Resistant pests a global problem for ag sector
A major global challenge for the agricultural industry is pesticide resistance. A resulting loss of pesticide options can be costly and environmentally harmful.
A new pesticide to combat parasitic worms in carrots, kumara, parsnips, and potatoes has been approved for use in New Zealand.
Plant-parasitic worms, or nematodes, are considered a major risk to root vegetables, with producers sometimes experiencing complete crop failure from the damage they cause.
The applicant, Adama New Zealand Limited, says it’s product Nimlitz will be an important tool to ensure the economic viability of these crops.
“EPA staff conducted comprehensive risk assessments and found the risks to people and the environment to be negligible, with appropriate rules in place,” says Dr Lauren Fleury, hazardous substances applications manager.
“Nimlitz is restricted to commercial use by professionals, and is a less hazardous alternative to fenamiphos-containing substances that are currently used. It will help reduce risks to workers, the soil, and the environment.”
The product contains the active ingredient fluensulfone, which is new to New Zealand but has been approved for use in various countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, the United States, India and Brazil.
Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.
Environment Southland's catchment improvement funding is once again available for innovative landowners in need of a boost to get their project going.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
OPINION: The phasing out of copper network from communications is understandable.
Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.