EPA approves fungicide to combat apple and grape disease

11 February 2016

EPA approves fungicide to combat apple and grape disease

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved an application from Kaken Pharmaceutical Co to import the fungicide Esteem, for use to control disease in apples and grapes. Esteem contains Polyoxin D zinc salt, an active ingredient that is new to New Zealand.

Esteem is intended to be used by commercial growers to control powdery mildew and grey mould in apples and grapes. It is to be applied by spraying from ground-based applicators or equipment.

The application was open for public submissions and four were received, two in support and two opposing it. A public hearing was held in December 2015 to discuss the benefits, risks and costs associated with this fungicide during the various stages of its life cycle.

“The application to release the fungicide Esteem was approved with controls by the decision-making committee, in accordance with the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act,” said Applications and Assessment General Manager Sarah Gardner. Controls are conditions or rules that restrict how an approved chemical can be applied and ensure that people using the chemical are protected from exposure to it by wearing protective clothing like masks and gloves.

“The committee considered that if Esteem was unavailable, there would be fewer tools for disease and resistance management when treating powdery mildew and grey mould in apples and grapes. Esteem has a lower risk profile than some fungicides approved for use and in the market. Controls imposed on the Esteem approval include the setting of maximum application rates and minimum application intervals for this substance, prohibiting the direct application into or onto water, restricting the application method, labelling requirements, and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect workers,” she said.

• 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.

ENDS

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