Push for continued use of Gazelle

Representatives from Confor, Forest Research and the manufacturers, Certis Belchim, will be meeting with the pesticide regulator at the start of June to press for the continuation of the use of Gazelle for the control of Hylobius.

At the time of writing, the outcome is uncertain, and if unsuccessful, then the final date for purchase of product bearing MAPP number 13725 which permits forestry use is 31 July 2023, with final use and storage by 31 July 2024.

As this product runs out in merchant stores it will be replaced by product with MAPP number 20034, which will not permit forestry use unless the regulator agrees to forestry continuation.

Foresters wishing to use the product before expiry in 2024 should therefore obtain supplies without delay.

Fortunately, we have persuasive arguments to defend current use, both as a pre-planting treatment, and as a post-planting spray, with particular emphasis on demonstrating that current practice will have minimal or no adverse effects on non target ecology. In addition, Certis Belchim have been assiduous in generating data which will hopefully assuage the regulators particular environmental safety concerns.

There are three potential outcomes