Lindane seed dressing ban from end-June
Lindane seed dressing ban from end-June
LINDANE seed dressing is to be banned in the UK from the end of June. The ministrys decision has surprised the industry and raised fears for oilseed crop establishment in particular. There are no approved alternatives, manufacturers warn.
Seed processors expected to start treating oilseed rape with the anti-flea beetle chemical shortly. MAFF says the risks to those doing so demanded urgent action. Companies have until June 28 to respond.
Lindane or gamma-HCH, the active ingredient in several long-standing organochlorine insecticides, is under review both by Austria, on behalf of the EU, and by the UKs Pesticides Safety Directorate.
Restrictions on non-seed treatment uses, such as soil application, will be introduced and manufacturers must provide more information on operator exposure. Closed-transfer system requirements, as for tridemorph (Arable Mar 26), are expected. There are also said to be substantial data gaps in environmental information.
MAFF stresses that approved uses of lindane do not constitute a consumer risk, but the risks to those applying it as a seed dressing justifies the decision. Earlier this week those risks remained undefined.
Dalgetys David Neale was taken aback by MAFFs decision. "Its certainly put the cat among the pigeons." Compared with other methods, seed treatment is the most targeted way to apply insecticide, he maintains.
Malcolm Tyrell for Uniroyal, which markets two of the affected seed treatments, is still considering company reaction. "I am surprised and disappointed to say the least, especially from the timing point of view. The industry had already geared up to supply products.
"We maintain that with the use of personal protection clothing and engineering controls, the level to which operators may be exposed falls within what MAFF says is acceptable."
Ailene Kendall for Agrichem, supplier of Hydraguard (gamma-HCH + thiram) echoes that view. Without good flea beetle control the effects on UK agriculture could be devastating, she says.
"There is clearly a difference of opinion and a lot of people are very upset within UKASTA," says Mr Tyrell.
UKASTAs Paul Rook is surprised at the suddenness of last Fridays announcement. "It is unexpected. We have had no feed-back on operator exposure problems."
The NFUs Chris Wise is keen to know whether other competing EU countries will impose similar restrictions. "If not, wed want to know why not."
Edward Willmott for Hants merchant Robin Appel believes much oilseed rape will be put at risk. "Flea beetle is no longer an occasional pest – it is widespread." Untreated spring linseed could be particularly vulnerable.
But not being able to use lindane on winter rape is only a minor worry, notes United Oilseeds Richard Elsdon. "We as a company were not planning to use it this autumn. When looked at dispassionately lindane is pretty vile."
Lindane ban proposals.
* No more seed treatment after June 28.
* Tighter restrictions on other uses.
* Oilseeds especially at risk.
* "Difference of opinion" claim.
* Risks undefined.