ERMA New Zealand has released its decision on the reassessment of hydrogen cyanamide, a plant growth regulator used on apples and kiwifruit.
The reassessment application was the first hazardous substance reassessment undertaken by ERMA New Zealand. It re-examined the approval to import and manufacture soluble concentrates containing hydrogen cyanamide to ensure existing controls were adequate to address potential risks.
FAQs
What is hydrogen cyanamide?
Hydrogen cyanamide is registered for use in New Zealand as a plant growth regulator.
Current hydrogen cyanamide trade name products include:
Breaker, Gro-Chem HC 50, Hi-Cane, Hortcare Hi-Break, CYAN and TreestarT.
What is hydrogen cyanamide used for?
Hydrogen cyanamide is mainly used on kiwifruit to promote bud break.
Its effects are extensive and include:
- slightly earlier flowering than on untreated plants
- flowering over a much shorter time period
- more even spread of flowers along the canes
- increased flower numbers
- reduced incidence of double and triple flowers, which impact on fruit size.
By harvest, the effect of hydrogen cyanamide shows up as a significant increase in both the number of fruit and overall fruit size.
Hydrogen cyanamide is also used in a similar way on apples, but its use is not as widespread.
Why was hydrogen cyanamide reassessed?
Hydrogen cyanamide's use as a plant growth regulator has been the subject of a number of adverse reports.
Analysis of spray drift incidents and the National Poisons Centre database, indicate exposure incidents involving its use. These include exposure of spray operators, other workers and the public.
What was the timetable for the reassessment?
Applications for public submissions opened on 28 March 2006 and will close on 12 May 2006.
A public hearing was held in June 2006.
Were there any changes to hydrogen cyanamide's use?
The Authority released its decision on 1 August 2006 (application and decision: HRC05001)
What has the industry been doing to reduce the risks associated with using hydrogen cyanamide?
There is currently no good substitute for hydrogen cyanamide. However, the kiwifruit and horticultural industries have been proactive in pesticide risk reduction, including using less hazardous sprays instead of organophosphates and other harmful substances, working with Regional Councils on spray notification processes and developing integrated pest management systems.
Application Register Information
- Existing approval number: HSR000807
- Grounds for Reassessment application: RES04001
- Reassessment application and decision: HRC05001