Agrochemical Updates


Agrochemical update December 2006

APVMA 60541

Microsul WG Elite has been granted registration by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for the control of vine mites, grape leaf blister mite, powdery mildew and mites on grapevines.
Microsul WG Elite is a Melpat product. It contains the active constituent sulphur which is a Group Y fungicide/miticide.
Restriction on use for export grapes: Use no later than 30 days before harvest.

Note: The use of generic terms such as mites and vine mites on many of the sulphur products registered for use in viticulture, encompasses all mites that are found on grapevines.

APVMA 53738

Py Bo insecticide is registered by the APVMA for the control of aphids, ants, cabbage moth and other caterpillars, earwigs, leafhoppers, thrips and whiteflies in fruit and vegetable crops. Grapevines are considered as a fruit crop therefore, this product can be used on grapevines.
Py Bo is a Pestech Australia product. It contains two active constituents: pyrethrins (Group 3A) and piperonyl butoxide (benzodioxile). Piperonyl butoxide restricts an enzyme that insects use to detoxify the pyrethrins which allows the insecticide to be more effective.

Restriction on use for export grapes: Use no later than 80% capfall.

APVMA 53696

Hammer herbicide has been granted registration by the APVMA for the control of unwanted suckers (water shoots) arising from the main stem or trunk of grapevines.
Hammer is distributed by Crop Care. It contains the active constituent carfentrazone-ethyl which is a Group G herbicide.

Surround does not require APVMA registration.

Due to the recent hot spell and with more high temperature events to come, the use of products such as Surround are being considered as a way of reducing leaf temperatures relative to ambient temperatures.
Surround as a protectant against sunburn and heat stress is not required to be registered by the APVMA and there is no State or Territory legislation regulating its use. The registration process is governed by Commonwealth legislation. The agricultural chemical products that require registration encompasses all herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and growth regulators. It does not include products such as Surround because they do not fit the definition of an agricultural chemical product (For more information on this definition go to http://www.apvma.gov.au/registration/chemreg.shtml). Therefore, Surround can be used on grapevines despite the fact that grapevines do not appear on the label. Given the nature of the product, residues might be present at harvest, especially in the case of late season applications. We do not know if this will have any impact on the winemaking process and final wine quality. It is advised that you contact your winery or grape purchaser prior to application of this product.


This information is provided to inform the wine industry of agrochemical product information, and should not be interpreted as an endorsement.