and stalks
has been shown in this petition to fit closer to the Stem and Stalk
subgroup 22A with asparagus as the representative commodity.  Celery is
the proposed representative commodity for crop subgroup 22B Leaf
petiole.  Therefore, we recommend deleting the commodity definition for
celery as part of the establishment of the Stalk, stem and leaf petiole
vegetable crop group. 

However, to avoid confusion from current celery tolerances, we have no
objection to not deleting this commodity definition. 

	A new commodity definition for edible ferns is recommended so that the
various types of edible ferns can be easily distinguishable and defined.
 The edible commodity fern definition is as follows:

“

(A) General Category	(B) Specific Commodities

Fern, edible	Fern, edible; Fiddlehead including:  Black lady fern,
Deparia japonica (Thunb.) M. Kato; Bracken fern, Pteridium aquilinum
(L.) Kuhn; Broad buckler fern, Dryopteris dilatata (Hoffm.) A. Gray;
Cinnamon fern, Osmundastrum cinnamomeum (L.) C. Presl; Lady fern,
Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth ex Mert.; Leather fern, Acrostichum
aureum L.; Mother fern, Diplazium proliferum (Lam.) Thouars; Ostrich
fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Tod.; Vegetable fern, Diplazium
esculentum (Retz.) Sw.; Zenmai fern, Osmuda japonica Thunb.  

“

A new commodity definition for palm heart is also recommended so that
the various palm heart varieties can be easily distinguishable and
defined.  The palm heart commodity definition is as follows:

“

(A) General Category	(B) Specific Commodities

Palm hearts	Palm hearts, various species including:  Peach Palm, Bactris
gasipaes Kunth; Palmyra palm, Borassus flabellifera L.; African fan
palm, Borassus aethiopum Mart.; Coconut, Cocos nucifera L.; Cabbage
palm, Euterpe oleracea Mart.; Wine palm, Raphia spp.; Royal palm,
Roystonea oleracea (Jacq.) O.F. Cook; Salak palm, Salacca zalacca
(Gaertn.) Voss; Saw palmetto, Serenoa repens (W. Bartram) Small; Cabbage
palmetto, Sabal palmetto (Walter) Schult. & Schult. f.

“

TOLERANCE EXPRESSION GUIDANCE:

	Until the Federal Register Notice is issued revising the Crop Group
Regulation to establish a new crop group 22 for Stalk, Stem, and Leaf
Petiole Vegetables, with two new crop subgroups the commodities approved
for the crop group will have to be listed as separate commodities at the
same tolerance level as the representative commodity for the group. 
This also applied to the new Crop subgroups, the individual commodities
will have to be listed separately with each at the same tolerance level.
 When ChemSAC approves the Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Vegetable Group
22, the Risk Integration, Minor Use, and Emergency Response Branch
(RIMUERB) of the Registration Division can immediately implement the
amended Crop Group with new tolerance expressions located in the Section
F submissions.  The following tolerance expression examples will provide
an expedited way to establish tolerances in or on Stalk, stem, and leaf
petiole crop group, especially for new reduced risk pesticides, without
requiring additional residue data for all the crops noted.  This will
create a practice in the United States, which is already formalized in
Canada, and promote international harmonization.  Several tolerance
expression examples for guidance purposes for use by RIMUERB and HED
reviewers will be listed below: 

Example 1.  What is the tolerance expression for the new Stalk, Stem,
and Leaf Petiole Vegetable Group 22?

Answer to Example 1:

The tolerance expression for the new Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole
Vegetable Group 22 will be “Vegetable, Stalk, Stem and Leaf Petiole,
group 22.”

Example 2.  How will the Crop group and subgroups appear in the Federal
Register for the proposed crop group regulation [40CFR 180.41(c)]?  This
example is for the Field and External Affairs Division (FEAD) and
Registration Division (RD) use in preparing the new Federal Register
Regulation.  The example follows the same format as the current Crop
Grouping Regulation Federal Register Notice (FR 60, No.95, 5/17/95,
26626-26643

Answer to Example 2:

§ 180.41 Crop group tables.

*	*	*	*	*

	(c)        *	*	*

	(22)  Crop Group 22:  Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Group.

	(i) Representative commodities.  Asparagus and Celery.

	(ii) Commodities.  The following Table 1 is a list of all commodities
included in Crop Group 22.

Table 1 – Crop Group 22: STALK, STEM, AND LEAF PETIOLE GROUP

“Crop Group 22: Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Crop Group”.

Representative commodities.  Asparagus and Celery

Table.  The following Table 1 lists all the commodities listed in Crop
Group 22 and identifies the related crop subgroups and includes
cultivars, varieties and/or hybrids of these commodities.

“HED Proposed Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole Vegetable Crop Group
22”.

Commodities	Related crop subgroups

Agave, Agave spp.	22A

Aloe vera, Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.	22A

Asparagus, Asparagus officinalis L.	22A

Bamboo shoots, Arundinaria spp.; Bambusa spp, Chimonobambusa spp.;
Dendrocalamus spp., Gigantochloa spp., Nastus elatus; Phyllostachys
spp.; Thyrsostachys siamensis; Thyrsostachys oliverii	22A

Cactus, (Prickly pear) Opuntia spp.	22A

Cardoon, Cynara cardunculus L. 	22B

Celery, Apium graveolens var. dulce (Mill.) Pers.	22B

Celery, Chinese, Apium graveolens L. var. secalinum (Alef.) Mansf.	22B

Celtuce, Lactuca sativa var. angustana L.H. Bailey	22A

Fern, edible, Fiddlehead	22A

Fennel, Florence, fresh leaves and stalk, Foeniculum vulgare Mill.
subsp. vulgare var. azoricum (Mill.) Thell. 	22A

Fuki, Petasites japonicus (Siebold & Zucc.) Maxim.	22B

Kale, sea, Crambe maritima L.	22A

Kohlrabi, Brassica oleracea L.var gongylodes L.	22A

Palm hearts, various species	22A

Prickly pear,  Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.	22A

Prickly pear, Texas,  Opuntia engelmannii Salm-Dyck ex Engelm. var.
lindheimeri (Engelm.) B. D. Parfitt & Pinkava	22A

Rhubarb, Rheum x hybridum Murray	22B

Udo, Aralia cordata Thunb.	22B

Zuiki, Colocasia gigantea (Blume) Hook.	22B

Cultivars, varieties, and hybrids of these commodities 

	

Table.2. The following Table 2 identifies the crop subgroups for Crop
Group 22, specifies the representative commodities for each subgroup and
lists all the commodities included in each subgroup.

TABLE 2 -Crop Group 22: Subgroup Listing

Representative commodities	Commodities

Subgroup 22A:  Stalk and stem subgroup.

Asparagus.	Agave, Aloe vera; Asparagus; Bamboo shoots, Cactus, Celtuce,
Fennel, Florence, f fresh leaves and stalk, Kale, sea, Kohlrabi, Palm,
hearts, Prickly pear, pads; Prickly pear, Texas, pads, cultivars,
varieties, and/or hybrids of these commodities

Subgroup 22B:  Leaf petiole subgroup.

Celery.	Cardoon, Celery, Chinese celery, Fuki, Rhubarb, Udo, Zuiki,
cultivars, varieties, and/or hybrids of these commodities.



Example 3:  How will I express the tolerances on an interim basis until
the Federal Register Notice is final for the Tropical and subtropical
fruit group – edible peel 22-11 or 22–12 depending when the FR
Notice is published, for example at a tolerance level of 1.5 ppm?  This
example will be useful for the Registration Division (RD) and Health
Effects Division (HED) to prepare tolerance tables.  All the new
proposed commodities will have to be listed separately from the crop
group tolerance and at the same level as the crop group. 

Example 4:  How will I express the tolerances on an interim basis until
the Federal Register Notice is final for the Stalk and Stem Leaf
Vegetable Subgroup 22A for example at a tolerance level of 1.5 ppm? 
This example will be useful for the Registration Division (RD) and
Health Effects Division (HED) to prepare tolerance tables. 

Answer to Example 4 for the Stalk and Stem Leaf Vegetable Subgroup 22A:

Commodity	Parts per million (ppm)

Agave	1.5

Aloe vers	1.5

Asparagus	1.5

Bamboo shoots	1.5

Cactus	1.5

Fennel, Florence, fresh leaves and stalk	1.5

Fern, edible	1.5

Kale, sea	1,5

Kohlrabi	1.5

Palm hearts	1.5



Example 5:  How will I express the tolerances on an interim basis until
the Federal Register Notice is final for the Leaf Petiole subgroup 22B
for example at a tolerance level of 1.5 ppm?  This example will be
useful for the Registration Division (RD) and Health Effects Division
(HED) to prepare tolerance tables.

Answer to Example 5 for the Leaf Petiole subgroup 22B:

Commodity	Parts per million (ppm)

Burdock, edible, tops	1.5

Cardoon	1.5

Celery	1.5

Chinese celery	1.5

Fuki

	Rhubarb	1.5

Udo	1.5

Zuiki	1.5



EPA FOOD AND FEED COMMODITY VOCABULARY FOR THE STALK, STEM, AND LEAF
PETIOLE VEGETABLE CROP GROUP:

	The following terms for the stalk, stem, and leaf petiole commodities
will be incorporated to the EPA Food and Feed Commodity Database ( 
HYPERLINK "http://www.epa.govopp/foodfeed" 
http://www.epa.govopp/foodfeed ).  The Table 46 below is identical to
the current Food and Feed Commodity Vocabulary format.  A search of the
lookup terms will link to the EPA preferred tolerance/commodity term,
and the Base crop/animal term is the specific crop animal terms
associated with the preferred term.  Until the Federal Register Notice
for the Crop Group is final, the Crop Group designation on each term
will be listed as no crop group and given the crop group 99 for the
present.  

Table 46.  EPA FOOD AND FEED COMMODITY VOCABULARY

Bạc hà; khuun; talas padang; dc mùng	Zuiki	Zuiki



REFERENCES FOR THE PROPOSED STALK, STEM, AND LEAF PETIOLE VEGETABLE CROP
GROUP: 

ADAMS:  Adams, C.F. 1975. Nutritive Value of American Foods in Common
Units.  USDA ARS Agricultural Handbook No. 456.

AGGIE-HORT: Texas A&M, Department of Horticultural Sciences, AgriLife
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http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu 

AGROFORESTRY:  World Agroforestry Tree Database

 HYPERLINK "http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/af1/index.php"
http://www.worldagroforestrycentre.org/af1/index.php 

AGROHAITAI: Agrohaitai, Ltd., Oriental Vegetable Seeds   HYPERLINK
"http://www.agrohaitai.com"  http://www.agrohaitai.com 

AHMED: Ahmed, A. and K. Johnson. 2000. Horticultural Development of
Australian Native Edible Plants. Australian J. Botany 48: 417-426.

ALDERLEAF WILDERNESS COLLEGE: Alderleaf Wilderness College: Center for
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"http://www.wildernesscollege.com/"  http://www.wildernesscollege.com 

ALLEN 2007. Allen, G. 2007. The Herbalist in the Kitchen. 483 pp.
University of Illinois Press.  

ALUKA:  Aluka:  A digital library of scholarly resources from and about
Africa.   HYPERLINK
"file:///\\\\ir4files\\shared\\KATHRYN%20Homa\\Crop%20Grouping\\Tropical
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AMERICAN FERN SOCIETY: The American Fern Society website:   HYPERLINK
"http://amerfernsoc.org/"  http://amerfernsoc.org/ 

ANBG-WFHC: Australian National Botanical Gardens, Water for a Healthy
Country Website.   HYPERLINK "http://www.anbg.gov.au/cpbr/WfHC" 
http://www.anbg.gov.au/cpbr/WfHC 

ANISKO: Anisko, T. 2008. When Perennials Bloom: An Almanac for Planning
and Planting. 510 pp. Timber Press. 

ARMY: U.S. Department of the Army. 2009. The Complete Guide to Edible
Wild Plants. 143 pp. Skyhorse Publishing, Inc. 

ARTAUD:  Artaud, Carlos R. . "Botany Section-Florida Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services- Division of Plant Industry."
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. 

AUSSIE GARDENING: Aussie Gardening website.   HYPERLINK
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AUSTIN 2004: Austin, D. F. 2004. Florida Ethnobotany. 909 pp. CRC Press.
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AVRDC: AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center website.   HYPERLINK
"http://www.avrdc.org/"  http://www.avrdc.org/ 

BACKYARD GARDENER: Backyard Gardener website: Your gardening source
since 1996.   HYPERLINK "http://www.backyardgardener.com/" 
http://www.backyardgardener.com/ 

BAILEY 1916. Bailey, L. H. 1916. Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture,
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BENSON: Benson, B. L., and J. E. Motes. 1982. Influence of harvesting
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BINNING:  Binning, L. et al.  2011. Commercial Vegetable Production in
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BIRHMANN: Birhmann’s Caudiciforms website.   HYPERLINK
"http://www.bihrmann.com/caudiciforms/" 
http://www.bihrmann.com/caudiciforms/ 

BOTANY: Botany.com website.   HYPERLINK "http://www.botany.com" 
http://www.botany.com 

BRILL: Brill, S. 2002. The Wild Vegetarian Cookbook: A forager's
culinary guide (in the field or in the supermarket) to preparing and
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BURROWS:  Burrows, R. L., and L. E. Waters Jr. 1989. Fall establishment
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CALFLORA: Calflora website: information on wild California plants for
conservation, education, and appreciation.   HYPERLINK
"http://www.calflora.org/"  http://www.calflora.org/ 

CAL-IPC: California Invasive Plant Council website.   HYPERLINK
"http://www.cal-ipc.org/"  http://www.cal-ipc.org/ 

CANTALUPPI:  Cantaluppi, C. 1993. Asparagus Production Management and
Marketing North Carolina Extension Service Bulletin 826.

CARTER 2007:  Carter, S., C. Becker, and B. Lilly. 2007. Perennials: The
Gardener’s Reference. 542 pp. Timber Press. 

CHEN 2001: Chen, H. et al. 2001. Atlas of the Traditional Vegetables in
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CHILEFLORA: Chileflora website: Your window to the world of Chilean
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CHINESE FOOD: About.com’s Chinese food reference website.   HYPERLINK
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COOKSFRESHMARKET: Cooks Fresh Market, Downtown Denver’s Quality Corner
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DIET AND HEALTH:  Diet and Health natural remedies and nutrition
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"http://www.diet-and-health.net/Naturopathy/Burdock.html" 
http://www.diet-and-health.net/Naturopathy/Burdock.html .

DPI QUEENSLAND: Queensland Government, Department of Plant Industries
website:   HYPERLINK "http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au" 
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au 

EAT THE WEEDS: Eat the Weeds, database of edible wild plants.  
HYPERLINK
"http://www.eattheweeds.com/www.EatTheWeeds.Com/EatTheWeeds.com/EatTheWe
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http://www.eattheweeds.com/www.EatTheWeeds.Com/EatTheWeeds.com/EatTheWee
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EFLORAS: Efloras.org.   HYPERLINK "http://www.efloras.org/index.aspx" 
http://www.efloras.org/index.aspx 

ELZEBROEK 2008: Elzebroek, A. T.G and Koop Wind. 2008. Guide to
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EPICUREAN. Epicurean: For Food and Wine Lovers website.   HYPERLINK
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EVERGREEN SEEDS: Asian Vegetable Seeds – Evergreen Seeds website.  
HYPERLINK "http://www.evergreenseeds.com/index.html" 
http://www.evergreenseeds.com/index.html 

FAO DOC: FAO Documents Repository   HYPERLINK
"http://www.fao.org/documents/"  http://www.fao.org/documents/ 

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APPENDIX I – Maps of the Asparagus, Celery and Rhubarb Acres form the
USDA AGCensus, 2002.  

Figure 1. Map of the U.S. Asparagus Acres form the USDA AGCensus, 2002. 


Figure 2. Map of the U.S. Celery Acres form the USDA AGCensus, 2002.  

Figure3. Map of the U.S. Rhubarb Acres form the USDA AGCensus, 2002.  

APPENDIX II: Dietary and Nutritional Value of the Stalk, Stem, and Leaf
Petiole Vegetable Commodities:

	Despite the relatively low   HYPERLINK
"http://www.answers.com/topic/caloric" \t "_top"  caloric  values of
Stalk, stem, and leaf petiole vegetable commodities they play an
important role in human diet mainly because of their high and diverse
vitamin and mineral content.  They have many benefits high in vitamins,
folic acid, antioxidant, and fiber.

Table 47.  Dietary Value of the Stalk, Stem, and Leaf Petiole
Vegetables:

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Celery	Source of Vitamin A and folic acid.  

Fern, edible	High in potassium and Vitamin A.

Kohlrabi	High in potassium, protein, and Vitamin A.

Palm, hearts	The heart-of-palm contains calcium oxalate crystals.

Prickly, pear, pads (Cactus)	Fruit are high in vitamin C and
nicotinamide and minerals including calcium and magnesium; fruit contain
no fat.  The plant has antioxidant properties.

Rhubarb	High in oxalic acid.

Zuiki	High in potassium, manganese and fiber.



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