Alternative fumigant approved for strawberries

Alternative soil fumigant approved for strawberries

The Environmental Risk Management Authority has approved an application to import and manufacture the soil fumigant Ripper, for pre-plant soil fumigation for commercial strawberry growers.

Ripper contains methyl iodide and chloropicrin. Approval was sought for its use by the strawberry industry as an alternative to methyl bromide.

The Authority has placed strict controls on the use of the soil fumigant, such as requiring those handling the substance to be specially trained and equipped with personal protective equipment.

Unlike methyl bromide, Ripper is not an ozone-depleting substance. It is, however, highly toxic and rules have been set to protect workers and the public from exposure, including establishing minimum buffer zones.

The substance may be used only once a year for pre-plant soil fumigation, and a maximum application rate per hectare has been set. The substance cannot be applied into or onto water.

Methyl iodide is already registered for use as a soil fumigant in the United States and Japan.

To read the full decision, click here:
http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/BertDocs/HSR07095_HSR07095%20Decision.pdf

ENDS

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