TECHNICAL
TECHNICAL THE LATEST INNOVATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS
NEW CONTROLS COME INTO FORCE FOR THE HERBICIDE PARAQUAT IN DECEMBER Words by Rebecca Fisher : Crop Protection Manager, Market Access Solutionz
20 GROWING WITH GAS
This article reminds growers that use the herbicide paraquat that new controls come into force next month. These new controls are as a result of the New Zealand EPA (Environmental Protection Authority) reassessing paraquat last year. FROM 11 DECEMBER 2020: Paraquat must only be applied at a maximum rate of 600g of paraquat per hectare per calendar year. This can be in one or several applications, such as 200g of paraquat per hectare applied three times in a year, but the total amount applied in any year must not exceed 600g. Only coarse or larger droplet sizes can be used. The following buffer zones must be followed: APPLICATION METHOD
MAX RATE G AI/HA * <400
400 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 600
Ground
0 metres
5 metres
Aerial
5 metres
15 metres
(*grams of active ingredient per hectare)
No buffer zone applies to ground-based application if it is done using non-motorised hand-held equipment.
Unlike some reassessments, the EPA has not restricted which crops paraquat is allowed to be used on (i.e. it can still be used off label as long as all the above controls are adhered to). There is a restriction limiting the use of paraquat to horticulture only (i.e. not forestry or ornamental horticulture in publicly accessible places such as public gardens). The controls take effect from 11 December 2020, but manufacturers have an extra year after this to change the product label. This means that there will be a period until December 2021 when these controls must be followed but they may not be reflected on the product label. Growers therefore must be aware of this.
The controls take effect from 11 December 2020, but manufacturers have an extra year after this to change the product label If you would like further clarification or guidance on these changing controls, please contact your Product Group manager. The EPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision on paraquat can be found on its website: https://www.epa.govt.nz/public-consultations/ decided/reassessment-of-paraquat/
NZGROWER : NOVEMBER 2020
43
