Abtou pencycuron: Identification, Infection Process and Telemorph Formation of the Pathogen of Chinese Amaranth Leaf Spot in Taiwan

A new leaf spot disease of Chinese amaranth (Amaranth mangotanus L.) caused by Rhizoctonia solani was frequently observed at the so-called organic farms in Taiwan during the summer season. The hyphae of RSA-03 and RSA-09 isolates obtained from Chinese amaranth leaf spot were able to anastomose in high frequency (> 70%) with R. solani AG 2-2 IIIB (ATCC 76124), but in low frequency (< 5%) with R. solani AG 2-1 (ATCC 76168), AG 2-2 IV (ATCC 76125), AG 2-3 (R6) and AG BI (ATCC 76132). When five isolates from Chinese amaranth leaf spot were respectively cultured in liquid glucose asparagine (GA) medium with or without thiamine-HCl, they were auxtrophic for thiamine-HCl and more closely resembled the ATCC 76124 isolate of R. solani AG 2-2 IIIB. The optimum temperature for mycelial growth of RSA-09 isolate from Chinese amaranth leaf spot was similar to one of R. solani AG 2-2 IIIB (ATCC 76124). Inoculation tests revealed that both RSA-03 and RSA-09 from Chinese amaranth leaf spot and R. solani AG 2-2 IIIB (ATCC 76124) were pathogenic to Chinese amaranth. Based on the anastomosis, thiamine-HCl requirement, growth temperature, and pathogenicity tests, the isolates from Chinese amaranth leaf spot were recommended as R. solani AG 2-2 IIIB. According to Koch’s postulates tests, it was proved that the Chinese amaranth leaf spot was caused by the basidiospores of T. cucumeris, the telemorph of R. solani AG 2-2 IIIB. The basidiospores (105 spore/ml) of the pathogen were sprayed to leaf surface of Chinese amaranth. The inoculated plants were put in the moist chamber at 28℃. Primary lesions appeared as small, circular water-soaked spots on leaves of Chinese amaranth six days after inoculation. After additional incubation, claw-like lesions growing out from the primary lesions expanded into the leaves tissues and caused secondary lesions with large-sized irregular necrotic spots. When Chinese amaranth leaves were inoculated, basidiospores of the pathogen germinated and penetrated into the epidermal cell walls nine hours after inoculation. Mass mycelia were formed 18hrs after inoculation, then development of mass mycelia into stroma-like structure 21hrs after inoculation. In the study, Naito’s soil-over-culture method for production of hymenia was modified. It was found that the peat moss and soil-over culture method (PSC method) was much more effective in producing hymenia of T. cucumeris RSA-03 and RSA-09. The procedures of PSC method were as follows: (1) to inoculate the fungus onto potato- yeast extract-dextrose agar plate in a 9-cm petri dish, (2) to incubate at 28℃for 4 days until the fungal colony covered the agar plate surface, (3) the agar plate surface was covered with 90ml soil [included 40% (v/v) BVB No. 4 peat moss and maintained the soil moisture at 40 ~ 50% (v/v)], (4) experiments were kept in moist chamber. After 4-day-incubation hymenial formation was observed. The PSC method was suitable for hymenial formation of the pathogen and able to markedly produce 3-4 fold hymenial amount compared to Naito’s soil-over-culture method. The factors affecting hymenial formation of the pathogen included temperature, humidity, light, aeration, and culture substrate. The temperatures were favorable for R. solani RSA-03 and RSA-09 hymenial formation at 24 ~ 28℃and the covered soil was at pH 5 ~ 7. The amendments of covered soil with various organic and inorganic materials, antagonists, and fungicides did significantly influence the hymenia formation of T. cucumeris RSA-03 and RSA-09. The hymenia of the fungus were completely inhibited in the covered soils amended with 1﹪(v/v) fish meal, tea seed pomace and chinaberry meal. Amendments of covered soil with Stretomyces padanus PMS-702, S. sioyaensis PMS-502, S. saraceticus SS-31 and S. misionensis PMS 101 also inhibited hymenial formation, but Bacillus pumilus PMB-102, B. thermoglucosidasius PMB-101 and B. subtilis BS-001 did not. The fungicides, mancozeb, benomyl, carbendazim, flutolanil, PCNB, iprodione and pencycuron were significantly effective in inhibiting the hymenial formation.

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD. 

About dicamba: Cancer incidence among pesticide applicators exposed to dicamba in the agricultural health study

BACKGROUND:
Dicamba is an herbicide commonly applied to crops in the United States and abroad. We evaluated cancer incidence among pesticide applicators exposed to dicamba in the Agricultural Health Study, a prospective cohort of licensed pesticide applicators in North Carolina and Iowa.
METHODS:
Detailed pesticide exposure information was obtained through a self-administered questionnaire completed from 1993 to 1997. Cancer incidence was followed through 31 December 2002 by linkage to state cancer registries. We used Poisson regression to estimate rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals for cancer subtypes by tertiles of dicamba exposure. Two dicamba exposure metrics were used: lifetime exposure days and intensity-weighted lifetime exposure days (lifetime days x intensity score).
RESULTS:
A total of 41,969 applicators were included in the analysis, and 22,036 (52.5%) reported ever using dicamba. Exposure was not associated with overall cancer incidence nor were there strong associations with any specific type of cancer. When the reference group comprised low-exposed applicators, we observed a positive trend in risk between lifetime exposure days and lung cancer (p = 0.02), but none of the individual point estimates was significantly elevated. We also observed significant trends of increasing risk for colon cancer for both lifetime exposure days and intensity-weighted lifetime days, although these results are largely due to elevated risk at the highest exposure level. There was no apparent risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
CONCLUSIONS:
Although associations between exposure and lung and colon cancer were observed, we did not find clear evidence for an association between dicamba exposure and cancer risk.

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD. 

US pesticide and produce companies sued over banana pesticide

Source:Bloomberg

Dole Food Co., Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. and Dow Chemical Co. are being sued by more than 1,000 banana plantation workers from Costa Rica, Ecuador and Panama in a new round of cases claiming injury from a pesticide.
Eight separate complaints filed since May 31 in federal court in Delaware over the use of dibromochloropropane.
The pesticide, which was banned in the US back in 1979, was sprayed on fields to eliminate nematode worms. Workers claim they were not advised to wear protective clothing and were never warned they were in any danger.
Around 16,000 Latin American workers have sued over similar cases in US courts over the last 20 years. However, most cases are dismissed with judges saying that they must use the courts in their native countries.
In 2010, a California appeals Judge threw out a $2.3 million 2007 verdict after Dole argued that the plaintiffs had lied about becoming sterile as a result of spraying chemicals.

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD. 

About pencycuron：Compatibility of Beauveria bassiana with chemical pesticides for the control of the coffee root mealybug Dysmicoccus texensis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

BY：Vanessa Andaló; Alcides Moino Jr.; Lenira V.C. Santa-Cecília; Giselle C. Souza

Several chemical substances are used to control insects, diseases and weeds, however many of these products are toxic to mankind and the animals, besides reducing the potential of pest control by predators, parasitoids and pathogens. The integrated control using selective chemical pesticides and entomopathogenic fungi is a viable strategy, however some of these products can impact these microorganisms, reducing vegetative growth, viability and sporulation. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the effect of chemical pesticides used in the coffee crop on the entomopatogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (isolate UEL 114), for the control of the cofee root mealybug. A fungal suspension of 1 x 107 viable conidia/ml was added to solutions of the products at the recommended concentrations. After 1h, conidia were inoculated onto PDA medium, and quantification of germinated conidia assessed after 20h. The vegetative growth and sporulation were appraised eight days after the fungus inoculation onto PDA medium containing the products at recommended concentrations and maintained at the temperature of 25 ± 1ºC, 12h photofase and 70 ± 10% relative humidity. The mean diameter of the colonies was measured and conidial production quantified in a Neubauer chamber. Azafenidyne, Quintozene, Symazine + Ametryne, 2,4-D, Acetochlor and Oxyfluorfen affected the conidial germination. Thiamethoxan, Imidacloprid, Carbofuran and Pencycuron were compatible; whereas Glyphosate, Dimetilurea, Azafenidine, Quintozene, Symazine + Ametryne, 2,4-D, Acetochlor and Oxyfluorfen significantly impacted vegetative growth and sporulation of B. bassiana UEL 114.



Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD.

Dicamba monooxygenase: structural insights into a dynamic Rieske oxygenase that catalyzes an exocyclic monooxygenation

Dicamba (2-methoxy-3,6-dichlorobenzoic acid) O-demethylase (DMO) is the terminal Rieske oxygenase of a three-component system that includes a ferredoxin and a reductase. It catalyzes the NADH-dependent oxidative demethylation of the broad leaf herbicide dicamba. DMO represents the first crystal structure of a Rieske non-heme iron oxygenase that performs an exocyclic monooxygenation, incorporating O(2) into a side-chain moiety and not a ring system. The structure reveals a 3-fold symmetric trimer (alpha(3)) in the crystallographic asymmetric unit with similar arrangement of neighboring inter-subunit Rieske domain and non-heme iron site enabling electron transport consistent with other structurally characterized Rieske oxygenases. While the Rieske domain is similar, differences are observed in the catalytic domain, which is smaller in sequence length than those described previously, yet possessing an active-site cavity of larger volume when compared to oxygenases with larger substrates. Consistent with the amphipathic substrate, the active site is designed to interact with both the carboxylate and aromatic ring with both key polar and hydrophobic interactions observed. DMO structures were solved with and without substrate (dicamba), product (3,6-dichlorosalicylic acid), and either cobalt or iron in the non-heme iron site. The substitution of cobalt for iron revealed an uncommon mode of non-heme iron binding trapped by the non-catalytic Co(2+), which, we postulate, may be transiently present in the native enzyme during the catalytic cycle. Thus, we present four DMO structures with resolutions ranging from 1.95 to 2.2 A, which, in sum, provide a snapshot of a dynamic enzyme where metal binding and substrate binding are coupled to observed structural changes in the non-heme iron and catalytic sites. 

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD.

France bans Syngenta pesticide linked to bee decline

Source:Farmers Weekly Interactive

The French government has banned a pesticide linked to the decline of bees that is widely used to treat oilseed rape.
Cruiser OSR (active ingredients: thiamethoxam + fludioxonil + metalaxyl-M), which contains the neonicotinoid insecticide thiamethoxam, was banned for use on oilseed rape by the French Ministry of Agriculture.
Made by the Swiss agrichemical company Syngenta, Cruiser OSR is a seed treatment, which is coated onto the rape seeds.
The decision to ban Cruiser follows two studies earlier this year, in the UK and France, which found evidence that neonicotinoids contain chemicals that disorientate bees and prevent them from finding their way back to hives, causing colony collapse disorder.
Announcing the ban, France"s Ministry of Agriculture said it would be pushing for a European-wide ban with the European Commission and the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA).
Bees are vitally important to agriculture for pollinating our food crops and maintaining biodiversity in the rural environment.
A recent Friends of the Earth report estimated bees are worth £510m a year to the UK economy.
However, bee numbers have been declining worldwide in recent years and conservationists claim that pesticides are a contributing factor, in particular neonicotinoids.
Syngenta has less than two weeks to submit its own evidence before any ban in France is implemented. The company said called the ban "a dark day for French and European agriculture".
In its defence, Syngenta claimed no cases of bee mortality have been identified as being linked to Cruiser OSR - although 650,000ha of treated seeds are grown in France.
DEFRA said it was investigating the reports before deciding whether to act in line with its pesticide safety policy.
"We are assessing recent studies on neonicotinoids and will report our findings very shortly," a spokesman said.
"The UK has a robust system for testing and reviewing pesticide use and if the evidence shows the need for action, we will not hesitate to act."
Cruiser is available to use in the UK as a broad spectrum seed treatment, providing fungicidal and insecticidal use on oilseed rape, fodder rape and mustard.

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD.

About pencycuron: Action mode Fungicide chemical group Common name

Action mode Fungicide chemical group Common name Nontarget effects Lipid, sterol, and other membrane components Lipid Aromatic hydrocarbons Dicloran Mutagen to Salmonella typhimurium [12] Etridiazole Retards nitrification by affecting ammonium oxidizers [13] Sterol Triazoles Triadimefon Long-term inhibiting effects on soil bacterial community [7] Triticonazole Increases total number of bacteria in soil [15] Cinnamic acid amide Dimethomorph Impacts nitrifying and ammonifying bacterial activities in sandy soils [17] Triazole Hexaconazole Impacts bacterial activities related to N cycling [19] Morpholine Fenpropimorph Inhibit general bacterial activity in wetland [16] Triazole Propiconazole Tebuconazole May retard plant-growth-promoting effects of Azospirillum brasilense on its hostplant [20] Intracellular membrane components Hydrochloride Acriflavine Thickens peripheral and cross cell wall of Staphylococcus aureus [18] Amino acid and protein synthesis Glucopyranosyl antibiotic Streptomycin Inhibits amino acid synthesis in bacteria [3] and is neurotoxic to amphibian [4] Tetracycline antibiotic Oxytetracycline Also used as bactericide [21] Signal transduction Phenylpyrroles Fludioxonil Toxic to algae [22] and potential risk to prokaryotes [23] Dicarboximides Iprodione Affects signal transduction in bacteria [24] Vinclozolin Inhibits total bacterial growth [25] Respiration NADH oxido-reductase (Complex I) inhibitors Pyrimidinamines Diflumetorim Unknown Succinate- dehydrogenase (Complex II) inhibitors Pyridine carboxamides Boscalid May affect growth of prokaryotes [26] Benzamides Flutolanil Gxathiin carboxamides Carboxin Inhibits denitrifying bacterial activity in wetland sediment [16] Oxidative phosphorylation uncouplers 2,6-dinitroanilines Fluazinam Have a potential risk to environmental microorganisms [27] Dinitrophenyl crotonate Dinocap Inhibits ammonifying bacterial activity and stimulate general bacterial respiration in soil [28] Mitosis and cell division Inhibitor of spindle microtubules assembly Methyl benzimidazole carbamate Benomyl May affect nitrifying bacteria [29] and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi [30] Carbendazim Reduces the diversity of soil bacteria [31] Phenylurea Pencycuron May affect metabolically activated soil bacteria in short term [32]4 ISRN Ecology Table 1: Continued. Action mode Fungicide chemical group Common name Nontarget effects Nucleic acids synthesis RNA polymerase I inhibitors Acylalanines Metalaxyl Affects activities of ammonifying and nitrifying bacteria in soil [33] Oxazolidinones Oxadixyl Unknown Adenosin- deaminase inhibitors Hydroxypyrimidines Ethirimol Unknown Phthalonitrile Chlorothalonil Impacts bacterial activities related to N cycling [29] Multisite activity Dithiocarbamate Mancozeb Impacts bacterial activities related to nitrogen cycling [17] and carbon cycling [28] in soils Phthalimide CaptanI nhibits denitrifying bacterial Dithiocarbamate Thiramactivity [16] Anthraquinone Dithianon Reduces bacterial diversity in soil [34] Copper Copper sulfate Reduces the number of bacteria and streptomycetes in sandy soil [35]  

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD 

Comparison of 2,4-D and dicamba treatments for embryo development and plant regeneration in crosses between Lolium multiflorum Lam. and Dactylis glomerata L.

BY：Toshinori Komatsu, Kazuhiro Uchiyama, Akira Arakawa, Kazuhiro Tase We compared the effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and 6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (dicamba) treatments on embryo development and plant regeneration in crosses between Lolium multiflorum Lam. and Dactylis glomerata L. Two embryos (1.1% of pollinated florets) were obtained after 2,4-D treatment for 2 days. They germinated on hormone-free Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 1 g L−1 yeast extract, 70 g L−1 sucrose and 6 g L−1 agar, and developed into green seedlings. dicamba treatment for 2 days gave higher frequencies of embryo development (4.3% of pollinated florets) than did 2,4-D treatment, but only one embryo (0.4% of pollinated florets) germinated on hormone-free MS agar medium, and no seedling was obtained. These results show that 2,4-D is more effective than dicamba at producing F1 hybrids on hormone-free MS agar medium. The F1 plant was intermediate between the parents in height, inflorescence morphology and lower leaf appearance. The folding of leaves in young shoots and the number of glumes resembled those of D. glomerata. Anthers did not dehisce. The F1 plant was an aneuploid with 26 chromosomes. The mean chromosome association was 0.04 trivalents, 10.36 bivalents and 5.16 univalents at metaphase I in pollen mother cells.

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD 

NMFS issues final Biological Opinion for pesticides harming salmon

Source:U.S. EPA News Release
On May 31, 2012, US EPA received the National Marine Fisheries Service"s (NMFS") final Biological Opinion relative to the potential effects of the dinitroanaline herbicides oryzalin, pendimethalin and trifluralin on federally listed threatened or endangered Pacific salmon and steelhead and their designated critical habitat.

In the Biological Opinion, NMFS concluded that oryzalin, pendimethalin, and trifluralin are likely to jeopardize the continued existence of some listed Pacific salmonids, and adversely modify designated critical habitat of some listed salmonids. NMFS considered comments and incorporated suggestions from EPA, the states, the pesticide industry, grower groups and other stakeholders to complete this Biological Opinion. The Biological Opinion provides a one-year timeframe for implementation. EPA will consider the opinion and take appropriate steps to protect threatened and endangered species from pesticide risks.

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD 

About pencycuron : Pathogenicity and Survival of Colletotrichum higginsianum, the Causal Agent of Crucifer Anthracnose

BY：Sun cai yu
Anthracnose disease of pak choi [Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis (L.) Hanelt] is a common disease in organic farm in Taiwan. It can cause a leaf spot on several species of Brassicaceae. Colletotrichum higginsianum and C. gloeosporioides could be isolated　the disease leaves. C. higginsianum could infect unwounded pak choi leaf, wounded mango leaf and tomato fruit. Comparatively, C. gloeosporioides could infect unwounded mango leaf and unwounded tomato fruit but cause leaf chlorosis on wounded pak choi leaf. It may be weak pathogen on pak choi. A standard area diagram showed the levels of 0.07, 3, 10, 25 and 50% was developed for assessing disease severity in this study. The accuracy and precision of disease assessment were improved when standard area program was used. Nine Brassica spp. crops were inoculated with C. higginsianum. Pak choi and turnip were more susceptible than leaf mustard, cabbage and radish. Among seventeen cultivars of Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis, the most susceptible cultivars were Tsai-Yu, Chief, Gai-liang-Yi-Tiao-Gen and Feng-Jhen; the most resistant cultivar was 606 chingensai. Fifteen nitrogenous compounds and eighteen carbohydrates were evaluated for their efficacy on growth of C. higginsianum. The colony color was brightest when the pathogen was cultured on the medium with ammonium phosphate as nitrogen source. The conidial germination was most improved by high methoxy pectin (HMP) as carbon source, and 3% (w/v) HMP was effective in enhancing growth of the pathogen. Among the eleven antimicrobial agents tested, streptomycin sulfate, chloramphenicol, metalaxyl , pencycuron and thiabendazole showed less adverse effect on growth of C. higginsianum but could suppress Trichoderma sp. and other fungi. Based on these results, a HMP- ammonium phosphate semiselective medium (designated as the HA semiselective medium) consisting of 30 g high methoxy pectin, 2 g monoammonium phosphate, 1 g K2HPO4, 0.5 g KCl, 0.5 g MgSO4.7H2O, 0.01 g FeSO4.7H2O, 15 g agar, 200 μg mL-1 metalaxyl, 300 μg mL-1 pencycuron, 1μg mL-1 thiabendazole, 100 μg mL-1 chloramphenicol and 200 μg mL-1 streptomycin sulfate, and pH value of medium was adjusted to pH 6.0 by KOH before autoclaving. C. higginsianum was able to be accurately detected　artificially infested soil and distinguished easily　other Colletotrichum spp. by using HA semiselective medium. C. higginsianum could be detected　infective leaves of pak choi, peat moss, old world diamond-flower, purple cudweed and nightshade by using HA semiselective medium. Population of the pathogen increased on Cardamine parviflora, Hedyotis corymbosa, Cyperus rotundus and Amaranthus viridis, and decreased slightly on Rorippa indica. Naked conidia of the pathogen showed less survival ability in soil than it colonized in leaves of pak choi. Cow manure enhanced the proliferation of the pathogen in soil. Seed meals were significantly effective to enhance or maintain the survival of the pathogen in soil. The pathogen declined faster in infected debris buried at 5 and 10 cm depths in soil than those placed on the soil surface.

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD. 

Dicamba and Sugar Effects on CallusInduction and Plant Regeneration from Mature Embryo Culture of Wheat

BY：Jiang-ping REN, Ph D, Xin-guo WANG, Jun YIN
To establish a highly efficient plantregeneration system for wheat genetic transformation, the effects of three different concentrations of dicamba and two different sugar types on callusinduction and plantregeneration from matureembryocultures were evaluated. Callusinduction and plantregeneration were obtained from matureembryos of two commercial cultivars Zhoumai 18 and Yumai 34 (Triticum aestivum L.) cultured on L3 basal medium. The results showed that the efficiency of matureembryoculture was significantly influenced by the genotypes, sugar types and dicamba concentrations. 4 mg L−1dicamba proved the best effective for inducing embryogenic callus and also gave the highest proportion of plants regenerated across the two cultivars. Substitution of maltose by sucrose significantly improved the plantregeneration efficiency in both cultivars. There was a significant interaction between genotype-by-sugar types, and sugar types-bydicamba concentrations. Overall, Zhoumai 18 gave the highest frequency of plantregeneration (82.65%) when dicamba concentration was 4.0 mg L−1 and with sucrose in initial callusinduction. These results will facilitate genetic transformation work with elite wheat.

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD. 

France to ban a Syngenta pesticide to protect bees

Source:Reuters

France said it plans to ban a pesticide made by Syngenta that is widely used to treat rapeseed crops after scientists suggested it could pose danger to bees.
A sharp decline in bee populations across the world in recent years, partly due to a phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder, has prompted criticism of pesticide use, although research has yet to show clearly the causes of falling bee numbers.
France intends to withdraw the permit of the Cruiser OSR (active ingredients: thiamethoxam + fludioxonil + metalaxyl-M) pesticide used for coating rape seeds, pending a two-week period during which Syngenta can submit its own evidence, Agriculture Minister Stephane Le Foll said on Friday.
The decision was based on a report from French health and safety agency ANSES, which went along with recent scientific findings suggesting that a sub-lethal dose of thiamethoxam, a molecule contained in Cruiser, made bees more likely to lose their way and die.
"To protect rapeseed plants there exist alternatives to coating seeds that are already widely used. If the withdrawal of the authorisation (for Cruiser OSR) is confirmed, farmers will therefore have solutions to call on," Le Foll said in a statement.
Syngenta rejected the move as based on a single study and not backed up by field observations.
"Currently in France you have 650,000 hectares that are cultivated (with Cruiser-treated rapeseed), and there are no cases of bee mortality identified as being linked to Cruiser," Laurent Peron, head of corporate communication for Syngenta France said.
This crop area amounts to nearly half of about 1.5 million hectares of rapeseed sown in France. In Europe, more than 3 million hectares of rapeseed use Cruiser, including in Germany, Peron said.
France seeks EU review
France is the largest crop producer in the European Union and with Germany is the leading EU grower of rapeseed, used for making vegetable oil and biodiesel fuel.
The French ban on the pesticide will take effect before the start of the next rapeseed sowing campaign in late summer, a farm ministry official said, stressing that it would not affect versions of Cruiser used for other crops such as maize (corn).
France also has asked the European Commission to reconsider its criteria for authorising Cruiser for rapeseed ahead of the next sowing campaign, Le Foll said.
In its report, ANSES said while exposure of bees to thiamethoxam in actual field conditions was lower than in the recent study on bee navigation, a similar level could not be excluded in some circumstances.
More research is needed at European level on the impact on bees as well as a broader review of the neonicotinoid family of substances to which thiamethoxam belongs, it said.
In a separate opinion published on Friday, the European Food Safety Authority said doses of neonicotinoids tested in the bee research were above the highest residue levels actually recorded in plant nectar, adding that more studies were needed to evaluate exposure in different field situations.
Dave Goulson of Stirling University in Scotland, who led another recent study on risks to bees from neonicotinoids, said there was growing evidence that these chemicals may play a role.
"It would be massively oversimplifying to say that these chemicals are the only cause of bee decline, although it is clear they are a part of the problem," Dave said.

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD. 

About pencycuron: Anastomosis groups ofRhizoctonia solani on potato in central México and potential for biological and chemical control

BY: G. Virgen-Calleros, V. Olalde-Portugal and D. E. Carling

Anastomosis group (AG) identity ofRhizoctonia solani isolates collected from potato plants growing near Leon, Guanajuato, in central Mexico was determined. In samples from 15 fields, we found AG-3 and AG-4 with a frequency of 73.5% and 26.5% respectively. AG-4 was found only during the flowering stage of plant growth, whereas AG-3 was present on plants at every stage of development. The efficacy againstR. solani, in vitro andin situ, of certain biocontrol agents (Bacillus subtilis, Gliocladium virens) and fungicides (Pencycuron, Tolcoflos-methyl, Fluazinam, Azoxystrobin) was assessed. CertainBacillus strains collected from the field inhibitedin vitro growth of isolates of certain AGs. Only Pencycuron and Tolcoflos-methyl inhibited AG-3 100%in vitro, whereas in the field, Azoxystrobin and Pencycuron showed the highest efficacy against development of sclerotia on tubers.

Se identificaron los grupos de anastomosis (AGs) deRhizoctonia solani en papa en la región de León, México. Se encontró la presencia de 2 grupos de anastomosis, AG-3 con una frecuencia de 73.5% encontrándose en todas las etapas del cultivo y AG-4 con frecuencia de 26.5%, encontrandóse en la etapa de floración. También se determinó el efectoin vitro ein situ de agentes de biocontrol y fungicidas sobre algunos AGs deR.solani aislados de papa. Así mismo se encontró que existen cepas deBacillus específicas sobre la inhibiciónin vitro de diferentes AGs. Por otra parte, se observó que sólo pencycuron y tolcoflos-metil mostraron 100% de inhibiciónin vitro sobre el AG-3. En condiciones de campo se determinó que azoxystrobin y pencycuron fueron los fungicidas con mayor eficiencia en el control deR. solani.  

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD. 

About dicamba: dmo methods and compositions

The invention provides for identification and use of crystal structures of Dicamba monooxygenase (DMO) that may be complexed with iron or cobalt cofactor and substrate (dicamba), or product (DCSA) in order to define residues important for enzymatic structure and function. Methods of using such structures are described. Data storage media comprising the crystal structural coordinate information are also described. 

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD. 

Natural pesticide clove oil may cause dermatitis

Source:Pinnaclife　

McCord Research the parent company of Pinnaclife warns consumers that fruit that is protected from infestation or bacteria by an ingredient as common as clove oil could cause an allergic skin reaction. When handling fruit to remove pesticide residue, including organic, make sure your hands are healthy (free of dryness or cracks) or wear gloves.
According to a study conducted by Dr. Prashar at the School of Biosciences in the UK and published in the August 2006 issue of Cell Proliferation, it was reported that clove oil has two major components, eugenol and beta-caryophyllene, which constitute 78% and 13% of the oil, respectively. While clove oil and its components are generally recognized as "safe", their research reported that clove oil and eugenol are cytotoxic (kill) towards human cells at concentrations as low as 0.03%.
In a study conducted in the Department of Virology, Hygiene Institute in Germany in 2008, it was reported that concentration as low as 0.0006% of clove oil were toxic. The study suggests that testing natural skin care and other health products that contain clove oil for toxicity is an important prerequisite.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is currently investigating the safety of clove oil as a fungicide and bactericide for use in post-harvest applications. They reported in the journal EFSA in 2012 that clove oil presents a risk to humans and waterways. Ongoing research is being conducted.
What does this mean to the consumer that is trying to make healthy choices? Even "natural" pesticides, fungicides and bactericides may cause a health problem. The best way to make sure that such toxins do not enter the body by contact with fruit is to keep your hands healthy or wear gloves, and it is always a good idea to have a healthy immune system.
Pinnaclife recommends that you apply their specialized Olivamine-containing Skin Repair Cream sold in HyVee stores to keep your hands healthy. The Skin Repair Cream may offer some protection but caution must be taken and gloves should be considered when handling fruit or applying a product that contains clove oil. Taking Pinnaclife Olivamine supplements may give the immune system a boost.


Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD. 

Effect of carbendazim and pencycuron on soil bacterial community

Soil bacterial composition is used as one of the important indicators of negative effects of the use of pesticides in agriculture. Very little is known on the effects of fungicides, particularly carbendazim and pencycuron on soil bacterial community. In this study, laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the effects of various concentrations of carbendazim and pencycuron on diversity of bacterial community in soils collected from strawberry field and incubated at different temperature conditions. The degradation rate of fungicides both in sterile and non-sterile soils were also investigated. Residues of fungicides were measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the change in bacterial community was examined by comparing the 16S rDNA bands on patterns by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The dissipation of carbendazim was affected by concentration applied, whereas that of pencycuron was affected by both concentration applied and incubation temperature. The microbial community could recover to its previous composition after 126 days of cultivation with the application of 10 mg/kg of carbendazim but not with the application of a high concentration, 100 mg/kg, of pencycuron. From cluster analysis, the bacterial community structure showed approximately 50% similarity throughout the experimental period, which indicated that the soil microbiota composition was not stable throughout the 120 cultivation days. 

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD. 

About dicamba：utilized a combination of nitrogen fertilizers rates and herbicide treatments

reported that all herbicide treatments were effective on both thistles with or without fertilizer. They indicated that fertilized plots had a greater thistle biomass than the unfertilized check in the three-year experiment. They further reported that ammonium nitrate with either clopyralid in 1978, clopyralid + 2, 4-D in 1979 and dicamba + 2, 4-D in 1980 reduced grass biomass compared to non-fertilized plots; however, there was no determination that biomass was reduced due to herbicide injury, which was observed in some treatments in 1978 (Reece and Wilson 1983). Donald (1993) studied the effectiveness of long-term herbicide treatments applied in late September for the control of Canada thistle shoot density on non-cropped, untilled abandoned farmland. Clopyralid, glyphosate and picloram were effective in reducing Canada thistle at certain high rates in the first two years of the trial. The fall-applied treatments of clopyralid and picloram took fewer years of treatments to reduce shoot density than did glyphosate or dicamba. Clopyralid at 840 g/ha or picloram at 560 g/ha applied in the fall for three consecutive years inhibited, or almost prevented, shoot emergence the third growing season, while glyphosate and dicamba did not reduce shoot emergence. Miller and Lym (1998) conducted several field experiments on the control of Canada thistle with herbicides and cultivation treatments in corn and soybeans. Photoperiod determinations of Canada thistle and clopyralid absorption and translocation at different stages of growth were evaluated. The herbicide and cultivation treatments resulted in clopyralid and bentazon having 42% and 44% control 4 MAT in corn and soybeans, respectively.  

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD. 

Nematodes to soon replace pesticides

Source:dailytimes.com.pk　
"For the first time in Pakistan, National Nematological Research Centre (NNRC), University of Karachi (KU), will release nematode samples to local growers and farmers which will replace pesticides.
Nematodes are small parasitic animals that can kill bacteria without leaving any harmful impact on crops.”
This was recently announced at the concluding ceremony of three-day workshop entitled, ‘Biological Control of Root-knot Nematode in Vegetables using EPN’ organised by the National Nematological Research Centre, KU.
The workshop, inaugurated by KU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Qaiser, concluded on the note that excessive use of pesticides in crops leaves harmful impacts. There impacts are harmful for human health and lead to severe human diseases and illnesses.
In order to deal with this situation, use of nematodes can be extremely fruitful. The aim of this workshop was to stimulate awareness, upgrade knowledge and improve skills of participating farmers, extension workers and students on EPN technologies developed by the NNRC for the biological control of RKN in vegetables.
About 60 participants from Agriculture College, Multan, Ayub Agriculture Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, Agriculture Research Institute, Tandojam (ARI), Agriculture Training Institute, Sakrand, (ATI) Sindh, Directorate of Agriculture Extension, Hyderabad, Office of Agriculture Extension, Tando Allahyar, Office of Agriculture Extension, Mirpurkhas, Sindh, Agriculture University, Tandojam (SAU), Agriculture University of Faisalabad (AUF), a while number of progressive growers and representative of Sindh Chamber of Agriculture and Sindh Abadgar Board also participated in the workshop.
Thorough inspection of NNRC field was made by the participants about the diseased plant roots infested with root-knot nematodes (symptoms of nematode attack on roots).
The conventional techniques of identification of both nematodes were discussed and demonstrated. Besides basic techniques different methods of biological control were demonstrated using EPN against different plant pests (insects). Dr MA Maqbool, former director, National Nematological Research Centre, KU, in his speech applauded the effort made by the staff and students of National Nematological Research Centre to hold the international workshop for transfer of technology of biological management to farmers in a befitted manner.
He also emphasised the fact that the field applications of biocontrol organisms like entomopathogenic nematodes as biopesticides must be applied to enhance the agricultural production of the country as these nematodes are beneficial and have no adverse effect on human and environment.

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD. 

USDA announces positive report on pesticide residues in 2010

Source:Food Poisoning Bulletin　

The USDA’s Agriculture Marketing Service has released its annual report on pesticide residues on produce and other foods, called the Pesticide Data Program Annual Summary. The agency samples more than 12,000 products to test for chemical residues in a program that has been in place since 1991. This was the 20th annual survey and covers the calendar year 2010.
This report tells scientists, farmers, consumers, and government regulators about the use of pesticides on our food supply. The safety of U.S. exports is demonstrated, and the EPA uses the data to conduct dietary risk assessments.
The report states that residues found on tested foods are “at levels well below the tolerance levels set by the Environmental Protection Agency”. In 1996, the agency started focusing on foods that are “most likely consumed by infants and children.”
Foods are tested on a rotating basis. The foods tested this year included fresh fruit, processed fruit, fresh vegetables, processed vegetables, oats, eggs, baby food, catfish, groundwater, and treated and untreated drinking water. This was the first time baby food, cabbage, hot peppers, and mangoes were included in the report. No residues that exceeded safety levels were found in baby food.
The government found that “residues exceeding the tolerance were detected in 0.25% of samples tested. Residues of chemicals that have no established tolerance levels were found in 4.6% of the samples.” Before testing, analysts wash samples for 10 seconds under running water; consumers should do the same at home.
Nutritionists encourage consumers to eat lots of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet. But the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization famous for its list of “Dirty Dozen” foods, still recommends that consumers choose some varieties of fruits and vegetables grown organically. Those twelve foods, including apples, celery, strawberries, and peaches, have the highest pesticide residues. The group also publishes a list of the “Clean Fifteen”, or produce that has the lowest pesticide residues that are safe to purchase conventionally grown.

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD. 

About pencycuron: Emergence of silver scurf (Helminthosporium solani) as an economically important disease of potato

BY：D. Errampalli　J. M. Saunders　J. D. Holley During the 1990s, silver scurf (causal agent Helminthosporium solani) emerged as an economically important disease of table stock and processing potatoes (Solanum tuberosum). The pathogen attacks the periderm of the potato tuber causing blemishes. The disease cycle of silver scurf has both field and storage phases. Primary infection occurs in the field and high relative humidity favours the spread and increase of silver scurf in potato stores. Control of the disease by chemical such us pencycuron and cultural practices remains difficult. Increase in disease has been attributed to H. solani isolates resistant to the postharvest fungicide thiabendazole (TBZ). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection methods for H. solani and TBZ-resistant isolates are rapid and more specific than traditional identification. This review discusses the biology of the pathogen, epidemiology of the disease, detection of the pathogen and integrated control measures for the management of silver scurf in both field and potato tuber stores.

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD 

About dicamba：Scientists Develop Broadleaf Crops That Resist Dicamba Herbicide

University of Nebraska scientists have developed a way to give broadleaf crops like soybeans the ability to resist the herbicide dicamba. According to the EPA, dicamba is a selective benzoic acid herbicide registered for the control of certain broadleaf weeds and woody plants. The chemical kills plants by causing rapid, uncontrolled cell growth.
The Bureau of National Affairs reports that the scientists say that dicamba-based herbicides, sold under trade names such as Banvil and Clarity, are relatively inexpensive and environmentally benign because they disappear quickly in plants and soil. However, they said that dicamba also kills broadleaf crops. As a result, its use has been limited to corn and other grassy crops. 

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD 

This paper reports the results of a field study of occupational pesticide exposure (respiratory and dermal) among a group of Italian agricultural subcontractors. These workers consistently use pesticides during much of the year, thus resulting in a high exposure risk. Ten complete treatments were monitored during spring/summer. Pesticides that were applied included azinphos-methyl, dicamba, dimethoate, terbuthylazine, and alachlor. Several observations were made on worker operative modalities and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during work. Total potential and actual exposure ranged from 14 to 5700 microg and from 0.04 to 4600 microg, respectively. Dermal exposure contributed substantially more than inhalation to the total exposure (93.9-100%). Hand contamination ranged from 0.04 to 4600 microg and was the major contributor to dermal exposure. Penetration through specific protective garments was less than 2.4% in all cases, although penetration through general work clothing was as high as 26.8%. The risk evaluation, based on comparison between acceptable daily intake and total absorbed doses, demonstrates that it is presumable to expect possible health effects for workers regularly operating without PPE and improper tractors. Comparisons between exposure levels and operative modalities highlighted that complete PPE and properly equipped tractors contributed to a significant reduction in total exposure to pesticides during agricultural activities. In conclusion, monitored agricultural subcontractors presented very different levels of pesticide exposure due to the high variability of operative modalities and use of PPE. These results indicate the need to critically evaluate the efficacy of training programs required for obtaining a pesticide license in Italy.

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD 

about pencycuron： Efeito do tratamento de sementes de algodoeiro com fungicidas no controle do tombamento de plantulas causado por Rhizoctonia solani, sob condicoes de casa de vegetacao

BY： Augusto Cesar Pereira Goulart

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia do tratamento de sementes de algodoeiro com fungicidas no controle do tombamento de plantulas causado por Rhizoctonia solani. O ensaio foi conduzido na casa de vegetacao da Embrapa Agropecuária Oeste,em Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul. Sementes nao tratadas e tratadas com os fungicidas foram semeadas em areia contida em bandejas plásticas, dispostas em orifícios individuais, equidistantes e a 3 cm de profundidade. A inoculacao com R. solani AG-4 foifeita utilizando-se 5g do inoculo do fungo/bandeja, distribuídos de forma homogénea na superfície do substrato. O fungo foi cultivado por 35 dias em sementes de aveia preta autoclavadas e trituradas em moinho (1mm). Foi observado efeito significativodo tratamento fungicida na emergência inicial e final de plantulas, bem como no controle do tombamento de pré e pós-emergência do algodoeiro, com os melhores resultados sendo obtidos pelos tratamentos tolylfluanid+ pencycuron +triadimenol e azoxystrobin+fludioxonil+mefenoxan, seguidos de carboxin+thiram, PCNB e pencycuron. O fungicida menos eficiente foi o carbendazim+thiram. Melhores resultados com relacao às variáveis estudadas foram obtidos com a utilizacao de misturas de fungicidas em comparacaoao uso isolado de um determinado produto. Nao foram observadas diferencas significativas com relacao ao índice de velocidade de emergência, altura e peso fresco das plantulas.

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD. 

Preparation of polyclonal antibody against dicamba and establishment of indirect competitive ELISA for dicamba detection

In order to establish the immunoassay method of dicamba（DIC），the diimine carbonization methods were used to synthesize immunogen and coating antigen by dicamba being conjugated to ovalbumin (OVA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA), respectively. The polyclonal antibodies against dicamba were prepared through immunizing New Zealand white rabbits with the immunogen. The enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) titer of the antibody was 1∶1.28×105. The percentages of the antibody cross reactivity with other analogues of dicamba (2,3,5-trichlorobenzoic acid, 2,3,6-trichlorobenzoic acid and 2-amino-3,5-dichlorobenzoic acid) were all less than 01%. An indirect competitive ELISA (ciELISA) was developed for dicamba detection, with coating antigen and polyclonal antibody diluted at 1∶8000 and 1∶80000. The lineal range of the assay for detecting dicamba was 1 to 100 ngmL-1, with the detection limit (IC20)　of 1-779 ngmL-1. The regression equation was y = 8.6844 ln x+15.001， R2=0.9944. When dicamba addition　value was from 5 to 30 μgkg-1 in the recovery tests, the recovery rate　of dicamba in corn meal and wheat flour blank samples ranged from 53.08% to 92.37%, and 66.5% to 94.63%, respectively.

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD. 

Pencycuron: a new fungicide against black scurf (Rhizoctonia solani) in potatoes

Pencycuron (Monceren) is a new active ingredient from Bayer AG Leverkusen. Pencycuron is a fungicide with contact effect used as seed dressing in potatoes with a specific effect against black scurf (Rhizoctonia solani). A large number of field trials carried out in several countries in western Europe have proven that pencycuron is setting a new standard for the control of black scurf (Rhizoctonia solani) in potatoes achieving a considerable increase in yield and tuber quality of the crop. Pencycuron has also shown its superiority in comparison to other seed dressings in the market. Furthermore the treatment improves the size and shape of the tubers as shown by the number of tubers having size 35-55 mm with lower Sclerotinia darnage in the harvested crop. Pencycuron was launched in the Danish market in 1993 as Monceren DS 12,5, a dry powder formulation used with a dosage of 200 g per hkg seed potatoes. In 1994 Pencycuron will also be available in Denmark as Monceren FS 250, a liquid formulation used with a dosage of 60 ml per hkg seed potatoes. This formulation is sprayed on the seed tubers while dropping from the potato planter to the soil using special equipment 

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD. 

About dicamba：Induction and screening of embryonic callus from immature embryo culture of maize inbred line

BY： LI Hai-xia,QIN Wen-juan,TANG Ji-hua,LIU Zong-hua,CHANG Ji-ping,HU Yan-min

Effect of 2,4-D and dicamba on the induction and subculture of callus from maize inbred line was compared with Zheng 58,Zheng 22 and Ye 478 as experimental materials.The results show that the induction effect of dicamba on the calli from the immature embryos of 3 maize inbred lines was better than that of the 2,4-D;the subculture medium with 2 mg L-1 2,4-D adapted to 3 types of genotypes;Zheng 22,more easily induced high quality callus,can be induced directly on induction medium containing 2 mg L-1 2,4-D,then can be cultured on subculture medium containing 2 mg L-1 2,4-D;as for the materials induced callus more difficultly,such as Zheng 58 and Ye 478,they should be induced on induction medium containing 2~3 mg L-1 dicamba,and should be cultured on subculture medium containing 2 mg L-1 2,4-D.This method was conducive to obtain embryonic callus.


Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD. 

EFSA published review of pesticides risks to bees

Source:EFSA　

EFSA has published a state-of-the-art scientific review of the risks posed by pesticides to honey bees, bumble bees and solitary bees. This major piece of work will support the development of specific guidance for the assessment of possible risks to bees from the use of plant protection products. The guidance will provide up-to-date advice to those involved in the evaluation of plant protection products and their active substances, including industry and public authorities.
The opinion published on the science that will underpin the guidance was requested by the European Commission and responds to growing concerns among MEPs and beekeeper associations about the appropriateness of the current risk assessment scheme. It is also part of EFSA’s coordinated response to the decline in the numbers of honeybees, wild bees and other pollinators in Europe.

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD. 

About pencycuron: Biodegradable solid preparation of a phytopathologicalagent with delayed active substance release

The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a solid formulation of a slow-release crop protection product, which comprises carrying out a melt extrusion of a composition comprising 0.1 to 80% by weight of at least one fungicidal active ingredient, 0 to 80% by weight of at least one herbicidal, acaricidal, insecticidal or growth-regulatory active ingredient, 3 to 80% by weight of a thermoplastic, water-insoluble polymer　the group of the polylactides, 0 to 80% by weight of at least one thermoplastic water-insoluble polymer, 10 to 80% by weight of at least one mineral filler and 0 to 20% by weight of inorganic or organic additives, and subsequently shaping the extrudate, and to the solid formulations preparable by this method.
1. A method for the preparation of a solid formulation of a slow-release crop protection product, which comprises carrying out a melt extrusion of a composition comprising (a) 0.1 to 80% by weight of at least one fungicidal active ingredient; (b) 0 to 80% by weight of at least one herbicidal, acaricidal, insecticidal or growth-regulatory active ingredient; (c) 3 to 80% by weight of a thermoplastic, water-insoluble polymer　the group of the polylactides; (d) 5 to 80% by weight of at least one polybutylene adipate terephthalate; (e) 10 to 80% by weight of at least one mineral filler; and (f) 0 to 20% by weight of inorganic or organic additives; the total of components (a) to (f) being 100%, and subsequently shaping the extrudate.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises 5 to 6% by weight of component (d).
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein a fungicidal active ingredient selected　the group consisting of pyroquilon, tricyclazol, isoprothiolane, edifenphos, ferimzone, fludioxinil, pencycuron, flutolanil, mepronil, thifluzamid, iprodione, furametpyr and/or　the class of the strobilurins is used as component (a).



Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD. 

About dicamba: Methods and materials for making and using transgenic dicamba-degrading organisms

BY: Weeks, Donald P.　Wang, Xiao-zhuo　 Herman, Patricia L.

The invention provides isolated and at least partially-purified dicamba-degrading enzymes, isolated DNA molecules coding for dicamba-degrading enzymes, DNA constructs coding for dicamba-degrading enzymes, transgenic host cells comprising DNA coding for dicamba-degrading enzymes, and transgenic plants and plant parts comprising one or more cells comprising DNA coding for dicamba-degrading enzymes. Expression of the dicamba-degrading enzymes results in the production of dicamba-degrading organisms, including dicamba-tolerant plants. The invention further provides a method of controlling weeds in a field containing the transgenic dicamba-tolerant plants of the invention and a method of decontaminating a material containing dicamba comprising applying an effective amount of a transgenic microorganism or dicamba-degrading enzyme(s) of the invention to the material. Finally, the invention provides a method of selecting transformed plants and plant cells based on dicamba tolerance and a method of selecting or screening transformed host cells, intact organisms and parts of organisms based on the fluorescence of 3,6-dichlorosalicylic acid produced as a result of dicamba degradation


Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD. 

UK: impacts and sustainable use of pesticides in 2011

Source:CRD　

The Pesticides Forum has published its latest annual report ‘Pesticides in the UK – the 2011 report on the impacts and sustainable use of pesticides".
The work of the UK Pesticides Forum in 2011 confirms that the use of pesticides is not adversely impacting on the health of UK citizens or the environment. This is testimony to the effectiveness of both statutory and voluntary controls. However there is scope to reduce risks further without compromising the very real need to control pests, weeds and diseases.
The action plans of the UK Pesticides Strategy identify and help to direct activity resulting in a well-balanced package of statutory and voluntary controls and good advice relating to the responsible use of pesticides. It is important that those who sell, supply, store and use pesticides respect the very necessary legal requirements and engage positively with the innovative voluntary programmes.
This report shows that overall usage of pesticides (measured by weight of active substance) has continued to decline from the peak in 1998. In recent years this drop has largely been as a result of the loss of two key herbicides, isoproturon and trifluralin, and the reduction in maximum application rates of use of others.
These herbicides are all used primarily for the control of black-grass and it remains to be seen how much impact these losses will have on the ability of farmers to control this weed, while minimising the development of resistance to the remaining herbicides used.
One particular important issue the Forum discussed this year was how recent developments in pesticide application technology have helped users apply products more precisely. The UK is at the forefront of these developments. The use of GPS on modern sprayers and developments in spray nozzle technology has helped reduce the risk of drift and overspraying.
We continue to see increases in the number and quality of professional users of pesticides through the provision of well-designed training and continuing professional development programmes. The Forum was pleased to learn of the development of schemes such as Amenity Assured and other initiatives which will help to improve practice in this sector.
The Forum continues to highlight the importance and value of all relevant stakeholders working collaboratively to co-ordinate and provide advice on pesticide use. This will help ensure that society can derive the benefits from responsible pesticide use without being exposed to unacceptable effects. It is important to be innovative, ambitious and to strive to continually reduce risks. The UK public can be assured of the high degree of professionalism exhibited by those who sell, supply, store and use pesticides and that the UK’s robust and innovative range of controls deliver high standards of protection for human health and the environment.

Yangzhou pioneer chemical CO.,LTD.