Products containing the insecticide chlorpyrifos have been employed as important tools in the grassland plant protection armoury for many years. The active ingredient continues to be used extensively, with 20,000 treated hectares of permanent pasture, new leys and temporary grassland treated per year (2009, PUS). It is also used within the turf amenity sector - and the same advice for the grassland sector applies to amenity.

The value of chlorpyrifos to the industry is characterised by its relative affordability and the ability to control grassland damage as a result of insect pests more effectively than other active ingredients. It is estimated that without treatment with chlorpyrifos there would be a reduction in production from temporary grassland, representing £17 million in lost feed value each year.

Leatherjackets are the key target pest – predominantly in new leys from November onwards, when damage is first seen. The main alternative is less effective as it needs to be ingested.

Frit fly is particularly attracted to ryegrasses with other grass species less susceptible. 90% control of Frit fly is possible through the application of chlorpyrifos at emergence or at first sign of attack. The main alternative is less persistent and unlikely to give as good control.

There is no real alternative to the use of chlorpyrifos for controlling pests in the turnaround between grassland and arable cropping

 

Chlorpyrifos Consortium members:

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