Submissions sought on change to insecticide application rate

14 December 2015

Submissions sought on change to insecticide application rate

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for submissions on an application from Sygenta Crop Protection Limited to extend the use of the insecticide Ampligo from a maximum of three applications per season to a maximum of four applications per season, which will allow it to be used on a broader range of crops. Ampligo is a mixture of a suspension concentrate and capsule suspension containing the active ingredients lambda-cyhalothrin (50 g ai/L) and chlorantraniliprole (100 g ai/L).

The EPA has determined that there are grounds for reassessment of Ampligo, as allowing application of the substance at a rate that exceeds the currently permitted rate represents a significant change in use pattern of the substance. The current approval for Ampligo is for use to control insect pests with a maximum of three applications per season, at 14–21 day intervals. This application is for a maximum of four ground-based applications per season, with a minimum of 14 days between applications.

The applicant has proposed this change so the product can be used on other crops, including to control potato tuber moths on potatoes. The applicant states that this product is intended to replace some higher risk organophosphates, will reduce the need for tank mixing and will reduce operator exposure.

• View application details and information

The public are invited to make submissions on the application to the EPA. The submission period for this application opens on Monday 14 December 2015 and close at 5pm on 23 February 2016.

Submissions are an opportunity to provide further information and raise issues about an application. They will inform a decision-making committee that will decide whether to approve the application.

A public hearing may be held before a decision is made. The EPA will provide at least 10 working days’ notice of the hearing date, time and place. We'll provide this information to all submitters and the applicant.

• Find more information on submissions and the hearing process.

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

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