The decision not to include 1,3-Dichloropropene (Telone II) in Annex 1 of Directive 91/414/EC was taken by the Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health on 15th May 2007. However, the unprecedented demand for this product from EU growers and its critical role as an alternative to methyl bromide ensures that the product can continue to be used by EU and UK growers until at least March 2009, with the possibility of this deadline being extended until September 2010.
In addition Dow AgroSciences states that it is preparing a detailed and complete resubmission dossier, including additional risk assessments, and will submit this to the Spanish Rappoteur as soon as the process allows. It is Dow's objective to obtain an Annex I inclusion decision before the product is scheduled to be removed from the market-place and so maintain its long term use.
Critically Dow AgroSciences is fully committed in its support and future investment of 1,3-D in the UK, EU and globally. The company will work with European regulators to provide any additional information that may be needed to support 1,3-D and its continued use as a product acknowledged as essential to European food production.
John Sellars of Dow AgroSciences says "This should be seen as a positive outcome for the UK potato grower, as Telone II will be available until at least spring 2009 and possibly autumn 2010. It is hoped that with resources secured, Annex I inclusion will be achieved before these dates."
Used safely worldwide for 40 years, 1,3-D is available in the UK as Telone II. Applied to soil prior to planting by professional contractors, it controls all species of yield and quality reducing Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) and Free-living Nematodes (FLN). It provides the most effective nematode control available.
With significant yield losses and corresponding impact on quality, PCN is a significant pest of the UK potato crop. It is estimated that 10% of the total production, valued in the order of £50 million, is lost each year as a result of PCN infestations.
John Sellars continues "With the tools available to control PCN being lost or being limited in their efficacy, the continued availability of Telone II until at least 2009 can only be viewed as a significant contribution to the sustainability and competitiveness of the UK Potato business. Having Telone II in the armoury enables growers to produce high quality, high yielding potato crop with greater flexibility in their rotations, thereby contributing to the profitability and competitiveness of their potato enterprises whilst investing in the value of their land."
"We will continue to promote the responsible use of Telone II and will be actively implementing a wide ranging Stewardship programme to ensure its continued safe use."
