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CHANGE OF FOCUS FOLLOWING EU FUNGICIDE DECISION Words by Geoff Lewis. Photographs by Trefor Ward
The European Union's decision to ban Mancozeb – one of the most common fungicides used in arable farming – has focused attention on other means of controlling powdery mildew in New Zealand's onion crop according to agronomist and consultant Rob Cox. An Onions NZ field walk held on the Desloe Produce property of Dennis Fong attracted about 80 growers, scientists, consultants and industry workers in early December. The aim of the event was to demonstrate progress in two key areas – the biological control of thrips, a key insect scourge of onions, and a reduced Mancozeb residue trial undertaken by Plant & Food Research. However, the reason for the reduced residue trial was called into question in October (2020) when the European Union standing committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, voted not to renew approval for Mancozeb, which
$US3.9 billion ONIONS ARE A $US3.9 BILLION ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL TRADE
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has been in use for nearly 60 years, due to concerns around its effect on human reproduction. “Next year is the last year we will be able to use Mancozeb as a multi-site protective product. Mancozeb is cheap and effective. We are looking for replacements, looking at the level of disease suppression and fungal resistance. When we lose Mancozeb there will be a lot of pressure on other systemic fungicides. But fungals mutate quickly and resistance is often prevalent,” Rob Cox said. Onions NZ chief executive James Kuperus said there had been rumours of a change in policy towards Mancozeb for several years as the use of these treatments are periodically reviewed. While the EU has banned Mancozeb, just when the ban will come into force is ultimately up to the supermarket chains in Europe and European growers and could be in 12 months’ time. In the meantime, the New Zealand industry is still legally able to use the fungicide. “There is a long-term trend among consumers for produce grown with less chemicals. It's not going to stop. The option for New Zealand growers is that we can rise to the challenge by being a global producer of premium onions. This is not organic growing, but growing with reduced application of agricultural chemicals. “Onions are a $US3.9 billion annual international trade. It’s all about how we build a bigger slice of the pie for New Zealand,” he said.
