The range of Certis’ metaldehyde slug pellets, Trigger, Certis Metaldehyde and Certis Red, have had the use on potato crops re-instated allowing a harvest interval of just seven days.

The news follows the revocation of all metaldehyde-based slug pellets for use on potatoes in autumn last year.

Certis regulatory officer Sue Young said: “This was a result of EU harmonisation of maximum residue levels (MRLs). The MRL that was set for metaldehyde in potatoes was at a level for which no data was available that could prove use of the products would not exceed that MRL.

“We therefore had to conduct trials and produce data to show our products could be used within the label recommendations without exceeding the MRL. This has now been completed and the CRD (Chemicals Regulation Directorate) has granted approval for use of both three per cent and five per cent formulations of Trigger, Certis Metaldehyde and Certis Red, with a maximum total dose of 23.4kg per hectare for the three per cent and 14kg/ha for the five per cent pellets.”

The seven-day harvest interval for potatoes is a particular benefit, notes Certis, as other metaldehyde products currently registered for use in potatoes are all subject to a 21-day harvest interval.

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