Application for emergency use of Cruiser SB granted

Defra has approved an emergency temporary authorisation for the use of a neonicotinoid pesticide treatment on this year’s sugar beet crop due to the risk to the crop from yellows viruses.

This is the third year that farmers have been granted authorisation for Cruiser SB (thiamethoxam), which can only be used if the independent Rothamsted Virus Yellows model predicts a virus incidence of 63% or above.

If the threshold is met and limited use is allowed, then further strict conditions will be applied to minimise risks to the environment.

This includes a maximum number of seeds planted per hectare and restrictions on farmers planting flowering crops in subsequent years in any field where treated seed has been used. This is to allow time for the chemical to break down.

‘Potential danger’

“We recognise the potential danger of an outbreak of the beet yellows virus on the nation’s sugar beet crop and the impact it could have on the production of UK sugar,” says farming minister, Mark Spencer. “Therefore after careful consideration, we regard issuing an emergency authorisation as a necessary measure to protect the industry.

“The product can only be used if a strict threshold is met and on a single non-flowering crop. This decision has not been taken lightly and is based on extensive and rigorous scientific assessment.”

The minister has decided that it’s appropriate to grant the authorisation for a 120-day period to cover the period from treatment of seed until the end of the season for seed drilling.

Further updates to come

In light of the news of the authorisation, a spokesperson from British Sugar said: “As with our previous EA applications, the use of Cruiser SB is subject to the outcome of the predetermined, independent Rothamsted Virus Yellows model, which predicts the pressure for the growing season ahead.

“We are currently evaluating the threshold that has been set for this year, and waiting for the stewardship conditions, to understand the practicalities in more detail. Once digested, we will provide further updates in the coming days.”