The decision not to include 1,3-Dichloropropene (Telone II) in Annex 1 of Directive 91/414/EC was taken by the Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health on May 15.

However, the unprecedented demand for this product from EU growers and its critical role as an alternative to methyl bromide ensures that the product can continue to be used by EU and UK growers until at least March 2009, with the possibility of this deadline being extended until September 2010, Dow Agrosciences suggests.

In addition, Dow states that it is preparing a detailed and complete resubmission dossier, including additional risk assessments, and will submit this to the Spanish Rappoteur as soon as the process allows. It is Dow’s objective to obtain an Annex I inclusion decision before the product is scheduled to be removed from the market-place and so maintain its long term use.

Dow AgroSciences explained that it is ‘fully committed in terms of support and future investment of 1,3-D in the UK, EU and globally.’ The company plans to work with European regulators to provide any additional information that may be needed to support 1,3-D and its continued use as a product acknowledged as essential to European food production.

Dow’s John Sellars said: “This should be seen as a positive outcome for the UK potato grower, as Telone II will be available until at least spring 2009 and possibly autumn 2010. It is hoped that with resources secured, Annex I inclusion will be achieved before these dates.”

Used safely worldwide for 40 years, 1,3-D is available in the UK as Telone II, the company explained. Applied to soil prior to planting by professional contractors, it controls all species of yield and quality reducing Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) and Free-living Nematodes (FLN).

With significant yield losses and corresponding impact on quality, PCN is a significant pest of the UK potato crop. It is estimated that 10 percent of the total production, valued in the order of £50 million, is lost each year as a result of PCN infestations.