Application to extend use of herbicide Callisto approved

Application to extend use of herbicide Callisto approved

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved an application from Syngenta Crop Protection to extend the use of the herbicide Callisto. This is a previously approved herbicide, which contains the active ingredient mesotrione. The application sought to change the application rate and frequency of Callisto to allow it to be effective when used on turf. This has been approved with controls. There is no change to the application method.

The application was open for public submissions and three submissions were received. No hearing was held for this application.

“The EPA decision-making committee assessed the benefits, risks and costs associated with this herbicide during the various stages of its life cycle. The committee approved the application to extend the use of the herbicide Callisto with controls, in accordance with the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act,” said Applications and Assessment General Manager Sarah Gardner.

Controls are conditions or rules imposed on the approval that restrict the use of the substance to ensure people and the environment are protected properly when it is used, for example controls might require users to wear protective masks or gloves when spraying.

“In this case the revised controls include the wearing of personal protective equipment, setting of a maximum application rate and minimum re-application interval, the type of spray nozzle that must be used and imposition of buffer zones downwind of water bodies and non-target plants. These controls must be set out on the product label.”

View decision details and information
The EPA’s role is to decide on applications under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act to import and manufacture hazardous substances. We put controls in place to manage the risks of hazardous substances to safeguard people and the environment.

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