New Propiconazole Restrictions For 2016 Peanut Production

 

 

 

Peanut growers take note, there are new import restrictions on propiconazole residues in peanuts going to the European Union (EU).  Propiconazole is an active ingredient in the common peanut fungicides Tilt, Tilt/Bravo, Artisan, Stratego, PropiMax, and Bumper.

 

The restrictions apply only to shipments that may be destined for the European Union.  If there is any possibility that peanut may go to a buying point, the peanut industry recommends that no propiconazole be used in 2016.  The restrictions do not apply for domestic use, such as green peanuts for boiling.

 

The import restrictions are not due to any new risk from propiconazole use, but rather are due to EU questions about the methodology to determine maximum residue limits. In light of those questions, the EU has reduced the import tolerance detection limit to a concentration of 0.01 ppm, compared to the US maximum residue limit of 0.2 ppm.  That means that if they can detect propiconazole in peanut shipped to the EU, the shipment will be rejected.

 

 

 

 

Propiconazole has been primarily used for leaf spot control in peanuts.  Planting prior to May 10 can reduce risk of leaf spot pressure, but will also increase risk of TSWV and white mold pressure.  Some suggested propiconazole alternatives for 2016 spray programs include: