Use of Pesticides in Forestry

Over the next few years all pesticides will be transferred from the UK to the EC regulatory approval system.

While some forestry approvals will remain unchanged, others may no longer have forestry approvals or may be approved with reduced rates of application. It is therefore essential that product labels are checked to ensure the legality of the intended application.

In addition, the Long Term Offlabel Arrangements which allowed the use of products “offlabel” in farm woodlands, Christmas trees and forest nurseries will be phased out over the next few years, and these uses will have to be replaced by Single Offlabel Approvals for each product used.

Approved forestry pesticides for 2009 are expected to include:

alpha-cypermethrin. * Weevil control (offlabel)
aluminium ammonium sulphate. Animal deterrent
clopyralid. Selective, foliar control of thistle and clover (offlabel)
cycloxydim. Selective, foliar control of most grasses
cypermethrin. * Weevil control
2,4-D+dicamba+triclopyr. * Control of most perennial broadleaved weeds
dichlobenil. * Granular control of grass & non scrub perennial weeds. (offlabel)
diflubenzuron. Control of caterpillar
diquat. Foliar grass and broadleaved weed dessicant
glufosinate ammonium. Foliar grass and broadleaved weed dessicant
glyphosate. Foliar control of grass and perennial broadleaved weeds
propaquizafop. Selective, foliar control of most grasses
propyzamide. * Selective, residual grass control
triclopyr. Foliar, cut stump & winter shoot control of scrub and nettle
ziram. Animal deterrent

* These products may have restrictions if used in UKWAS certified forests.

Regulatory changes may remove some of these pesticides at short notice. Always check the label before use. Further pesticides have offlabel approval for use in farm woodlands only.

Products which have lost forestry approvals since 2008:

  • ammonium sulphamate
  • carbosulfan
  • 2,4-D ester
  • diquat + paraquat
  • paraquat.

Helplines

For all your chemical questions, the ConFor Chemical Helpline is available to members - Colin Palmer: 01531 633500. Email forestry@branchline.demon.co.uk

For further information please see: Use of Pesticides in Forestry - Relevant Publications.