Canada to renew PGR paclobutrazol approval

The Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA)has proposed to continue registration of the plant growth regulator(PGR), paclobutrazol. The Agency has re-evaluated products containing paclobutrazol and concluded that they do not present unacceptable risks to human health or the environment when used according to label directions. As a condition of the continued registration of paclobutrazol uses, label amendments are proposed for all end-use products. No additional data are being requested at this time. The Agency has opened the  public comments until 30 December 2013.

Paclobutrazol is a plant growth regulator that belongs to the triazole group of pesticides. It inhibits the rate of cell division through the inhibition of gibberellin and sterol biosynthesis. In Canada, it is registered for use on greenhouse container-grown ornamental annual bedding plants in cellpacks, and/or plug trays (begonia, celosia, coleus, impatiens, petunia and salvia), and in pots (geraniums, poinsettias, petunias and chrysanthemums) to produce more compact plants and to enhance flowering. Paclobutrazol is applied by growers or commercial applicators as a foliar spray or drench application using hand-held equipment.