Cotton Australia has successfully applied to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority for an Emergency Permit varying conditions for the use of the defoliation product Ethephon 900 g/L.

In effect the permit amends the registered product label by allowing application when the mean day/night temperature is expected to be above 18 degrees Celsius. The current label omitted the word mean.

CA GM Michael Murry said the permit will make it easier for growers to legally apply the product in suitable conditions in a manner specified in the designated jurisdictions.

“Previously, someone applying Ethephon could be in breach if the temperature fell below 18 degrees, for even a brief period. This now provides some flexibility when temperatures vary throughout the application period.

A copy of the full permit can be found here.