After a negative decision by the CTGB, 2 important means for virus control in seed potatoes were discontinued. Everything rests on the shoulders of one person. The re-registration has not yet been completed. What does that mean for healthy cultivation?
At the beginning of October, the Board for the Authorization of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (CTGB) issued a negative decision for the re-registration of Sunspray 11-E. The oil in this crop protection product is also used in 11 E Oil and Ovirex VS, 2 products that are often used to combat viruses in seed potatoes, flower bulbs and fruit. The only alternative: Oil-H from Certis, is also available for re-registration.
Unexpected decision
Against all expectations, a re-registration of 11-E Oil was rejected, Bayer says. The reason is the result of a number of studies that have been submitted and the evaluation that followed. The drug manufacturer has asked the CTGB for a postponement. This request has been rejected. The decision is therefore final. Sale is possible until January 1, 2018. The use-up period runs until November 1, 2018. Growers can therefore still have 11-E Oil available for next season. Bayer and owner Petronas are investigating the possibility of restoring the registration.
The product Ovirex VS, from supplier R. van Wesemael, is derived from Sunspray 11-E. The Government Gazette of October 19 reports that the registration of this drug has also been withdrawn. Here too, an expiry date applies until November 1, 2018.
Re-registration for Certis
The expiration date of Olie-H, the only alternative, runs until March 1, 2018. Manufacturer Certis is busy with the re-registration procedure. “The re-registration is going well. We have no reason to believe that problems will occur,” says product manager Harry Salomons. Certis only supports use in seed potatoes and flower bulbs. Registration for fruit cultivation expires.
Sufficient oil available
When re-registering, a maximum of 12 sprayings applies to seed potatoes and 25 sprayings to flower bulbs. Next year, Olie-H will be delivered with the old label. A use-up period applies until July 1, 2019. “Every product, including oil, must be re-registered in Europe every 8 to 10 years. This is necessary to use it as a crop protection product at a fixed interval,” Salomons explains. “We will ensure that sufficient Oil-H is available next season to serve growers, with the disappearance of the other resources. We therefore do not expect any problems in seed potato cultivation.”
no worries yet
A call to seed potato trading houses shows that not everyone is aware of the situation. Only when the CTGB also rejects a re-registration for Olie-H will there be a real problem. Until then, trading houses see no problem. The product is essential for virus control in seed potatoes.