Summary
A survey of pesticide usage in Northern Ireland grassland and fodder crops, 1989, indicated that approximately 122.5 tonnes of pesticide active ingredients were applied to 109,874 hectares, including repeated applications. It was estimated that 7.6% of the total grassland and fodder crops area was treated with pesticides. Herbicides were applied to 67% of the treated area and represented 98% of total pesticide usage by weight. Seed treatments were used on 32% of the pesticide-treated area, accounting for 1% of total weight of pesticide used. Insecticides and fungicides were used on 0.5% of the pesticide-treated area, accounting for 0.2% of the total weight of pesticide applied.

The most extensively used pesticide active ingredients were the herbicides MCPA, mecoprop and dicamba, which were applied to 70% of the herbicide-treated area, 54% of the total treated area.

A total of 42 products, comprising 29 active ingredients, were recorded in the survey.

Unapproved pesticide usage recorded in the survey included chlorpropham, in a grass re-seed, to control chickweed (Stellaria media) and chlorsulfuron with metsulfuron-methyl, in enclosed and rough grazing areas, to control bracken (Pteridium aquilinium).

The herbicide 2,4,5-T continued to be used in a product, which was voluntarily withdrawn by the manufacturer in 1986. Approval for the use of this product expires on 31st December 1992.

A full list of published reports is available together with abstracts from other relevant published work.

For further information on this work please contact:

Pesticide Usage Survey Group
Agri-food and Biosciences Institute
Newforge Lane
Belfast BT9 5PX

Email: pesticide.science@afbini.gov.uk
Tel: +44 (0)28 90 255689
Fax: +44 (0)28 90 255035