An EU regulation has restricted use of the herbicide/desiccant active substance glufosinate-ammonium. Use of the active substance, which is produced by Bayer CropScience and sold as Harvest in the UK has been restricted to band or spot application only.

The restrictions will mainly affect potato growers, though are unlikely to have major impacts on fruit growers who use the product. An EFSA evaluation of the substance in 2012 noted that use presented a high risk to non-target insects and other arthropods.

The EU measures rule out application of glufosinate-ammonium products for weed control or desiccation, but 'flail and spray' desiccation will still be permitted, according to the product manufacturers.

Bayer spokesperson Dr Albert Pineda said Harvest labels would be amended in accordance with the new restrictions. The final sale date of 'old label' Harvest from distributors to users has been set at 12 May 2014 and final use or disposal date at 12 November 2014.

Dr Pineda said, "Other restrictions on the new label for all growers to note are that applications must be made using low drift nozzles and/or spray shields, application rates must not exceed 750 g active substance/ha per application, and there is a maximum of two applications per year."