Maize industry seeks emergency use of seed treatments
© Tim Scrivener Industry leaders have applied for the emergency use of three essential maize seed dressings for the 2024 season.
Applications for emergency authorisation to use three maize seed dressings has been submitted to the Chemicals Regulation Division (CRD) of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) next week.
Due to regulation following Brexit, all pesticides used in the UK must be approved on the GB Pesticides Approvals Register and licences for all three seed treatments are due to expire on 1 January 2024.
See also: Farmer’s maize trial shows vital need for treated seed
Unless the CRD approves the use of Bayer’s Redigo M fungicide, Limagrain’s Korit 420 FS bird deterrent and Syngenta’s Force 20 CS insecticide, all UK-sown maize seed in 2024 will have to be untreated.
Maize growers have warned that such a scenario would be disastrous and crops would be destroyed by corvids and wireworm.
Independent consultant Julian Little and Neil Groom from Grainseeds have both played key roles in compiling the applications, which are being supported by the Maize Growers Association and others.
“Defra has realised how important seed treatments are to growing maize, for a suitable bird repellent like Korit, a fungicide to protect germinating seedlings such as Redigo M, and a product to control wireworm like Force,” said Dr Little.
“The fact they have asked HSE/CRD to fast-track the emergency authorisations is a clear sign of that recognition.”
Earlier this month, the NFU and industry partners wrote to Defra farm minister Mark Spencer to highlight the loss of certain seed treatments, especially for maize and fodder beet, and calling for urgent action.
A HSE spokesperson said: “We are progressing a number of applications for the authorisation of seed treatments in Great Britain, including for the treatment of maize seeds. We are progressing these with the highest priority.”