Herbicide approved to control broadleaf weed in maize

Herbicide approved to control broadleaf weed in maize

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved an application from ETEC Crop Solutions Limited to import the herbicide Cadet, for use to control broadleaf weed in maize crops. Cadet contains fluthiacet-methyl, an active ingredient that is new to New Zealand.

The application was open for public submissions, which closed on 13 November 2014. Three submissions were received for this application, one in support and two opposing it. A public hearing was held in November 2015 to discuss the benefits, risks and costs associated with this herbicide during the various stages of its life cycle.

“The decision-making committee approved the application to release the herbicide Cadet 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.

“The particular controls imposed on the Cadet approval include the setting of exposure limits for this substance, prohibiting the direct application into or onto water and within 10 metres of a downwind water body, setting maximum application rates, restricting the application method and frequency of this substance, and labelling requirements.”

• Read the 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.

ENDS

© Scoop Media