A new APVMA permit (PER 93132) allows the use of a spray drift management tool (SDMT) to re-calculate buffer zones to suit your particular situation when applying some pesticides. The SDMT (available as a spreadsheet file) and other relevant documentation (including a video on how to use the calculator) and a copy of PER93132 can be found on the APVMA website at https://apvma.gov.au/node/113331
While the majority of the products listed are herbicides, the permit includes the use of Altacor (350 g/kg chlorantraniliprole) in pulses.
Instead of applying the ‘worst case’ buffers, spray applicators can use site-specific information to calculate reduced buffer zones applicable to their local conditions, application preferences, and drift reduction technology.
The permit runs from 19 May 2023 to 30 June 2028, and applies to all Australian states and territories. Users must subscribe to APVMA ‘news updates’ and the ‘pesticides newsletter’ to ensure they use the latest version of the modified SDMT.
When undertaking spray treatment, users must:
- be appropriately licenced for pesticide application in their relevant jurisdiction.
- comply with all spray drift conditions and buffer zones calculated by the SDMT.
- ensure the rate of application is within the approved rate range for the target crop on the registered product label, and
- comply with all other instructions and conditions on the registered product label.
The permit does not allow using the SDMT to increase mandatory buffer zones specified on the current approved label or applying products via a method that is specifically excluded on the current approved label.
Held by Grain producers Australia (GPA), the permit is the result of a collaboration between GRDC, GPA and the National Working Party on Pesticide Applications. Version 2 of the SDMT was released on 23 May 2023. Visit the APVMA for more information.