Reinforcing the continued safe and responsible use of the soil fumigant Telone II, Dow AgroSciences have hosted an intensive two-day Stewardship training meeting targeting all key advisors and operators. Furthermore Dow AgroSciences' highlighted how the product was able to be sold to professional users up until 20 March 2008 who can then apply the product for UK growers until 20 March 2009. The company's clear commitment to re-registering the product at European level was also highlighted.
Held at Riseholme College, Lincolnshire, the key advisors and operators who have an interest in Telone II have been trained to ensure Telone II continues to be applied responsibly and safely. The training involved looking at the active substance itself, investigating the biology of target organisms, Potato Cyst Nematodes, the importance of Integrated Pest Management, operating procedures for transportation, storage, handling and applying Telone II as well as practical sessions in the field. Industry experts including Dr. Pat Haydock of Harper Adams University were key presenters.
Stewart Maltby, Agronomist and Contract Development Manager for Frontier Agriculture, said "Telone II is a vital component in managing Potato Cyst Nematode, a major pest of potatoes in the UK, and we really do need continued access to it and continue to use it responsibly. Hopefully by continuing to educate operators and agronomists in its safe use, we can help secure its long-term future. The Stewardship training has been a productive and useful few days."
John Dawson, European Regulatory Leader of Dow AgroSciences updated the delegates on the current registration status of Telone II. He explained that a suspension notice (not a revocation notice) for Telone II was issued and published on the PSD's web site. "This notice suspends the advertising, sale and supply of 1,3 Dichloropropene (Telone II) by any persons from 20 March 2008 and also suspends the storage and use of Telone II from 20 March 2009. This means that users, the professional operators, can store and use the product until 20 March 2009, thus Telone II will be available until at least this date."
."But what of the future? Dow AgroSciences will be re-submitting a detailed and complete Annex I dossier, which responds to all the questions and issues raised by the initial review, in the second quarter 2008. This resubmission is expected to be fast tracked and we would anticipate EU re-registration in 2009, thereby maintaining its long term use," explained John Dawson.
"Dow AgroSciences are investing heavily in this molecule in Europe, including conducting large scale field trials that cost in excess of five million Euros. Such investment gives an indication of our strong support and optimism for a positive outcome for Telone II."
Used safely worldwide for 40 years, 1,3-D is available in the UK as Telone II and is applied to soil by professional contractors prior to planting. As Telone II is completely dissipated before the crop is planted, there are no crop residue risks associated with an application. Telone II controls all species of yield- and quality-reducing Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) and Free-living Nematodes (FLN). Within an integrated control strategy Telone II provides probably the most effective nematode control available.
PCN significantly reduces the yield and quality of UK potatoes, and as such is a significant pest of the UK potato crop. It is estimated that 10% of the total production, valued in the order of £50 million, is lost each year as a result of PCN infestations. John Sellars, Dow AgroSciences Product Manger for potato products, continues "With current tools available to control PCN being lost or experiencing reduced efficacy, the use of Telone II is an important way to help growers to produce a high quality, high yielding potato crop, contributing to the profitability and competitiveness of their potato enterprises."
For further information please contact John Sellars of Dow AgroSciences on 01462 426672 or 07885 662511 (mobile) or by email at jsellars@dow.com.