3 February 2011
The Environmental Protection Authority is calling for submissions on an application to import two insecticides for the control of certain insect pests.
The application, by DuPont, is to import Benevia and Exirel. Both products contain the same active ingredient (cyantraniliprole) but have different formulations.
Benevia insecticide is intended for use by potato and field tomato growers to control tomato/potato psyllid, potato tuber moth, tomato fruit worm and green peach aphid. It would also be used by onion growers to control thrips.
Exirel Insecticide is intended for use by livestock farmers to control certain caterpillars, leaf miners and grey cabbage aphid in various fodder brassica crops.
In its application, DuPont says the two products pose a low risk to humans or the environment if handled and used according to label directions.
It says benefits of the two new insecticides include efficacy at low rates of application on a range of important insect pests, low toxicity to operators and a high margin of safety to bees, beneficial insects, earthworms and soil microflora.
Public submissions are now being sought.
The EPA has not yet completed an evaluation of the substances. Following the close of submissions a hearing may be held before a decision-making committee consider all the infomration before them and make a decision.
Submissions close on 16 March, 2012.