An increase in the number of containers of the pesticide nematicide being returned contaminated or damaged is putting the Ultima closed-handling system under pressure.
Mocap 10G is supplied in Ultima returnable and refillable containers as part of the Ultima closed transfer system which helps engineer out the risk of operator exposure when filling nematicide applicator hoppers.
Dr Bill Lankford, campaign manager for root crops at Mocap manufacturer Bayer CropScience, re-enforced the message that it is now a regulatory requirement that such products only be supplied in closed transfer packs.
“The containers have been designed and UN tested for a six-year life, but last year the rate of container write-offs hit 40 per cent. This is bringing into question the system’s economics and clearly the trend needs reversing to keep it sustainable for the UK,” said Lankford.
“To help operators use the system safely and effectively, and take care of the Ultima containers, we have produced a new booklet of operating instructions. Providing users follow the twelve steps illustrated, they should find it easy to fill applicator hoppers quickly and ensure emptied containers are kept in good condition, so they can be collected by the supplier and returned to the factory for refilling.”
For 2009 Bayer CropScience has decided not to introduce a deposit charging system to recover the cost of unnecessary container write-offs. However, Dr Lankford warns: “It’s something we can’t rule out for the future. Helping growers and the supply chain make the system work as it’s designed is our priority this year. What happens thereafter depends on how practices change.”
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