The Rural Development Administration announced on February 2 that it would impose a limited-time ban on three insecticides that contain the neonicotinoids, a class of neuro-active insecticides chemically similar to nicotine in compliance with the two-year moratorium on the chemicals by the EU government until November 30, 2015.(image:Kumaravel @flickr)
SEOUL, Korea, Feb 3 (Korea Bizwire) – The Rural Development Administration announced on February 2 that it would impose a limited-time ban on three insecticides—thiamethoxam, clothianidin, and imidacloprid—that contain the neonicotinoids, a class of neuro-active insecticides chemically similar to nicotine in compliance with the two-year moratorium on the chemicals by the EU government until November 30, 2015.
Neonicotinoid-based insecticides are widely used in the world as its toxicity is lower than conventional organophosphate and carbamate-based insecticides. In Korea there are six pesticide materials are in circulation. The latest decision reflection the recent findings that the neuro-active insecticides may be responsible for the abrupt reduction in honeybee population across the world.
Of the 99 pesticide products being sold in Korea, 49 will be subject to warning labeling as follows: “This product has a high level of residual toxicity and thus must not be used from spring to the time flowers completely shed. Please do not spread in a wide area at one time.”
In addition to banning new introduction or change of insecticide products containing neonicotinoid, the administration will also limit the use of the chemicals in applications that bees may be exposed.
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