The end of IPU - 30 June 2009

The Crop Protection Association (CPA) is reminding the arable industry that a total ban on the use and storage of the herbicide IPU (isoproturon) comes into force on 30th June 2009.

"This is the final date in IPU’s extended phase-out period introduced in 2007, intended to give the arable industry time to adjust and find suitable alternatives for weed control in cereals," explains Dominic Dyer, CPA chief executive.

"The ban includes all products containing IPU either straight or in a mix with other active ingredients such as pendimethalin, trifluralin, or diflufenican."

Following the poor autumn spraying conditions farmers may still have IPU in farm chemical stores. The CPA advises farmers with un-used product to contact a waste disposal contractor before 30th June for ensure safe and legal disposal.

Details of local contractors are available on www.wasterecycling.org.uk. Further information on the disposal of non-approved pesticides can be found in the Chemical Regulation Directorate’s Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products at www.pesticides.gov.uk.

IPU controls broad-leaved weeds and annual meadow-grass in cereal crops. The ban was announced in 2007 following an Advisory Committee on Pesticides risk assessment that concluded that the product posed an unacceptable risk to aquatic life.