Gazette NRA 9, 7 September 1999 page 18

NOTICE

Azoxystrobin

[in the product: AMISTAR WG FUNGICIDE]

The National Registration Authority for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (NRA) has before it an application from Crop Care Australasia Pty Ltd for registration of a new product containing the active constituent azoxystrobin. The product is AMISTAR WG FUNGICIDE. The product is for use on grapes.

In accordance with sections 12 and 13 of the Agvet Code, the NRA invites any person to submit a relevant written submission as to whether the application for registration should be granted. Submissions should state the grounds on which they are based. Such grounds should relate only to matters outlined below that the NRA is required to take into account in deciding whether to grant the application. Comments must be received by the NRA within 28 days of the date of this notice.

Particulars of Application

Proposed product name: AMISTAR WG FUNGICIDE
Applicant company: Crop Care Australasia Pty Ltd
Name of active constituent: Azoxystrobin
Signal heading: Schedule 5
Statement of claims: For the control of downy mildew, powdery mildew and botrytis bunch rot in grapes
Pack sizes: 1,2,3,5 & 10kg
Withholding period: 14 days

Summary of the NRA’s evaluation of AMISTAR WG FUNGICIDE in accordance with Section 14(3)(e) and (f) of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code (the ‘Agvet Code’), scheduled to the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994

The NRA has evaluated the application and in its assessment in relation to human and environmental safety under section 14(3)(e) of the Agvet Code, it proposes to determine that:

(i) The NRA is satisfied that the proposed use of AMISTAR WG FUNGICIDE would not be an undue hazard to the safety of people exposed to it during its handling and use.

The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) has conducted a risk assessment on AMISTAR WG FUNGICIDE and concluded that it can be used safely. The NRA accepts the findings and recommendations of the NOHSC evaluation.

The product will be formulated in the United Kingdom; repackaging will not be required in Australia. AMISTAR WG FUNGICIDE is determined to be hazardous based on its eye irritancy effects. Instructions and safety directions are provided on the label to minimise exposure to the product, and provided these are followed, the product can be used safely.

(ii) The NRA is satisfied that the proposed use of AMISTAR WG FUNGICIDE will not be an undue hazard to the safety of people using anything containing its residues. Residue data was assessed by the NRA and maximum residue limits (MRLs) and withholding periods (WHPs) were set for azoxystrobin when used on grapes.

(iii) The NRA is satisfied that the proposed use of AMISTAR WG FUNGICIDE is not likely to be harmful to human beings if used according to the product label directions.

The active constituents have been evaluated and approved and the product is scheduled as Schdule 5. The appropriate signal heading is on the label. First Aid and Safety Directions for azoxystrobin have been recommended by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services and NOHSC and have been included on the label.

The NRA accepts the findings and recommendations of its advisers on this criteria.

(iv) The NRA is satisfied that the proposed use of AMISTAR WG FUNGICIDE on grapes is not likely to have an unintended effect that is harmful to animals, plants or the environment.

Environment Australia has assessed data in support of AMISTAR WG FUNGICIDE. The data show that residues of azoxystrobin are expected to be confined to the soil near the point of application and slowly degrade. AMISTAR WG FUNGICIDE has low toxicity to most fauna and flora, but is moderately to highly toxic to fish and moderately to very highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates. Assessment indicates a potential for some short term effects on sensitive aquatic invertebrates if excessive drift of spray droplets occurs, but without allecting populations. Label warning statements should minimise the risk of such occurences.

The NRA accepts the findings and recommendations of its advisers on this criteria.

(v) The NRA is satisfied that the proposed use of AMISTAR WG FUNGICIDE would not adversely affect trade between Australia and places outside Australia as the MRL for table grapes is in line with the tolerances established or proposed in most countries. The MRL for dried grapes has not been established in overseas markets but the NRA believes that its highly likely that such countries will set a level similar to that proposed for Australia. Some countries have a lower MRL for wine. It it considered that management practices can be adopted in the production of wine grapes which would allow the tolerances to be met. Data was presented to allow establishment of animal produce levels at the limit of quantitation.

In relation to its assessment of efficacy under section 14(3)(f), the NRA proposes to determine that:

(i) The NRA is satisfied the data from trials supporting the efficacy of AMISTAR WG FUNGICIDE adequately demonstrates that under local conditions this product is effective for the proposed uses. Public Release Summary

A Public Release Summary of the evaluation is available by contacting David Hutchison on telephone (02) 6271 6384. Written submissions on the NRA’s proposal to grant the application for registration should be addressed in writing to:

Colin Byrnes
Agricultural &Veterinary Chemicals Evaluation
National Registration Authority for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals
PO Box E240
KINGSTON ACT 2604

Phone: (02) 6272 4850
Fax: (02) 6272 3218