Public views are sought on an application to introduce the fungicide Amicus to New Zealand.

The applicant, Nufarm, is seeking approval to import or manufacture Amicus as a novel fungicide for the control of the diseases club root in transplanted brassica crops and powdery scab in potatoes.

The active ingredient in Amicus, amisulbrom, is new to New Zealand, and is applied to brassicas as a pre-plant seedling drench and to potatoes as an in-furrow spray.

The application proposes that while there are some risks associated with AMICUS, these can be managed and mitigated by following use instructions. Nufarm says this substance would provide a beneficial tool for the horticultural industry in disease control and resistance management.

Submissions close at 5pm on July 19.

Source:   Environmental Protection Authority