EMERGENCY APVMA PERMIT TO ALLOW OF A REGISTERED AGVET CHEMICAL PRODUCT for the control of Lepidopteran pests in millet
The APVMA has recently approved a GPA emergency permit application on behalf of growers in northern NSW and southern Queensland to increase the insecticide options available for millet crops for control of Helicoverpa spp., Armyworms and the recent new pest to Australia, Fall Armyworm.
Grain Producers Australia Chair Mr Andrew Weidemann said, “the industry is again grateful to the APVMA for the timely approval of this permit for growers and the ongoing support of the GRDC in supporting this application.”
Millet plantings in 2020 have increased markedly following rain events in some cropping areas primarily in Queensland, and NSW. Millet has been planted because it can act as a suitable cover crop with a short growing period.
Chlorpyrifos was the only other insecticide specifically approved for use in millet for the control of armyworms and fall armyworm. There were no insecticides previously approved specifically for use in millet for Helicoverpa spp. control. The APVMA emergency permit issued on the 27 April 2020 expires on the 30 April 2021.
The APVMA Emergency Permit PER89400 – Product for the control of Lepidopteran pests in millet is available online here.
More information
Products based upon methomyl are currently approved for a number of uses and in a range of crops and situations in Australia. Currently, there is only one insecticide approved for use in millet, i.e., chlorpyrifos for armyworm control. However, this approval is specifically on one product label (Conquest Chlorpyrifos 500). There are no insecticides specifically approved for use for Helicoverpa spp. in millet. Due to high late-season infestations, coupled with efficacy concerns, growers of millet need access to additional approved control options.
There are some products approved for 'Cereal grains', however, these are biologicals (such as Bt and Helicoverpa Nuclear polyhedrous virus) and other organophosphates (such as maldison and trichlorfon). None are suitable to deal with late-season infestations.
GPA has sought approval for a number of insecticides including methomyl, to provide suitable management options for growers of this crop.
ENDS