Teagasc Horticulture Portal

Terms Of Use

This is the Teagasc Horticulture Portal which provides access to information about approved pesticides for use on horticultural crops in Ireland, as well as integrated pest management and crop agronomy. The following abbreviations have been used: HI - Harvest Interval, Max No - maximum number of sprays allowed, EAMU - Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use, OLA - off-label approval, EUA - Emergency Use Authorisation, DR - deregistered.

This Teagasc Horticulture Portal is intended to provide growers with a quick reference to the commonly available approved pesticides, which can be used on horticultural crops. Not all generic products are mentioned, nor are all product labels and EAMU labels provided. The term pesticide includes fungicides, insecticides, herbicides and molluscicides (slug pellets).

The Pesticide Control Service (PCS) of the Department of Agriculture has divided into two divisions – the Pesticide Registration Division (PRD) and the Pesticide Control Division (PCD) – collectively known as the Pesticide Registration and Control Divisions (PRCD). Pesticides are regulated in Ireland by the PRCD to ensure their safe use.

Once a pesticide is cleared for use the onus is on the grower to use that product responsibly. The instructions for the correct use of a pesticide are on the product label, which is a legally binding document that should be read carefully. By law, a grower can use a pesticide on a crop only if its use is specified on the label. The label also provides a precise summary of precautions to be taken in relation to how a pesticide is handled, applied and stored. This portal will link you to some of the approved product and EAMU labels as a quick reference, however, users should search for product and EAMU labels on the PRCD website and read it carefully before using a product.

The Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive (SUD) establishes a framework for European Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides by setting minimum rules to reduce the risks to human health and the environment that are associated with pesticide use. Pesticide users, advisors, distributors, inspectors etc. are required to have undertaken the relevant training for them. For more information on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive, visit PCS Agriculture Website

Take note that in addition to on-label uses there are many EAMU applications (Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use, formerly known as off-label approval). Growers must be in possession of the relevant EAMU Instructions for Use document before use. Current EAMU's are listed on the PRCD website and available for download.

Growers need to be aware that EAMU uses are applied at their own risk and that the application rates quoted need to be tested for crop safety purposes on a small area first. Proceed with caution in using EAMU recommendations on your crops, as damage may occur. Always consult with your crop adviser before use.

To ensure compliance with the regulations and to reassure consumers that the food they eat is safe, the Department regularly test for pesticide residues on a range of foodstuffs, including vegetables. Samples are taken at wholesale level and if a residue is detected it must not exceed the Maximum Residue Level (MRL). MRL's have been established for all pesticides and represent the maximum residue that should arise in food when pesticides are correctly used.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the pesticide details and any agronomy or technical information in this portal are correct. However, the definitive source of information on pesticides is the PRCD and if you have any doubts about the contents of a product label telephone 01-615 7552. If you believe there may be inaccuracies in any information accessed through this portal, we would like to hear from you. Please contact your Teagasc Advisor or email [email protected]. Teagasc cannot accept responsibility for errors in third party information accessed through this portal.