In June 2008 a group of plot holders on our site noticed that potato and tomato crops
were not growing well. Both types of crop were displaying distorted leaf formation.
We realised that the problem was confined to areas where plot holders had applied
manure which had been purchased from the same supplier which indicated that the manure
was the source of our problems. This instigated more investigation and we discovered
that the problem, which was identified as likely to be hormonal herbicide contamination,
was not just affecting our allotment site. It also seemed that the contamination
was not confined to manure as some reported that bagged compost seemed to be affected.
I decided to post information on my website so that others having problems had access
to all the information that we had managed to gather. The suspect herbicide aminopyralid
had its licence withdrawn by the manufacturer and after they drafted a improved stewardship
the Chemicals Regulations Directorate (CRD) - formerly Pesticide Safety Directorate
reapproved the licence. This means that the chemical is back in use so we need to
be vigilant in monitoring whether the new stewardship is affective. An information
sheet offering advice to anyone obtaining manure can be accessed here
The pages linked form here tell the story in full and hopefully the photographs and
video helped in identification of the problem.
Just for reference the potato council has photos of symptoms of the many pests and
diseases that can affect potatoes click here
Press release from DOW AgroSciences 17 June 2010
Reintroduction of aminopyralid products will not lead to more manure problems
Aminopyralid herbicides have been re-introduced this year to help grassland farmers
deal with difficult to control weeds but with tight controls to prevent problems
with manure management.
Aminopyralid herbicides are the most effective solutions to control dock, thistle,
nettle, and buttercup infestations in grassland. To ensure that their use does not
lead to a repeat of the issues seen previously, their availability is now tightly
controlled with a significantly amended label and a stewardship scheme which ensures
farmers are aware of the implications for subsequent manure management. The herbicides
cannot be used on grassland destined for hay and silage nor on grassland grazed by
horses. This year sales are restricted to Scotland, South West England and Northern
Ireland.
There have been some incidents this year of manure containing aminopyralid ending
up on gardens and allotments.
“This is disappointing and upsetting for those affected,” said Dow AgroSciences principal
biologist Andy Bailey. “Although of small comfort, we would reassure anyone affected
that this manure has not come from use this season under the new controls. It is
a reflection of manure generated from past treatment and kept in heaps for more than
a year. Also, the past long winter means old stocks of forage will have been consumed
on livestock farms.”
The new restriction in aminopyralid use will mean any manure returns immediately
to pasture where it will cause no harm and cannot leave the farm. The stringent use
restrictions are explained in detail to every professional farmer who wants to buy
a product and a written confirmation of understanding must be completed.
Dow AgroSciences’ advice to concerned farmers or gardeners remains the same – to
check carefully the provenance of any manure being used where sensitive crops, such
as potatoes, peas, beans and carrots, may be grown.
“If anyone supplying manure cannot state with certainty that no aminopyralid-based
product (sold as Forefront, Pharaoh or Banish) was used on the forage from which
the manure resulted, then it is best not to accept any supply,” says Mr Bailey. “For
anyone who has manure and is concerned, please contact us through our dedicated website http://www.manurematters.co.uk.This
site also contains detailed information and frequently asked questions for gardeners,
horse owners and professional grassland farmers.”
Press release ends
Additional information:
I couldn't find any information on the new labelling for the UK but found this information
with respect to Canada click here
Herbicide packaged before the reintroduction have been recalled see here
Question:
Anyone know why sales are being restricted to Scotland, South West England and Northern
Ireland? (Not why sales are being restricted just why have they chosen these areas?
July 2012
Sales still restricted to Scotland, Northern Ireland and the South-West
of England (Devon, Cornwall, Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset)
Adding your experiences
If you have had recent experience of what you suspect to be herbicide contamination
that you wish to share please contact me with information e.g. where you garden,
how many gardeners are affected, what you suspect is the source, decription of affects
and any photographs
