Release of emamectin benzoate allowed in Bahia, Brazil

The Justice Tribunal of Bahia has authorized the release of insecticides containing emamectin benzoate to combat Helicoverpa armigera. The decision is contrary to the State's prosecutor initiative, which established in May of 2013 a public civil action to ban the use of 181 tons of the substance.

 

The insecticide was imported by the State Agency of Crop Protection of Bahia in April of 2013 back by a decree of phytosanitary emergency issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply for the crops of 2014 and 2015. The emamectin benzoate, however, is not yet registered in Brazil. In 2003, there was also a request for registration, dismissed by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) because of the risk to human health.

 

The Brazilian National Company of Agricultural Research (Embrapa) admits the use of emamectin just in extreme cases. Helicoverpa argemira generated a loss of over R$2 billion during the 2012/2013, attacking soybeans, corn, and kidney beans in the west of Bahia.