An unprecedented increase in local and global demand for the insecticidal seed treatment active ingredient, clothianidin, could lead to possible shortage of the popular cereal seed treatment, Redigo Deter (prothioconazole + clothianidin) this autumn.

“High levels of barley yellow dwarf virus in autumn 2011, followed by extraordinary slug pressure in autumn 2012 have particularly encouraged Redigo Deter use,” explains Peter Stacey, marketing manager for the product.

Usage has increased in the UK by around 60-70% over the past two seasons compared with single digit increases in preceding years, and that dramatic growth has also been reflected in many other markets around the world.

This means while Bayer CropScience has ramped up production capability globally, it has not been able to fully keep pace with the rapidly increasing demand. This potentially could lead to shortages this autumn, a situation not helped by a temporary halt in production due to problems at the production facility last autumn.

“We have secured more product for the UK than was used in 2011,” concludes Mr Stacey. “But unfortunately we will not be able to fully meet demand if it reaches the very high levels of autumn 2012.”

Bayer CropScience is continuing to work hard to further increase production capability to be able to fully meet demand in future seasons.