The 2016/17 edition of Agrochemicals registered for use in Australian viticulture (the 'Dog book') is now available. The updated ‘Dog book’ can be viewed via the online pdf or mobile app. A hard copy will be distributed to levy payers by mail and will also be included with the next issue of Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker.
This agrochemical update summarises the major changes compared with the previous version.
Re-entry periods
To raise awareness of the label-mandated directions concerning re-entry into vineyards after spraying, the following advice is now provided (page 22).
- The re-entry period is the minimum amount of time that must pass between when an agrochemical is applied to an area and when that area can be entered without protective clothing and equipment.
- Re-entry periods are set to protect people from exposure to agrochemicals that can occur by inhalation or skin contact if they enter an area without proper protective equipment.
- The agrochemical label provides information on the re-entry period and any protective clothing or equipment that must be used if the re-entry period is not met. Different products from the same activity group may have different re-entry requirements. The advice provided in these tables is the most stringent re-entry period for the active constituent.
- Where the re-entry period specifies a range of days, the shorter period relates to low exposure activities and the longer period to higher exposure activities. Check the label for details.
A key to the re-entry requirements for specific active constituents has been included as a new column in the list of registered products (pages 15-21) with the guidelines summarised on page 22.
The applicability of the 'Recommendations' to your business
The following statement has been emphasised on page 3 in the 2016/17 edition to raise awareness that the 'Recommendations'; aim to meet the strictest maximum residue limit (MRL) of all key export markets. For businesses that know the markets their products are going to be sold into, there may be less stringent guidelines that can be followed. The AWRI can be contacted for advice.
- These recommendations have been developed as a general guide and assume that the wine will be sent to a range of overseas markets, each with differing MRLs. If you only sell wine in Australia, or to only a few countries, contact the AWRI to discuss how the recommendations might differ. The AWRI can also provide advice regarding the persistence of a chemical on grapes or through winemaking, and MRLs for most major export destinations.
New active constituents
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has approved the use of the following active constituents in wine-grape production.
FENPYRAZAMINE
APVMA 68251
Prolectus is registered for control of botrytis (Botrytis cinerea). Prolectus is a Sumitomo Chemical Australia product. The label withholding period (WHP) is DO NOT apply after E-L 31. Recommended restriction on use for grapes destined for export wine: Use no later than E-L 25, 80% capfall.
FLUMIOXAZIN
APVMA 80647
Chateau is registered for the control of various grass and broadleaf weeds under grapevines. Chateau is a Sumitomo Chemical Australia product. The label recommends the product be used between the post-harvest period and budbreak.
Active constituents removed
The following active constituents have been removed from the 'Dog book' because they are either no longer registered with the APVMA for use in viticulture or are no longer available.
AZINPHOS-METHYL
Activity group 1B insecticide registered for elephant weevil, fig longicorn, grapevine hawk moth, grapevine scale and light brown apple moth.
FENAMIPHOS
Activity group 1B insecticide previously registered for nematodes.
FENARIMOL
Activity group 3 fungicide previously registered for powdery mildew. Changes to Dog book 'Recommendations'
CAPTAN
The European Union notification of a change to the maximum residue level (MRL) and residue definition for the fungicide captan has meant that captan is not recommended for use on grapes destined for export wines. Contact your winery or grape purchaser prior to any application of captan.
For more information or to request a copy of the new 'Dog book', please contact Marcel Essling on 08 8313 6600 or email helpdesk@awri.com.au.
This information is provided to inform the Australian grape and wine sector and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any product.