Alternative to linuron ‘in the pipeline’

AHDB is seeking to reassure farmers that an alternative weed control solution is ‘in the pipeline’ following the loss of another important herbicide, linuron.

The EU recently decided not to renew authorisation of the pre-emergence herbicide, facing growers with a fear they could be left without an alternative chemical.

But now, according to the levy board, the EU-approved herbicide metobromuron has given good results in AHDB-funded trials.

Whilst UK authorisations for use of the product on horticultural crops are not expected until at least 2018, AHDB said it is also working to obtain earlier authorisations in key crops.

AHDB’s SCEPTREplus, a new four-year programme of crop protection product trials, will launch next month.

It aims to deliver applied research on high-priority disease, pest and weed problems in fresh produce and ornamental crops in order to support approval of products and devise and develop IPM programmes.

Non-chemical solutions are also being sought by AHDB through investment in innovative technology, including ‘Eyespot’, an automated system for applying herbicide droplets to individual leaves of weeds in row crops.

The decision not to renew linuron was announced in January and the Chemicals Regulation Division has confirmed the final sale and distribution date for the product as June 3 2017.

All existing stocks must be disposed, stored or used by June 3 2018.

Ian Holmes, research and development chairman at the British Carrot Growers Association, said the loss of linuron in carrot and parsnip crops could not be understated.

“As there are currently no direct alternatives to cover the gaps the loss of linuron will leave, its removal is a blow to growers both in terms of efficacy and the relative cost of the alternative strategies we will need to look to employ,” said Mr Holmes.

Picture: PA. Linuron is used by many carrot growers.