Gazette APVMA 7, 5 July 2005 page 18

NOTICE

Preliminary Review Findings of The Review of Approvals and Registrations
Related to Diuron

Diuron is a broad-spectrum residual herbicide registered for pre- and post-emergent control of both broadleaf and grass weeds in a number of broadacre and fruit and vegetable crops. It is widely used in sugarcane production and some tropical fruit crops and is also used to control weeds in irrigation channels and drainage ditches, around buildings and right of way areas. Products containing diuron are also registered for use in aquatic weed control, cotton defoliants, as marine antifouling paints and for control of algae in home aquaria and fishponds.

The APVMA, in accordance with Part 2, Division 4, of the Agvet Code, has reviewed the following aspects of active constituent approvals, product registrations and label approvals for diuron:

a) Toxicology, including:
· Toxicology of two impurities (3,3’,4,4’-tetrachloroazobenzene and 3,3’,4,4’-tetrachloroazoxybenzene) specified in the MCS for diuron active constituent.

b) Environment, including:
· the impact of runoff water containing diuron on the Great Barrier Reef;
· the impact of diuron found in sediment and water on various species of sea grass;
· the potential role of diuron as a cause of dieback in mangroves; and
· the possible contribution of diuron in run-off water to reported incidents of off-target damage to farmlands.

Following the review of diuron, the APVMA has found that the major concern with this chemical relates to the potentially unacceptable environmental exposure from uses of diuron at current label rates on sugarcane, cotton, citrus, horticultural crops (apples, pears, bananas, pawpaw, coffee, grapes and pineapples) and irrigation channels and drainage ditches.

In view of these findings, the APVMA is proposing to:

· Vary the maximum annual application of diuron to sugarcane, cotton, citrus, horticultural crops and general purpose non crop uses to reduce the environmental load. If risk mitigation strategies cannot be identified these uses may have to be deleted from labels;
· Delete uses in irrigation channels and drainage ditches where an unacceptable environmental risk has been identified;
· Vary labels to contain buffer zones for application of diuron to winter cereals and cotton; and
· Update labels to comply with current standards and requirements.

These variations to label instructions would then satisfy the requirements for continued registration of products. Product registrations to be affirmed.

The APVMA’s detailed findings can be found in the APVMA Preliminary Review Findings report, available on the APVMA website - http://www.apvma.gov.au.

The APVMA invites persons and organisations to submit their comments and suggestions on this Preliminary Review Findings report directly to the APVMA. Your comments will assist the APVMA in preparing the Final Review Report and Regulatory Decision.

Submissions specifically addressing the areas of concern noted in the Preliminary Review Findings report must be in writing and reach the APVMA by 30 September 2005, by email to chemrev@apvma.gov.au or by mail to:

Evaluator Diuron Review
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
PO Box E240
KINGSTON ACT 2604
For further information please contact (02) 6272 3213 or Fax (02) 6272 3218