Growers may have until 21 March 2020 to use up existing stocks of Mocap 15G after European regulators at the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed voted to withdrawal approval of the active ingredient ethoprophos in January.
Under EU rules Manufacturer Certis has until 21 September 2019 to sell or distribute existing stocks of the insecticide and molluscicides, but individual member states can set their own withdrawal dates and the UK’s CRD has not yet published its withdrawal notice for Mocap 15G.
The NFU said, “Mocap 15G, marketed by Certis, is a popular insecticide and molluscicide among UK potato farmers and its loss will seriously deplete their crop protection toolkit.” It is the main product for wireworm control in potatoes and also provides some control of PCN.
Nick Badger, Potato Product Manager for Certis, “In early March, the European Commission published its final report confirming the non-renewal of our granular insecticide and nematicide Mocap (ethoprophos). We were disappointed to hear their decision, as we know how important wireworm control is for farmers as alternative options do not have the same level of control. However, we would like to assure growers that the 2019 planting season remains unaffected. As for the 2020 planting season, we are evaluating all the options and will communicate next steps in due course.”
Photo Credit: Horstine Machinery