There have been some significant changes in pesticides recently. Its been reported to me that the insecticide Chess and herbicide Finale will no longer available from the end of the year. Further details to follow.
Neonicotinoids update
The recent changes to the use of neonicotinoids in Europe were not unexpected. Imidacloprid, clothianadin and thiamethoxam will only be permitted to be used on crops which complete their full life cycle in permanently enclosed glasshouses. There were already restrictions in place for the use of these insecticides in horticultural crops so the impacts will not be as keenly felt as in cereal production. The timeline for the implementation of the “ban” on use of these insecticides will be determined by each member state. In Ireland it is likely the use update to be by end of year – keep an eye on the PRCD web site.
Plant protection product use by dates approach
In the coming month, a large number of plant protection products will no longer be permissible to use. Under EU Reg 2016/1313 herbicides containing glyphosate and POE Tallowamine have not been permitted for sale since January 1st, 2017 and their final use by date will be in June. Other key actives to be aware of include; Linuron and Iprodione. There are a few more actives noted also so please see the full list for June (pdf) or the PRCD website to view the full and most up to date list.
Pesticide records – keep them up to date
While its a busy time of the year growers are reminded to keep their pesticide records up to date. Update new products in stores, maintain records of pesticides used and store obsolete pesticides in a specific area in the pesticide store. See sample record sheets from DAFM for recording pesticide uses and annual IPM checklist. These records must be maintained for compliance with SUD.
Night time spraying
Adult vine weevil is nocturnal and nighttime spraying with contact insecticides has become more common. Always consider health and safety of this activity, employees should if at all possible not work on their own when spraying in the dark. If it can’t be avoided, have a protocol in place for checking in with someone by phone and what to do if they do not get in contact.
Teagasc nursery stock newsletter May 2018
