Isoproturon restrictions announced

The herbicide isoproturon has been restricted in the UK following a review by the Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP) because of its potential to contaminate water supplies.. “Unfortunately its properties mean that trace quantities not infrequently reach water” noted Food Minister, Angela Browning. Isoprotur-on is a herbicide used mainly against black-grass on over half cereal acreage in Britain. The government maintains there is no threat to human health or the environment, but the ACP has proposed a series of measures to minimise use of isoproturon, including:

• Cultural control measures for blackgrass should be adopted using identified measures;

• registration for pre-emergence uses on wheat and barley will be withdrawn;

• a maximum total dose will be imposed;

• labels should carry advice against use where soils are cracked;

• aerial use will be revoked;

• where a Water Protection Zone is created, use be reconsidered;

• set-aside management should be investigated as a means of protecting water.

The ACP says research should continue into whether reduced rates of isoproturon application, especially in mixtures with other herbicides, can reduce the incidence of isoproturon in surface and ground waters.

Ministry of Agriculture press release, 25/7/95.