1 September 2025
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) recently handed down its final regulatory decision that the insecticide fenitrothion, used for the control of locusts and grasshoppers, is no longer supported and that a 12-month phase out period has commenced (APVMA Gazette,19 August 2025). This AWRI eBulletin provides a summary of implications of this decision for the wine industry.
Decision and implications for use
The APVMA has determined that the continued use of fenitrothion on grapes is NOT SUPPORTED. A number of registered chemical product labels have changed as a result of this decision; including removal of use on grapes against locust and grasshopper pests. In addition, Sumithion ULV premium grade insecticide (APVMA product number 50774) has been cancelled.
A 12-month phase-out period has now begun, during which time products bearing the previously approved labels may continue to be sold and used. After 14 August 2026 (“last use date”), it will be an offence to have possession or custody of fenitrothion products with old labels indicating permitted use on grapes.
As a result of this final decision, and in accordance with fenitrothion being listed in the Agrochemicals registered for use in Australian viticulture 25/26 (‘Dog book’) as “restricted for use by some wineries”, any vineyard owners considering application of this active prior to the “last use date” must do so in consultation with their winery/grape purchaser.
‘Dog book’
The current version of the ‘Dog book’ will remain unchanged as a result of the APVMA’s final decision on fenitrothion, given there is a one-year phase-out period applicable for use on grapevines. Changes will apply to the 2026/27 publication.
Managing custody of your de-registered agrochemicals
Safely manage storage of any fenitrothion products you hold in stock and fulfil requirements of certified membership of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, by:
- Segregating the de-registered fenitrothion products from the remainder of your insecticides within your chemical shed.
- Making a note on your chemical inventory of the “last use date” of these fenitrothion products. Registering any stock unused by this date with ChemClear for collection.
Further information
For enquiries about the final decision on fenitrothion, please call (02) 6770 2400 or email chemicalreview@apvma.gov.au.
For further information on cancelled agrochemical products, refer to the AWRI website. For all other technical viticulture or winemaking enquiries, including those relating to Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, please contact the AWRI helpdesk on 08 8313 6600 or helpdesk@awri.com.au.
Acknowledgement
This eBulletin is supported by Wine Australia with levies from Australia’s grapegrowers and winemakers and matching funds from the Australian Government. AWRI is a member of the Wine Innovation Cluster in Adelaide, SA.
