AUSVEG has welcomed the decision last week by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to issue an emergency use permit to support efforts to contain Potato mop-top virus (PMTV).

Following more than two months of technical discussions between Tasmanian potato businesses, AUSVEG, Biosecurity Tasmania and the APVMA, approval has been granted for the use of fluazinam as an in-furrow treatment targeting powdery scab, which is the vector responsible for transmitting PMTV. This outcome provides timely and welcome support for the Tasmanian potato industry as it works to manage the risks associated with this exotic pathogen.

The permit, which is limited to Tasmanian growers only, has been issued for two years up until 31 October 2027. This effectively provides options for growers at planting for the next three seasons. AUSVEG will now be determining a way forward with view to providing greater permanency around access to fluazinam, potentially through a label claim. This will involve working with a willing registrant and possibly generating additional data to support a national use pattern.

AUSVEG National Agrichemical Manager David Daniels said: “While there are obviously no silver bullets when dealing with pests and diseases, this permit will provide another important and affordable tool to help reduce the economic impacts of mop-top virus.”

The request from Tasmanian potato businesses to pursue an emergency use permit was made to AUSVEG a little over two months ago. As this relates to an exotic incursion, Biosecurity Tasmania submitted the application to the APVMA on behalf of the industry. This represents an excellent example of how AUSVEG works constructively with industry and government at all levels to achieve positive outcomes for the sector. AUSVEG is grateful for the efforts of Biosecurity Tasmania in assisting the industry as it transitions to management.

It is also important to recognise the efforts of the APVMA in expediting this application.

Permit 96705 (Fluazinam to supress powdery scab in potato fields) may be located in the APVMA’s permit database at: PERMIT1 = FIELD TRIAL / REGISTERED PRODUCTS

As is always the case, please do not hesitate to contact David Daniels for further information:

David Daniels

National Agrichemical Manager

M 0402 270 554

E david.daniels@ausveg.com.au