Chemical Industry News
No 71 Autumn/Winter 2011
Inside
- Taking care with foliar fungicides
- Folidol registration revoked
- Farm chemicals not for home use
- Do I need an ACUP or COL?
- DO NOTs and sulfometuron-methyl
- Take care over wool residues
- Off-label use and MRLs explained
- Commercial use of 1080 baits
- Warning on illegal use of Mesurol 750
- drumMUSTER container rinsing guide
- Pest controller prosecuted
- Residue exposure from drift
- Fungicides used in horticulture
Taking care with foliar fungicides
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Stem rust |
David Rumbold, Senior Chemical Standards Officer
Fungal diseases in cereal crops are expected to have a big impact on the 2011 cropping season. To ensure continued market access, growers are being urged to take care when using fungicide products.
This year, many croppers will use foliar fungicides to treat diseases such as rust in wheat and barley.
To maintain access to markets, growers should ensure they carefully follow the label directions on products used to treat rust.
Adhering to the maximum label rate, the number and frequency of treatments, withholding periods, and any prohibitions such as DO NOT statements or restrictions will ensure treated grain will meet domestic market requirements.
Growers exporting crops also need to be aware of and meet the maximum residue limits (MRL) of importing countries.
A common option for rust treatment is the application of foliar products that contain the triazole fungicide, tebuconazole. Tebuconazole breaks down relatively slowly in plants therefore users must observe the product label use restrictions regarding the total amount that can be applied per season to one crop.
Tebuconazole is formulated into several product types for foliar application including:
- 430 g/L tebuconazole products (e.g. Bayer Folicur® 430 SC and similar products from several other manufacturers)
- 500 g/L tebuconazole (Nufarm Hornet® 500 SC)
- 210 g/L tebuconazole co-formulated with 210 g/L prothioconazole (Bayer Prosaro® 420 SC).
Restrictions on use in crops include being limited to only one maximum rate application of any product containing 430 g/L of tebuconazole, for example Folicur® 430 SC. This will ensure harvested crops don’t exceed the tebuconazole MRL in cereal grains.
Whilst this advice is specific to tebuconazole use in wheat and barley crops, the same principles apply to all chemical products used in crops.
Remember, the most important part of any pest, weed or disease treatment program is planning ahead. Consult your local agronomist or consultant regarding a rust control program that is appropriate for your specific situation.
Folidol registration revokedThe registrations for Bayer’s Folidol M500 Insecticide Spray and Folidol 450 CS Insecticide have been revoked. These products can no longer be legally used in Victoria. Growers who have used these products in the past should discuss alternative registered agricultural chemicals with their local reseller or agronomist. |
Farm chemicals not for home use
Steven Field, Senior Chemical Standards Officer
A number of home gardeners have been found using farm chemicals that are not approved for home garden use and may be posing significant risks to their health.
Chemical user audits have revealed methiocarb products, which are approved for agricultural use e.g. vineyards and citrus groves, are being used in home gardens.
Home gardeners should only use products approved for use in home gardens. These products are often formulated in lower concentrations, sold in smaller, ready-to-use products and are safer for untrained users to handle.
Under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992 it is illegal to use farm chemicals in a manner not specified on the product label unless a permit has been issued, authorising the use. Methiocarb is not registered for domestic use (i.e. home garden), therefore its use in home gardens is illegal. The particular methiocarb product used was also a Schedule 7 Dangerous Poison, and must only be used by trained and licensed people. The use of such chemicals by home gardeners can pose a serious risk to human and environmental health.Before using a chemical product for pest control, home gardeners should assess whether they can successfully implement alternative pest management programs, using a combination of strategies including physical control, crop rotation (cultural control) and chemical control to achieve more effective control.
Resellers with home gardener customers need to ensure they only supply products that are registered for home garden use or direct them to local nurseries, hardware stores or retailers for suitable products.
Do I need an ACUP or COL?
Samuel Parsons, Policy and Licensing Officer
If you use agricultural chemicals, you may require a Department of Primary Industries (DPI) chemical use licence or permit.
For the ground-based application of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, there are two main types of authorisation, each with a number of endorsements available. It is important to ensure that you have the correct licence or permit type applicable to you and the appropriate endorsements for the chemicals you apply.
Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP)
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Sample Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP) |
In Victoria, an ACUP is required to use agricultural chemical products that:
- are ‘restricted use’ chemicals (agricultural chemical products that are Schedule 7 Poisons (DANGEROUS POISONS) or contain atrazine, metham sodium or ester formulations of MCPA, 2,4-D, 2,4-DB or triclopyr)
- contain 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate)
- contain gaseous methyl bromide, chloropicrin or phosphine for fumigation
- contain pindone concentrate (greater than 2.5%) for the preparation of poison baits.
This authorisation is required for the private use of the above chemicals or the application of these chemicals on commodities, land, structures or water supplies that you own. An ACUP does not cover chemical applications undertaken for a fee or reward, including the operation of a contract spraying, fumigation or vermin control business.
There are four different ACUP endorsements, each with specific training requirements; standard, 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate), pindone concentrate and fumigants. Different endorsements can be combined providing the appropriate training has been successfully completed.
Commercial Operator Licence (COL)
If you operate a business that provides ground-based agricultural chemical application services (or seed/fertiliser treatment, fumigation or vermin control) for a fee or reward using any agricultural chemical then you must hold a COL.
There are three COL endorsements; standard, vermin destroyer, and fumigant. Training requirements differ for each endorsement. As with ACUPs, a COL can combine endorsements provided the appropriate training has been completed.
If your business is primarily domestic or commercial pest control, then you require a Licence to Use Pesticides issued by the Department of Health. For information, visit www.health.vic.gov.au/pestcontrol or phone 1300 887 090.
DPI licence and permit application forms are available from the DPI Chemical Use website, www.dpi.vic.gov.au/chemicaluse.
DO NOTs and sulfometuron-methyl
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Run-off damage to fodder crop |
Neil Harrison, Chemical Standards Officer
All agricultural chemical product labels have specific DO NOT statements that must be observed. Products with the active constituent sulfometuron-methyl are no exception.
Sulfometuron methyl is a broad spectrum herbicide used to control annual and perennial grasses and broad-leaf weeds in non-crop land. It is active at low concentrations, making non-target plants susceptible to damage if a small proportion of chemical moves off-target.
Since sulfometuron methyl is very mobile in water, most product labels have prohibitive statements that state “DO NOT apply to drainage ditches and channels” and “DO NOT apply during periods of intense rainfall, or to soil saturated with water as off-target movement may occur”. These aim to minimise the risk of off-target movement.
To minimise the risks associated with chemical use, users need to be aware of such risks and read the product label thoroughly prior to using a chemical.
Heavy fines exceeding $20,000 can be imposed for breaches to the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992 relating to spray drift or using agricultural chemicals contrary to a prohibitive statement.
It is the responsibility of the chemical user to ensure that weather and environmental conditions for spraying are appropriate to meet label and legislative requirements and minimise the risk of causing off-target damage.
For information on sulfometuron-methyl products, contact your chemical reseller or product manufacturer.
Take care over wool residues
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Application of lice control back-liner |
Dr Robert Suter, Disease Surveillance Project Leader - Sheep
The recent wet summer caused severe flystrike in many flocks, often requiring them to be treated several times with long-acting preventative insecticides.
A number of flocks have also experienced problems with lice requiring control treatments, often in long wool.
Given the increased use of insecticides, producers need to ensure wool clips from treated sheep are free from unacceptable chemical residues at the time of sale.
Generally speaking, the longer a chemical is expected to work on sheep, the longer the period before the chemical residues are at a level that is acceptable for handling, shearing or selling.
Resellers supplying producers are asked to remind their customers to follow product label directions exactly and observe all relevant withholding periods (WHP), Export Slaughter Intervals, Wool Re-handling Intervals and the Wool Harvest Intervals for treated sheep to avoid unacceptable residues from occurring.
Producers are also legally required to make and keep accurate records of veterinary chemicals used on livestock that are classified as a Prescription Animal Remedy. Records must also be made and kept of all animal health products used on livestock which have an applicable WHP.
Accurate records are a useful reference for producers completing National Wool Declarations, National Vendor Declarations and Sheep Health Statements which requires producers selling wool or sheep to disclose chemical treatment details so that buyers know what treatments have been applied. Veterinary chemical record keeping templates are available from the DPI Chemical Use website, www.dpi.vic.gov.au/chemicaluse.
Off-label use and MRLs explained
Jonathan Fahey, Grain and Horticulture Manager
Victorian producers must only use agricultural chemicals that are registered for use on a target crop or pest, permitted under a Department of Primary Industries (DPI) or Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) permit or under Victoria’s off-label use policy.
This article explains off-label use, DPI and APVMA permits and how they relate to maximum residue limits (MRLs).
Off-label use in Victoria
Off-label use refers to situations when a registered chemical is used in a manner that is not specified on the product label. Examples of off-label use include when a chemical is used to control a different pest or to protect a different host (crop/animal), or in a different manner to that listed on the label.
Off-label use is not illegal in Victoria providing the following restrictions are followed and residue limits are not exceeded:
- The chemical product is not a ‘restricted use’ chemical (i.e. all Schedule 7 Poisons (DANGEROUS POISONS), products containing atrazine, metham sodium or ester formulations of 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, MCPA or triclopyr).
- The use is not at a rate or frequency greater than that stated on the product label.
- The chemical is not used in a way that the label specifically states it must not be used (e.g. DO NOT apply by air).
Off-label use of chemicals is not recommended by DPI and is not included within a manufacturer’s warranty. All aspects of off-label use are the user’s responsibility, including efficacy, crop residues, environmental safeguards, occupational health and safety and animal welfare.
DPI and APVMA permits
DPI and APVMA both issue off-label use permits to legalise the use of a chemical in a manner not stipulated on the product label.
DPI issues a section 25A permit to authorise the use of a ‘restricted use’ chemical off-label. An example request is to authorise the use of a chemical on a different crop or pest.
To apply for a section 25A permit, an application must be submitted to DPI which includes field and laboratory data that supports the use on efficacy, safety and trade grounds. Application forms are available from the DPI Chemical Use website, www.dpi.vic.gov.au/chemicaluse (search ‘section 25A’).
In Victoria, an APVMA minor use permit is required to use a chemical at a rate or frequency greater than that stated on the product label or contrary to a specific label prohibition statement.
To apply for a permit, an application must be submitted to the APVMA that includes field and laboratory data supporting the use on efficacy, safety and trade grounds. The APVMA website www.apvma.gov.au has a searchable database for all currently registered pesticides, off-label permits and lists of all MRLs.
Maximum residue limit (MRL)
Melbourne Markets
Regardless of how a chemical is used, the resulting chemical residues on the treated crop must not exceed the MRLs set by the APVMA and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
Every chemical use that is registered or permitted under an APVMA permit has a corresponding MRL. A MRL is the maximum concentration of a chemical residue that is legally permitted in or on a food, agricultural commodity or animal feed.
In cases where an MRL exists, crops or produce containing residues equal to or below the MRL indicate farm chemicals have been used according to Good Agricultural Practice (GAP). If there is no corresponding MRL for a chemical, a likely situation if a chemical is used off-label on a non-approved crop, any detectable residue will be unacceptable.
MRLs are set for the use pattern, including application rate and frequency of application specified on the chemical product label or permit. It is not likely that an MRL will be exceeded if the chemical is used according to label instructions.
Where food crops are involved in off-label chemical use, great care must be taken to ensure that the risks of unacceptable chemical residues are effectively managed. To ensure produce does not contain excessive residues, DPI recommends that growers undertake residue testing to confirm the residue status of treated produce.
For more information on off-label chemical use permits visit the DPI Chemical Standards website or APVMA website. MRLs are listed on the APVMA or FSANZ website www.foodstandards.gov.au.
Commercial use of 1080 baits
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Wild dog |
Samuel Parsons, Policy and Licensing Officer
Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) is a Schedule 7 Poison (Dangerous Poison) used for the control of wild dogs, feral pigs, foxes and rabbits and protection of agricultural production and conservation. It is highly toxic to mammals and insects, has no antidote and presents significant risks to non-target species.
The licensing of 1080 helps to ensure the public safety and to minimise the possibility of non-target poisoning of wildlife and domestic animals.
People in the business of vermin control in rural areas require a Commercial Operator Licence (COL) with a vermin destroyer endorsement. The training requirements for this endorsement are the completion of the national units of competency: RTD2101A, RTD2126A, RTD4403A and RTE3406A.
To use products containing 1080 under a COL, applicators must also have successfully completed the 21835VIC Course Minimising the Risks in the Use of 1080 Pest Animal Bait Products for Vertebrate Pest Control.
An Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP) with a 1080 endorsement does not licence the use of 1080 baits for fee or reward, and a business must hold a COL with a vermin destroyer endorsement.
Vermin destroyer courses are delivered by Victorian and interstate TAFE institutions, and by other private training providers. To find a provider near you, search the internet using the above course codes.
For more information on 1080, visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/1080.
Warning on illegal use of Mesurol 750
Jonathan Fahey - Grain and Horticulture Manager
In 2009, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) assessed compliance with the use of Mesurol 750 WP Bird Repellent and Snail and Slug Spray in the horticulture industry.
This involved farm audits and analysis of Mesurol 750 sales data from Victorian chemical resellers.
The sales data coupled with industry intelligence indicated that the product may be being used illegally on canola as a seed dressing.
Prior to its reschedule from a Schedule 6 to a Schedule 7 poison in 2000, DPI was aware that Mesurol 750 was being used as a seed dressing on canola in the south-west to deter skylarks from feeding on sown seeds and emerging seedlings.
The product was rescheduled after toxicology data indicated that by containing over 20 per cent methiocarb (active ingredient in Mesurol 750) it posed acute oral and inhalation toxicity risks for users.
In Victoria, all Schedule 7 Poisons (Dangerous Poisons) are classified as ‘restricted use’ chemicals and can only be used by authorised users such as Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP) and Commercial Operator Licence holders.
Like all ‘restricted use’ chemicals, Mesurol 750 must only be used strictly according to the label directions. Any use not listed on the product label is defined as ‘off-label’ and is illegal, unless the user holds an appropriate authorisation (i.e. a permit).
As Mesurol 750 is only registered for use on orange, hibiscus and ornamental crops, it is illegal to use it as a canola seed dressing to deter skylarks.
In Victoria, individuals detected using Mesurol 750 in this manner may be fined up to $22,000.
In light of the findings from the 2009 assessment, DPI intends to undertake further investigation into the current uses of Mesurol 750, which may include on-farm auditing and further analysis of sales data to deter future illegal use.
For further information, please contact the Jonathan Fahey on 03 9217 4431 or email jonathan.fahey@dpi.vic.gov.au.
drumMUSTER container rinsing guide
Allan McGann, National Program Manager- drumMUSTER & ChemClear
Proper rinsing and cleaning are the first steps in the safe disposal and recycling of empty agricultural and veterinary chemical containers.
Clean containers are essential for meeting occupational health and safety standards for the recycling process. Under current regulations in most states, containers that have not been properly rinsed can be classified as ‘hazardous waste’.
Rinsing guidelines
Rinse your containers until they are free of any chemical residue by:
- Partially filling the container with clean water, replacing the cap and shaking vigorously. Pour the rinse water back into the spray tank. Repeat until the container is free of any chemical residue. Alternatively, pressure rinse the container through a granny pot, rinsing bin or similar device until free of any chemical residue.
- Clean any chemical residue from the outside of the container.
- Remove the cap to allow the container to dry.
- Puncture metal containers to allow them to vent.
- Store cleaned containers in a sheltered place with caps removed, where they will remain clean and dry until they can be taken to a drumMUSTER Collection Sit.
- Dirt and dye stains are acceptable.
Rinsing makes good economic sense
If containers are cleaned thoroughly, you know you have received all the value from your purchased product. Any chemical left behind is a loss. Below is a chart that outlines the potential loss at 3 different costs per litre.
| Amount of residue | Loss at $20.00/litre |
Loss at $30.00/litre |
Loss at $50.00/litre |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 mL | $3.00 | $4.00 | $7.00 |
| 300 mL | $6.00 | $9.00 | $15.00 |
| 500 mL | $10.00 | $15.00 | $25.00 |
For further information go to the drumMUSTER website or phone us at 1800 008 707 or visit www.drummuster.com.au.
Pest controller prosecuted
Samuel Parsons, Policy and Licensing Officer
The licensing of pest control operators helps to protect the health and wellbeing of Victorians. Licensing pest control operators ensures individuals applying pesticides in domestic and commercial settings are trained in the safe handling, storage and application of pesticides, which greatly reduces the risks associated with their use.
Victorian pest control operators are required to hold a Licence to Use Pesticides issued by the Department of Health.
In January 2011, the Department of Health prosecuted a company for employing an unlicensed pest controller to carry out pesticide applications. The Magistrate emphasised that it was a serious offence and a serious oversight for a company to not know the licence status of its employees, ordering the company to pay $12,000 in fines and $6,000 towards the Department’s legal costs.
Similarly, laws governing the licensing of agricultural chemicals are important in the reduction of risks to trade, human health, animal welfare and the environment.
It is important that all businesses applying agricultural chemicals for a fee or reward in agricultural and horticultural situations are licensed under a Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Commercial Operator Licence or Agricultural Aircraft Operator Licence with pilots holding a Pilot (Chemical Rating) Licence. The maximum fine for operating without an appropriate DPI chemical use licence is $23,890.
Application forms for DPI issued licences are available from the DPI Chemical Use website, www.dpi.vic.gov.au/chemicaluse or DPI Customer Service Centre, phone 136 186.
Residue exposure from drift
Dr George Downing, Principal Veterinary Officer
Agricultural chemicals have the ability to drift away from the target area onto neighbouring properties. If you suspect your pastures or livestock have been exposed to chemicals through off-target drift, it’s important that you know what to do.
Spray drift is the airborne movement of agricultural chemicals outside the target area as droplets or particles that occur during application or soon thereafter. Various factors contribute to spray drift including formulation type and weather conditions.
Livestock can be exposed to chemicals by direct over-spraying or from grazing pastures or crops affected by drift. In such an event, you should report the incident to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Chemical Standards Officer in your area (see back cover for regional contacts).
It is illegal to cause spray drift damage to plants, stock or land outside the target area that results in injury or contamination of plants grown or stock reared on that land or any agricultural produce derived from those plants or stock.
Once DPI receives the complaint, an officer will contact you and will conduct an investigation to establish the cause and collect evidence so that legal action may be taken if required.
DPI also recommends that you (if possible) find out what chemical was used and check the label and comply with any restrictions related to livestock (e.g. DO NOT feed treated crops to livestock), withholding periods (WHP) and Export Grazing Intervals (EGIs) to manage residue risks.
As a final precaution to manage residue risks, you’ll be required to indicate on National Vendor Declarations if animals have consumed any material that was still within a WHP in the past 60 days and if they have grazed in a spray risk area or been fed fodder cut from a spray drift risk area in the past 42 days.
Fungicides used in horticulture
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Dairy herd grazing |
Steven Field, Senior Chemical Standards Officer
Frequent rains throughout summer caused significant fungal problems for many fruit and vegetable growers. This required many growers to apply fungicides at a greater frequency than the last few summers.
Like cereal croppers, horticultural growers need to ensure they observe all relevant withholding periods (WHPs) and restraints detailed on fungicide labels to ensure harvested crops are in peak condition and free from unacceptable chemical residues.
When selecting a fungicide (or any other chemical), growers need to ensure they have sufficient time for the WHP to lapse before the crop is harvested.
It is also important for growers to rotate between different chemical activity groups in order to manage residue build up and resistance issues.
Multiple applications of the same fungicide can increase the risk of produce containing residues above the maximum residue limit (MRL).
It may be necessary to frequently apply fungicides during wet summers however the residue control process requires more effort from growers than using whatever chemical is in the chemical shed. Growers should speak to their local reseller for advice on suitable fungicide products for their crop.
DPI Chemical Standards
Visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/chemicalstandards for more information about:
- Rules and regulations on the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals in Victoria
- Licence and permit application forms
- Agricultural Chemical Control Areas
- Previous issues of CIN
DPI Chemical Standards contacts
Alan Roberts
Bendigo
03 5430 4416, 0419 505 485
alan.roberts@dpi.vic.gov.au
Dave Rumbold
Bendigo
03 5430 4806, 0428 564 267
david.rumbold@dpi.vic.gov.au
Steven Field
Tatura
03 5824 5532, 0407 258 433
steven.field@dpi.vic.gov.au
Jo Robinson
Ararat
03 5355 0522, 0439 206 561
jo.robinson@dpi.vic.gov.au
Michael Laity
Frankston
03 9785 0191, 0427 277 470
michael.laity@dpi.vic.gov.au
Neil Harrison
Ballarat
03 5336 6616, 0400 827 596
neil.harrison@dpi.vic.gov.au
Jane Rhodes
Tatura
03 5833 5234, 0438 072 465
jane.rhodes@dpi.vic.gov.au
Chemical Industry News
Editor: Deann Chy
Phone: 03 9217 4391
Fax: 03 9217 4331
Email: deann.chy@dpi.vic.gov.au
