New Zealand clears Firebird herbicide used at a higher rate

Date:06-07-2016

The New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved the use of the herbicide Firebird at a higher concentration, but the rate is lower than that applied for.

Firebird is a selective herbicide containing flufenacet and diflufenican. It was first assessed and approved in 2009. It was used by farmers and growers to control certain broad-leaved and grass weeds in wheat and barley. The new approval means Firebird can be used at a higher concentration (up to 500 mL/ha) whereas it was previously approved at a lower rate (300 mL/ha).

The applicant, Bayer New Zealand Limited, had applied to the EPA to allow its use at a higher concentration (up to 700 mL/ha) but the EPA’s decision making committee decided the benefits at this rate did not outweigh the risks.

Ray McMillan, EPA’s Acting General Manager of Hazardous Substances and New Organisms, said “The committee noted that there are benefits associated with applying the herbicide at 500 mL/ha that outweigh the risks, and considered that the maximum application rate should be revised”.   

“Controls for Firebird were amended and buffer zones – or areas alongside the target weeds that cannot be sprayed – have also been set,” said Mr McMillan.