AgroPages-New Zealand declines chlorothalonil fungicide application-Agricultural news

A Decision-Making Committee of the New Zealand EPA has declined an application from Tui Products Limited to manufacture or import the fungicide, Tui Disease Eliminator (APP202057), containing chlorothalonil. The decision is consistent with the purpose of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act. The application was for the use of Tui Disease Eliminator by home gardeners as a non-systemic foliar fungicide spray for the leaves of vegetables, fruit, flowers and ornamental plants.

The Committee considered the benefits of the use of Tui Disease Eliminator would not be significant enough to outweigh the risks the substance poses to human health and the environment.

Default regulations require persons handling the substance to use protective clothing and equipment. It is not realistic to assume that home gardeners would wear correct levels of personal protective equipment (PPE).