Paraguay bans the use of emamectin benzoate against Helicoverpa

The Paraguayan plant health and seed quality service (Senave) has temporarily banned the use and trade of emamectin benzoate in the country. The Agency said that there is lack of conclusive studies to ensure that the product does not pose any health risk.

The suspension took farmers by surprise, since the product is considered to be the most efficient in the fight against Helicoverpa Armigera, and already has been used for some time in the country. In Paraguay, emamectin benzoate was used preventively at the very beginning of the new season of 2014.

According to the resolution of the Senave, products containing this active substance should be directed to deposits, gathering centers of plant protection products, resellers and other locations under the responsibility of the owner. According to the experts, the suspension can increase the contraband to Brazil.

"We have seen a very large volume of product, which is much larger than the demand of Paraguayan agriculture for the control of this pest. The market has been flooded with registrations and importations of this product that goes far beyond the amount which would be necessary in the country ", said the General Coordinator of Pesticides of the Ministry of Agriculture, Julio Britto.