Scottish growers will not be offered the chance to use a banned seed dressing in oilseed rape crops this autumn after Syngenta this week withdrew its application for the emergency use of Cruiser.
The agri-chemical giant had applied for the emergency use of the pesticide after reports emerged from northern Europe that untreated oilseed rape crops had been badly affected by flea beetles.
The product is currently not available for use as a result of a three-year EU ban on the use of neonicitinoids.
In a statement, Syngenta said it had withdrawn its application for emergency use of the product because there was insufficient time to establish conditions for assessing the locations where the pesticide would be used.
It said it had been clear that it needed government approval by the end of June in order to supply the product to British farmers and ensure its “effective stewardship”.
“As the first year in which farmers will be unable to use neonicotinoid-treated seed for winter oil seed rape, we welcome the fact that the government will be assessing the establishment of the crop in the UK this season,” the company said.
“Based on this assessment, Syngenta will consider making a new application for the 2015/16 season to ensure British farmers have access to a technology which helps them to grow crops sustainably and which is safe for bees.”