Scientific evidence of the dangers surrounding chemical pesticides commonly used on Hvar and in other parts of Croatia.
PART 1: BACKGROUND
Our listing in Part 2 of this information sheet is in alphabetical order and consists of the active ingredients in pesticides by category: 1. insecticides, 2. synergist, 3. fungicides, 4. limacide (molluscicide), 5. rodenticides, 6. herbicides. For each substance we identify the following: the type of poison; known possible adverse effects; approval status in the European Union (EU) and Croatia; commercial products containing the active substance approved for use in Croatia; and the scientific and official sources of information regarding the active substance.
Quick check:
You can check on the current state of approval for pesticides as follows:
For a brief resume of the flaws in the approvals process and pesticide use, please see 'Pesticides: Why Not?)
Note re authorizations of chemical pesticides: we believe that the separation of chemical poisons into 'plant protection products' and 'biocides' (see 'Pesticides, Laws and Permits' for more details) leads to confusion about which substances are and are not officially approved. More damagingly, it gives rise to situations where biocides which are banned as 'plant protection' products are used over fields and gardens with crops such as vines, olives, other fruits and vegetables, and so enter the food chain despite being banned. This happens regularly throughout Croatia because of the Pest Suppression Programme.
Approvals in the EU. To check the EU status of the active substances in 'plant protection' products, you should refer to the EU Pesticides Database ('Search Active substances, safeners and synergists'). Each entry includes links to the latest legislation relating to the listed pesticides. On the page 'Active substances, safeners and synergists' enter the name of the plant protection substance you are interested in into the box marked 'Filter results': the main details of approval or otherwise will appear underneath the box.
Please note that the URL (internet link) for the EU database is changed every so often: if the link from this article does not work, you should be able to access the database by using your search engine and typing in EU Pesticides Database.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) records approvals of biocidal active substancesand products. Its website is the primary source of information about the laws governing biocidal pesticides and their approval processes. You can check its list of substances which are approved, banned or under review on the ECHA website page: mouse over Information on chemicals'in the header; then click on 'Biocidal active substances', under 'BPR' in the submenu; click on 'biocidal active substances' under the heading 'Information on biocides'; click 'search' in the next field, and type the name of the substance in the box marked 'Substance name', click the 'search' button below right; the substance, if identified, will come up as a special listing at the bottom of the page. It will show one or more versions of the substance, giving various details, including approval status; to the right of the entry is a box linking to authorized products based on the active substance; second from right is an 'eye' symbol which opens up the factsheet about the substance..
Note: the names under which pesticide products are marketed in Croatia may not appear on the EU/ECHA listings. The EU and ECHA listings of approved substances do not always agree.
Approvals in Croatia.
'Plant Protection Products' The Croatian Phytosanitary Institution - Fitosanitarni informacijski sustav (FIS) lists the 'plant protection' pesticides approved for use in the Republic of Croatia. It used to have a separate listing of products whose approval has been withdrawn, but that no longer exists in 2021. There are two further sources of information about pesticides in Croatia: 'Agroklub' and 'Agrobase Croatia'.Note: the three Croatian sources sometimes offer conflicting information about approved and banned pesticides.
The search pageof the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture's Phytosanitary Information Institution (FIS), which carries the list of approved 'plant protection' pesticides in Croatia,is in English, but details of the pesticides come up in Croatian.
To use the search page, click on 'Pesticide' under 'Search engine', then type in the name of the product in the box labelled Trade Name of 'Plant Protection Product'; if it is registered for use in Croatia, it will appear as a pop-up under the Trade Name box; there may be different varieties of the product using the same name, so you can click on the one you want to enter it into the Trade Name box; then click on the 'search' button at the bottom of the page (if you leave the general name in the box, any varieties will be shown when you have clicked on the search button); click on the product as shown under the search button to find all its details. If no product shows up from the search, it means it is not approved.
To check on registered active ingredients of pesticide products, click on 'Pesticide', then enter the name of the substance in the box 'Active substance included' (do not enter a product name). The search will reveal any products in the FIS listing which contain the chosen substance. Products which are still isted, but whose registration has been withdrawn are highlighted in grey. Click on the number next to a product to see its details. Once the product page is open, any other products containing the same active ingredient will be listed at the right side of the page, making it easy to check through the products one after the other without having to return to the search engine page.
Biocides. In 2016, the Croatian Ministry of Health (MIZ) issued a list of biocidal pesticides which were allowed to be released in the Croatian market up to September 1st 2015 (NN 15/2016, link in Croatian). The Ministry of Health still controls the register of biocidal pesticides allowed in the Croatian market. Applications to be included in the Register of products which can be marketed in Croatia are made to the Minsitry of Health (link in Croatian).
The Ministry of Health's list consists of a spreadsheet, not a database. It is updated at intervals, but it is not always clear whether particular products are still authorized. The August 2022 version carries a warning in red letters at the top of the document that in some cases inclusion in the list is invalid, if all the conditions of approval have not been met. This is confusing. For instance, the 2021 list included some products whose active ingredients were not approved by the ECHA, such as Muhomor AZ (758 on the Ministry list), whose active ingredient Azamethiphos is banned by both the EU and the ECHA; Neopitroid Premium Plus (2781), which contains Prallethrin, a substance still under review by the ECHA as at May 2023, and Permex 22E (869), which contains Tetramethrin, also still under review as at the beginning of 2023. Another source of confusion arises when a product is sold with different formulations under the same name, such as the insecticide QuickBayt (932), which in August 2022 was approved with the active ingredient imidacloprid, while the version containing imidacloprid combined with tricosene (musculare), QuickBayt®, was not authorized. The August 2022 list contained some products without details of their approval date, such as Sprej Despar protiv muha i mrava (1088), active ingredients d-phenothrin, d-allethrin and tetramethrin.e
Note: after August 2022, the list of products on the Ministry of Health website was not updated until after February 2024.
Biocides are regularly sprayed over large areas of Croatia including land used for crop cultivation as part of the Pest Control Programme, giving rise to the risk that banned substances will enter the food chain (see our article 'Poisoning Paradise - a Wake-Up Call' for a description of the problems).
Residues in the food chain. Residues of 'plant protection' and biocidal products are allowed to some degree in the food chain, although 'safe' levels are set mainly according to tests on single substances, whereas the majority of pesticide products consist of more than one active poison. No conclusive testing has ever been done to ascertain the dangers of cocktails of poisons from all sources in the food chain. (See the section 'Maximum Residual Levels' in our article 'Pesticides, Laws and Permits' for further details).
Note: in our text, DDD (which stands for 'Dezinfekcija, dezinsekcija, deratizacija') refers to the Croatian National Pest Control Programme, which is carried out continuously throughout the country. In our overview of active substances and related products, the MIZ and FIS entries are given with the numbers as they appear on the listings.
For an alphabetical listing of pesticide products commonly used in the country, please refer to our article Pesticide Products in Croatia.
PART 2: PESTICIDES, ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
1. INSECTICIDES. - ECHA APPROVAL CODEPT18(Insecticides, acaricides, products to control other arthropods)
4,4'-DDD, (p,p'-DDD) Organochlorine insecticide. Metabolite of insecticide DDT; component of commercial mixtures of DDT. Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane
Possible adverse effects: Very toxic to aquatic life, the aquatic environment, also with long-lasting effects. In humans: suspected carcinogen, endocrine disruptor; highly toxic if swallowed or inhaled; can cause reproduction and developmental effects, neurotoxicant; respirqatory tract irritant; toxic in contact with skin; skin irritant; chronic exposure may cause atrophy of the adrenal cortex and liver damage; may cause symptoms including anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, apathy from mild dulling of interest to profound psychotic depression, gynecomastia, hematuria, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and lassitude
EU / ECHA (July 2023) 4,4'-DDD not approved
DDT legislation, bans. DDT was banned in the United States in 1972. Its use in agriculture was partially banned in the EU in December 1978, with a total ban in March 1983. The Stockholm Convention, signed on May 22nd 2001 entered into force on May 17th 2004, and committed the signatories to banning or limiting the use of Persistent Organic Pollutants, including DDT; however, limited use against malaria was still allowed, with a register available to the public of signatories who produce and / or use DDT.Sources:
Chemical transformation product formed by the dehydrhalogenation of DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane). 4,4-DDE has insecticidal properties but no significant commercial applications.
Possible adverse effects: Very persistent in soil, high bioconcentration; highly toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates, In humans: possible carcinogen, endocrine disruptor; highly toxic if swallowed or inhaled; can cause reproduction and developmental effects, neurotoxicant; toxic in contact with skin; skin irritant.
EU / ECHA (July 2023) 4,4'-DDE not approved
DDT legislation, bans. DDT was banned in the United States in 1972. Its use in agriculture was partially banned in the EU in December 1978, with a total ban in March 1983. The Stockholm Convention, signed on May 22nd 2001 entered into force on May 17th 2004, and committed the signatories to banning or limiting the use of Persistent Organic Pollutants, including DDT; however, limited use against malaria was still allowed, with a register available to the public of signatories who produce and / or use DDT.
HVAR 2022: A Pitve female resident (b. 1948) tested positive for 4,4-DDE in a chemical analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratory: hair sample taken on 24/11/2022, tested on 08/12/2022.
HVAR 2023: Chemical analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratoryof a hair sample taken on 15/06/2023, analysed on 17/07/2023 revealed the presence of 4.4'dde in a female living in Vrisnik.
HVAR 2023: Analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratoryof a hair sample taken on 22/12/2023, analysed on 08/01/2024 revealed the presence of 4,4-DDEin a female (b. 1982) living in Jelsa.
ABAMECTIN (See Emamectin) Combination of Avermectin B1a & B1b, growth regulator, insecticide, miticide, nematicide, derived from soil bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis.
Possible adverse effects: extremely toxic to bees, birds; highly toxic to aquatic life: fish, invertebrates, plants, algae and sediment dwelling organisms; toxic to earthworms; highly toxic to humans through skin contact, inhalation or ingestion: can cause problems for reproduction, impairing male fertility; neurological damage including tremors and ataxia; respiratory failure; skin and eye irritation.
EU February 2024 Abamectin approved 01/05/2009 - 31/03/2038.ECHA: Approved PT18 01/07/2013 - 30/06/2023, approval expired.
Approvals: ECHA February 2024.: 1 authorization [February 2023, 20authorizations]. Croatia FIS, February 2024, 4 approved products (708) Vertimec O18EC approved 12/06/2006.- 30/04/2024, registration expiring, last sales date 31/10/2024, last usage date 31/10/2025; (970) Vertimec Pro approved 18/05/2016.-30/04/2024, registration expiring, last sales date 31/10/2024, last usage date 31/10/2025 ; (365) Kraft 18EC approved 31/01/2007 - 31/12/2023; (1091) Apache approved 13/07/2017-30/04/2024; (1272) Voliam Targo (abamectin, chlorantraniliprol) approved 26/02/2020-30/04/2024,registration expiring, last sales date 31/10/2024, last usage date 31/10/2025. MIZ: (August 2022): no approved products based on Abamectin, Emamectin or Avermectin listed.
- University of Hertfordshire: Pesticide Properties Database. 2023.Abamectin
- PubChem Open Chemistry Database. 2023. Abamectin
- University of California, Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program.Abamectin
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to use Vertimec 018EC and Kraft 18EC (10.05.2019, 19.06.2019)
2022: Vertimec 018EC used on the palms in the Jelsa Council region.
ACETAMIPRID. Neonicotinoid
Possible adverse effects:Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment; highly toxic to honeybees if mixed with piperonyl butoxide or propiconazole; harmful for populations of pollinating insects; harmful to birds and earthworms; dangerous for the environment; in humans:- toxic if swallowed; can be fatal if inhaled; skin irritant
EU February 2024: Acetamiprid approved 01/03/2018 - 28/02/2033.ECHA: Approved, PT18, 01/02/2020 - 31/01/2027.
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to useMospilan 20 SP (24.05.2019, 14.06.2019, 19.06.2019, 26.06.2019).
Possible adverse effects: Very toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; toxic to honey-bees and earthworms; moderately toxic to birds; harmful to humans if swallowed or inhaled.
EU February 2024:Allethrin, Bioallethrin (trans-Allethrin)not approved; d-Trans-Allethrin, d-Allethrin, Prallethrin not listed.. ECHA: Allethrin, trans-Allethrin (bioallethrin) not listed, d-Trans Allethrin (Esbiothrin) not approved; d-Allethrin not approved; Prallethrin under evaluation as at February 2024.. Croatia FIS: not approved.
Products: Neopitroid Premium (allethrin, permethrin and piperonyl butoxide); Neopitroid Premium Plus (permethrin, prallethrin with piperonyl butoxide); Neopitroid EC100, (prallethrin, cypermethrin); Unitox aerosol protiv muha i komaraca, (allethrin with deltamethrin & piperonyl butoxide);
Product approvals: EU, ECHA, Croatia FIS:February 2024, No approved products MIZ: (August 2022): c. 69 products containing Prallethrin listed: 1243 Biokill Extra (prallethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin), approved 24/06/2014; 1383 Raid sprej protiv gmuzećih insekata (prallethrin, IR-trans phenothrin), approved 10/06/2015; 1384 Raid sprej protiv muha i komaraca (prallethrin, IR-trans phenothrin), approved 10/06/2015; 1397 Bengal spirale (prallethrin), approved 19/06/2015; 1398 Bengal tekućina (prallethrin), approved 19/06/2015; 1399 Bengal tablete (prallethrin), approved 23/06/2015; 1752 Bado ose i stršljene (prallethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 21/04 /2022; 1769 Bengal sprej protiv svih insekata (prallethrin), approved 08/05/2017; 1780 Bio Kill Extra micro-fast (prallethrin), approved 05/09/2017; 1781 Bio Kill Extra Micro-Fast (prallethrin), approved 28/09/2017; 1819 Biosekt univerzalni insekticid (prallethrin, permethrin), approved 16/02/2022; 1872 Bombex ® Farumy ® (prallethrin), approved 31/05/2016; 1892 Bros električni aparat + tablete protiv komaraca II (prallethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 27/09/2018; 1893 Bros električni aparat + tekućina protiv komaraca za djecu (prallethrin), approved 24/01/2018; 1894 Bros električni aparat + tekućina protiv komaraca / tekućina protiv komaraca za električni aparat 1, (prallethrin), approved 01/02/2018; 1901 Bros Spirale protiv komaraca i mušica I (prallethrin), approved 27/09/2016; 1904 BROS Sprej protiv osa i stršljena I (prallethrin, piperonyl butoxide) approved 07/01/2020; 1915 Bugster EC (prallethrin, cypermethrin), approved 18/02/2019; 1985 CleanKill Extra Micro-Fast (prallethrin), approved 18/02/2021; 1986 Clean Kill Original Plus (prallethrin), approved 18/02/2021; 2059 Cyparbio caps (prallethrin, cypermethrin), approved 04/03/2019; 2133 Despar Električni uređaj i tekući refil za zaštitu od komaraca i muha (prallethrin), approved 28/04/2022; 2135 Despar tablete za zaštitu od komaraca i tigrastih komaraca u kućanstvu (prallethrin), approved 23/03/2022; 2136 Despar Tekući refil za el. uređaj za zaštitu od komaraca i muha (prallethrin), approved 23/03/2022; 2265 Effect Microtech CS PRO (prallethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 01/07/2020; 2269 Effect Protect Uložak za el. isparivač protiv komaraca (prallethrin), approved 25/03/2020; 2331 Forth Uložak za el isparivač protiv komaraca (prallethrin), approved 13/05/2016; 2342 Fulmin protiv komaraca (prallethrin), approved 01/04/2021; 2384 Good Night Mosquito Coil - spirala protiv komaraca (prallethrin), approved 06/05/2020; 2557 Killtox tablete za el. aparat protiv komaraca (prallethrin), approved 03/06/2016; 2558 Killtox tekućina za električni aparat protiv komaraca (prallethrin), approved 03/06/2016; 2774 Neo Alfa + Turbo (prallethrin, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 09/02/2022; 2778 Neopitroid EC 100 (prallethrin, cypermethrin), approved 06/05/2019; 2781 Neopitroid Premium Plus (prallethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 29/06/2022; 2805 Nooze liquido antizanzare plus (prallethrin), approved 19/07/2019; 2806 Nooze spirali antizanzare plus (prallethrin), approved 05/12/2019; 2842 Orphea spirala protiv komaraca (prallethrin), approved 31/01/2022; 2905 Phobi Aurodil Super PB+ (prallethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 09/02/2022; 2922 Pitroid tablete protiv komaraca (prallethrin), approved 08/09/2016; 2923 Pitroid spirale citronella (prallethrin), approved 02/01/2027; 2924 Pitroid spirale neutral (prallethrin), approved 08/09/2016; 2925 Pitroid tekuće punjenje (prallethrin), approved 02/01/2017; 3019 Raid spirale protiv komaraca (prallethrin), approved 17/12/2015; 3022 Raid sprej protiv muha i komaraca, miris cvijeta naranče (prallethrin), approved 29/09/2017; 3023 Raid sprej protiv muha i komaraca, miris eukaliptisa (prallethrin), approved 12/01/2016; 3025 Raid tekućina za el. aparatić, miris cvijeta naranče (prallethrin), approved 31/01/2018; 3026 Raid tekućina za el. aparatić, miris eukaliptisa (prallethrin), approved 04/01/2016; 3027 Raid tekućina za el. aparatić, miris lavande (prallethrin), approved 02/01/2017; 3028 Raid tekućina za el. aparatić, miris ruže i sandalovine (prallethrin), approved 18/06/2020; 3029 Raid® sprej za ose i stršljene (prallethrin), approved 07/02/2022; 3318 Strike spirale protiv komaraca (prallethrin), approved 30/03/2017; 3350 Tekućina za komarce - Fumisect (prallethrin), approved 18/06/2020; 3427 Universal Pitroid (prallethrin, cyclopropane carboxylate), approved 26/05/2020; 138 Bayer Garden tekućina za aparat protiv komaraca (prallethrin), approved 28/09/2011; 139 Bayer Garden ulošci za aparat protiv komaraca (prallethrin), approved 28/09/2011; 156 Bio Kill Extra (prallethrin, lamba-cyhalothrin), approved 04/02/2014; 225 BROS el aparat + tekućina protiv komaraca / BROS tekućina protiv komaraca (prallethrin), approved 05/02/2011; 226 BROS el aparat + tekućina protiv komaraca za djecu stariju od jedne godine (prallethrin), approved 28/09/2013; 235 BROS sprej protiv moljaca (prallethrin, d-phenothrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 26/07/2012; 236 BROS sprej protiv muha i komaraca (prallethrin, d-phenothrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 25/07/2012; 498 Fulmine tablete protiv komaraca (prallethrin), approved 20/02/2012; 679 Laminirane tablete K plus ZAZ protiv muha i komaraca 30/1 (prallethrin), approved 21/03/2014; 711 Mercator el. isparivač protiv kom. s uloškom / Mercator uložak za el. isparivač protiv komaraca (prallethrin), approved 16/07/2012; 950 Raid Silver tekućina za elaparat (prallethrin), approved 19/03/2010; 958 Refill Despar tekući za el. aparat za 45 noći (prallethrin), approved 21/05/2014; 1081 Spirala K Plus ZAZ protiv kom. 10/1 (prallethrin), approved 21/03/2014; 1117 Sting (prallethrin, permethrin), approved 09/12/2010; 1140 Tablete Despar protiv komaraca 30 kom (prallethrin), approved 21/05/2014; 1155 Tekuće punjenje plus ZAZ protiv komaraca i malih insekata (prallethrin), approved 21/03 /2014.
d-Allethrin: 14 products listed; 2425 Hit flying insect killer (d-allethrin), approved 29/04/2020; 227 BROS Fenjer protiv komaraca / BROS tablete za fenjer protiv komaraca (d-allethrin, piperonyl butoxide) 03/10/2012; 237 BROS štapići protiv komaraca (d-allethrin), approved 15/12/2011; 497 Fulmine spirale protiv komaraca (d-allethrin), approved 20/02/2012; 878 Pitroid spirale citronella (d-allethrin), approved 12/06/2009; 879 Pitroid spirale citronella neutral (d-allethrin), approved 12/06/2009; 944 Raid laminirane tablete za el. aparat (d-allethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 14/07/2010; 951 Raid spirale protiv komaraca new (d-allethrin), approved 14/07/2010; 1082 Spirale Despar protiv komaraca (d-allethrin), approved 21/05/2014; 1083 Spirale Despar protiv komaraca 10/1 citronella (d-allethrin), approved 21/05/2014; 1087 Sprej Despar protiv muha i komaraca (d-allethrin, d-phenothrin), approved 21/05/2014; 1088 Sprej Despar protiv muha i komaraca (d-allethrin, d-tetramethrin), no approval date; 1089 Sprej despar protiv žohara i mrava (d-allethrin, d-phenothrin), approved 21/05/2014; 1090 Sprej Despar protiv žohara i mrava (d-allethrin, d-phenothrin, d-tetramethrin), no approval date. trans-Allethrin, d-trans Allethrin: 4 products listed: 140 Baygon el.aparatić s tabletama (d-cis trans allethrin), approved 02/11/2011; 668 Komtoks (bioallethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 10/07/2013; 945 Raid lanterna punjenje za svjetiljku protiv komaraca (d-cis trans allethrin), approved 14/07/2010; 952 Raid sprej muhe i komarci (d-cis, trans allethrin), approved 10/10/2011.
Allethrin: one, 1186. Unitox aerosol protiv muha i komaraca listed (allethrin, deltamethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 30/12/2013.Neopitroid Premium approved July 2011, banned 2022.
HVAR 2022. Neopitroid Premium was used for blanket insect spraying around the Jelsa Municipality on July 27th 2022.
HVAR 2022: A Pitve female resident (b. 1948) tested positive for Allethrin in a chemical analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratory: hair sample taken on 24/11/2022, tested on 08/12/2022.
HVAR 2023: A Jelsa female resident (b. 1987) tested positive for Allethrin in a chemical analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratory: hair sample taken on 06/11/2023, tested on 01/12/2023.
HVAR 2023. Neopitroid Premium was used for blanket insect spraying around the Jelsa Municipality on June 19th 2023.
HVAR 2023. Neopitroid Premium Plus was used for blanket insect spraying around the Jelsa Municipality on July 18th and August 21st 2023.
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish, most aquatic organisms and honeybees; extremely toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; toxic to earthworms; possible human carcinogen; can cause organ damage, respiratory irritation, irreversible eye damage; serious water pollutant.
EU February 2024: alpha-cypermethrin, (also beta-cypermethrin, zeta-cypermethrin) not approved. ECHA February 2024: alpha-cypermethrin (αCypermethrin) approved, PT18, 01/07/2016 - 30/06/2026; beta-cypermethrin, zeta-cypermethrin not approved
- University of Hertfordshire: Pesticide Properties Database. 2023. Alpha-cypermethrin.
- El Okda, E-S., Abdel-Hamid, M. A-A., Hamdy, A.M. 2017. Immunological and genotoxic effects of occupational exposure to alpha-cypermethrin pesticide. International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health. Vol 30 (4) 603-615.
- Bej, S., Mukherjee, D., Saha, N.C. 2015. Acute toxicity of alpha-cypermethrin to oligochaete worm, Branchiura sowerbyi (Beddard 1982) along with their behavioural reJune 2023sponses. International Journal of Scientific Research. 1:12, 325- 326.
USED ON HVAR: Fastac EC has been used against fruit fly, especially in olive groves, by many individual agriculturalists. (see 'Starigrad Plain: Our Survey')
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to use Fastac 10EC (14.06.2019,19.06.2019)
HVAR 2022. Neopitroid Alfa was used for blanket insect spraying around the Jelsa Municipality on June 28th 2022.
Possible adverse effects: Highly damaging to the environment, especially the aquatic environment; highly inflammable: in contact with water releases gases capable of spontaneous combustion; extremely toxic to humans, can be fatal if swallowed or inhaled; harmful through skin contact; can cause serious eye damage; damages the nervous system, causing delirium, coma and loss of consciousness; can cause cardiovascular disturbances (including dysrhythmia, transient atrial fibrillation, left ventricular failure); if ingested, can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, severe thirst and renal failure.
EUFebruary 2024: Aluminium Phosphide approved 01/09/2009-30.11.2026; ECHAFebruary 2024: Aluminium Phosphide approved PT14 rodenticides 01/09/2011-31/07/2024; approved PT18 (insecticides, acaricides and products to control other arthropods) 01/02/2012-31/07/2024; approved PT20 (control of other vertebrates) 01/07/2015-30/06/2025.(renewal applications in progress for all categories).
USED ON HVAR: DDD programme, 2017 Stari Grad region 9 litres, 23-25 May; Jelsa region 16 litres, 19-22 May 2017.
AVERMECTIN(see Abamectin)
AZAMETHIPHOS. Organophosphate, designed for use on target areas, not for spraying in the air; mainly used against flies in enclosed spaces, on horses, cattle, pigs and chickens.
Possible adverse effects: very toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; toxic to birds; acutely toxic to humans if swallowed or inhaled; can cause headache, weakness, nervousness, sweating, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Exposure to extremely high levels may result in muscular twitching, eye pain, slurred speech, colic, hyper-salivation, heart complaints, breathing difficulties, convulsions and unconsciousness; also causes eye and skin irritation on contact
EU / ECHA February 2024: Azamethiphos not approved.
Products: Muhomor; Desintec NeoEx, Twenty 1 WP, Aeroxon sredsvto protiv muha (leptir i bubamare), BROS naljepnica protiv muha
Product approvals: ECHAFebruary 2024: no approved products.Croatia FISFebruary 2024: No approved products. Muhomor not approved MIZ: (August 2022), 10 Azamethiphos products approved: 26. Aeroxon sredsvto protiv muha approved 05/11/2012.231 BROS naljepnica protiv muha approved 27/12/2012; 484. Fly Select, approved 03/07/2013; 758. Muhomor AZ, approved 25th May 2014; 1184. Twenty 1 WP approved 21/04/2011; 1277. S-Budget ljepjiva traka za muhe, approved 09/10/2014; 1281 LD 100 A, approved 13/10/2014; 1608. Alphi / Twenty i WP, approved 10/04/2019; 2129. Desintec NeoEx approved 07/02/2017; 2130 Desintec NeoEx 10%, approved 07/02/2017.,
Sources: - Pub Chem Open Chemistry Database: 2023. Azamethiphos
USED ON HVAR Muhomor used against flies around rubbish bins and rubbish dumps 2017: Hvar Town and surrounds, (with Microfly) 20th June, (with Microfly) 13th July, 11th August heat-spray fogging in rubbish dumps; 28th September, 12th October fogging in rubbish dumps. Total quantity 40.5 kg; Stari Grad and surrounds, Muhomor 33 kg, Jelsa Council area 31.5 kg, May, July, August, September 2017. 2018: around Hvar Town, 25th July, 16th August, 4th September - total quantity 9 kg.
Organophosphates were not approved under the Insect Control Programme of Measures and Implementation Plans issued by the Split-Dalmatian County Public Health Institute in2017and 2018, yet Muhomor was used on Hvar in both years, also in 2019.
Possible adverse effects: can interfere with reproduction in birds; can cause eye and skin irritation in humans and animals; may disturb essential wetland organisms; long-term use perhaps causes loss of biodiversity in the environment.
- Siegel, J.P., Shadduck, J.A. 1990. Mammalian Safety of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis. in: de Barjac, H., Sutherland, D.J. eds, Bacterial Control of Mosquitoes and Blackflies. pub. Unwin Hymen, London, pp. 202- 2017
USED ON HVAR: 2017: 22nd September, 2018: 19th September, Baturad was used on 3 hectares of woodland around the Hvar Town region against the Pine Processionary Moth caterpillars, quantity 600 litres each time.
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to use Baturad WP (14.06.2019)
2019: Baturad (or Decis or Imidan or Rogor) recommended by a well-respected Hvar olive oil producer, to be used in May and June against olive moth (prays oleae, Croatian: maslinin moljac)
CARBARYL. Carbamate
Possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to mammals, aquatic invertebrates, aquatic crustaceans, bees, earthworms. Can be fatal in humans; possible carcinogen and endocrine disruptor; possibly damaging for reproduction and development; can cause cholinesterase inhibition, blurred vision, tears, headaches, memory loss, rhinorrhoea (discharge of thin nasal mucus), salivation; sweating, muscle weakness, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea; tremors, cyanosis, convulsions and skin irritation.
EU, ECHA February 2024: Carbaryl not approved
Product: Sevin. (Combined with limacide Metaldehyde in Lily Miller Slug, Snail and Insect Killer Bait, and for Ortho Bug-Geta Plus.)
Product approvals: Croatia FIS February 2024No approved products. MIZ (August 2022): No approved products. Sevin not approved
- University of Hertfordshire PPDB, 2023. Carbaryl.
- PubChem Open Chemistry Database. 2023. Carbaryl.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2016. Carbaryl Factsheet.
WAS USED LONG-TERM IN CROATIA, especially for fruit thinning, applied two to three weeks after full flowering of the trees. (Refs: Radivojević et al. 2011. Effect of chemical and hand thinning young apple tree on yield and fruit quality. Proceedings, 46th Croatian and 6th International Symposium on Agriculture, Opatija Croatia, pp 1044-1047. Croatian Agriculture Ministry, article in Croatian). However, it is no longer authorized for this use in Croatia.
CHLORPYRIFOS. Organophosphate.
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to honeybees, birds, fish, aquatic organisms; moderately toxic to earthworms, algae and aquatic plants; in humans can cause nausea, dizziness, confusion, and respiratory paralysis and death; causes neurodevelopmental defects in children; can harm mother and foetus during pregnancy; can cause acute muscle paralysis and weakness, also breathing difficulties, depression, and double vision in humans, dogs and cats; overexposure can cause weakness, ataxia (uncoordinated movements), proprioceptive dysfunctions (disturbed awareness of posture and movements), particularly of the hind legs, and paralysis in animals, including dogs and cats.
Product approvals: ECHA/Croatia FIS February 2024: No approved products. [FIS:Pyrinex 48 EC was finally banned in Croatia on 31/01/2019; 16/02/2020, registration was withdrawn from all chlorpyrifos products, including Pyrinex 250 CS, Dursban E48, Nufos, with a final sell-by date of 16/03/2020, final use-by date 16/04/2020.] MIZ(August 2022)no approved products.
- United Kingdom Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 2016. Changes to Authorisations for Products Containing Chlorpyrifos. (Use restricted to spraying brassica seedlings only, all existing stocks of chlorpyrifos to be destroyed) - Note: original link no longer available, text cited in UK Parliament POST: 'Pesticides and health', by Nicole Kennard and Cristiana Vagnoni, p.11. (POSTbrief 43, September 2021)
- University of Hertfordshire Pesticide Properties Database. 2023. Chlorpyrifos.
- Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) August 2018. Chlorpyrifos factsheet (with 40 references)
USED ON HVAR: 2016, Pyrinex 48 EC used on bushes and trees in Jelsa's public park preventively against aphids
CYPERMETHRIN. Synthetic pyrethroid.
Possible adverse effects: very toxic to cats, bees, earthworms, aquatic insects and fish, highly toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; toxic to a lesser degree to birds.; in humans, classified as a possible cause of cancer; can cause organ damage, skin numbness or burning, respiratory irritation, loss of bladder control, vomiting, loss of co-ordination, coma, seizures, and death; probable reproduction/developmental toxin.
-Aggarwal, P., Jamshed, N., Ekka, M., Imran A. 2015. Suicidal poisoning with cypermethrin: A clinical dilemma in the emergency department. Journal of Emergencies, Trauma and Shock. 8:2 123-125
-PubChem Open Chemistry Database. 2023. Cypermethrin.
USED ON HVAR, DDD insect suppression programme: 2017: Hvar Town region, total quantity of Microfly used: 14 kg. Total quantity of Cipex used: 13 litres. 2017. Stari Grad Cipex total, 8 litres, Microfly 7 kg; Jelsa, Cipex 10 litres, Microfly 5 kg. 2018: Hvar Town region, Cipex total quantity 13 litres; Microfly 10.5L. Stari Grad region: Cipex 2L, Microfly 3L, Jelsa Council area Microfly 4 litres, Cipex 3 litres
2019, 2020 Microfly used for insect suppression (DDD programme) on Hvar.
2019: Cythrin Max 250EC recommended by a well-respected olive oil producer: Caythrin Max 250EC to be used in May against olive moth (prays oleae, Croatian: maslinin moljac)
2021: Neo Alfa used for insect suppression (DDD programme) on Hvar, according to the initial statement from DDD firm Ekocijan, but they stated later that the substance used was Neopitroid Alfa.
2022: Neo Alfa used for insect suppression by fogging (DDD programme) on Hvar.
HVAR 2023: A Jelsa female resident (b. 1987) tested positive for Cypermethrin in a chemical analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratory: hair sample taken on 06/11/2023, tested on 01/12/2023.
DELTAMETHRIN. Synthetic pyrethroid.
Possible adverse effects: Toxic to bees; highly toxic to cats; extremely toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; toxic to fish; also to aquatic herbivorous insects, causing increased algae; in humans can cause ataxia, convulsions leading to muscle fibrillation and paralysis, dermatitis, oedema, diarrhoea, dyspnoea, headache, hepatic microsomal enzyme induction, irritability, peripheral vascular collapse, rhinorrhoea, serum alkaline phosphatase elevation, tinnitus, tremors, vomiting and death due to respiratory failure. Possible allergic reactions: anaphylaxis, bronchospasm, eosinophilia, fever, hypersensitivity pneumonia, pallor, pollinosis, sweating, sudden swelling of the face, eyelids, lips and mucous membranes, and tachycardia.
EU February 2024:: Approved: 01/11/2003 - 15/08/2026. ECHA: Approved, PT18, 01/10/2013 - 31/03/2026.
ON HVAR: Deltamethrin was on the list of pesticides recommended for use around Hvar Town, Stari Grad and the Jelsa Council area, under the Programme issued by the Split-Dalmatian County Public Health Institute for 2017 and 2018.
2018: Croatian Agriculture-Forestry Advisory Section for the Split-Dalmatian county recommended Deltamethrin and the products Decis 100EC, Decis 2.5EC, Scatto, Rotor Super, and Poleci Plus were recommended for use on Hvar and in other olive-growing areas against fruit-flies in July 2018.
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to use Scatto and Poleci Plus (14.06.2019, 13.09.2019, 27.09.2019); Decis 2.5 EC, Decis 100 EC, Rotor Super (14.06.2019, 19.06.2019, 13.09.2019, 27.09.2019); Eco Trap (13.09.2019)
Possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to freshwater and marine invertebrates; moderately toxic to fish and earthworms; slightly toxic to birds; affected haemoglobin in animal studies; can cause breathing difficulties in humans; direct contact can be harmful to skin and eyes; metabolites are possible human carcinogens.
EU February 2024: Diflubenzuronnot approved as from 31/12/2020.ECHA: Approved, PT18, 01/02/2015 - 31/01/2025.
Approvals: ECHA,February 2024: 10 authorizations.CroatiaFIS February 2024, No approved products,Dimilin SC48 no longer approved, Flubex not approved MIZ:August 2022, 4 products listed: (404) Dimilin SC 15 approved 10/08/2009; (405) Dimilin SC48 approved 14/01/2010, (403) Dimilin GR2, approved 10/08/2009; (403) Dimilin TB2, approved 10/08/2009; Flubex not approved
Sources: - United States Environmental Protection Agency 1997. Reregistration Eligibility Decision (R.E.D.): Diflubenzuron.
- PubChem Open Chemistry Database, updated 2021. Diflubenzuron.
- University of Hertfordshire Pesticide Properties Database, updated 2021. Diflubenzuron.
USED ON HVAR: DDD programme, for larvicidal actions, Flubex,2016: Hvar Town and surrounds, May and October 2016. Stari Grad and surrounds, April and October 2016; Jelsa Council area, April-May and October 2016.2017: Jelsa Council area: Dimilin used for larvicide, rainwater drains & septic tanks, June & July 2017.2018: Dimilin used in the Hvar Town region, 13th June, 3rd July, 5.5 kg. Dimilin used in Vrboska on the road to Soline bathing beach (at the request of residents), in Jelsa around the Park and in the rainwater drains in the centre of Jelsa, 13th June & 25th July 2018, 5 kg.
2019, 2020: Dimilin used in the Jelsa Council region
DIMETHOATE. Organophosphate.
Possible adverse effects. Very toxic to bees and aquatic organisms; possibly toxic to wildlife, including birds, and livestock: possible endocrine disruptor; in humans: can cause unconsciousness and death; possible human carcinogen (USEPA); inhalation, swallowing or excess skin contact can cause breathing difficulties, headache, dizziness, tiredness, slurred speech, blurred vision, a lack of coordination, sweating, slow or rapid heart beat, convulsions, incontinence; when swallowed, can also cause vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, faecal incontinence; long-term exposure may lead to impaired memory, depression, irritability, confusion and insomnia.
Dimethoate and the products Calinogor, Chromogor, Perfekthion, Rogor 40 were recommended for use on Hvar and in other olive-growing areas against fruit-flies by the Croatian Agriculture-Forestry Advisory Section for the Split-Dalmatian County, in July 2018.
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to useCaligonor, Chromogor, Perfekthion (14/06/2019, 13/09/2019)and Rogor 40 (14/06/2019, 19/06/2019, 13/09/2019, 27/09/2019).
2019: Rogor, also in combination with the attractant Buminal, recommended by a well-respected Hvar olive oil producer for use variously against olive moth (prays oleae, Croatian: maslinin moljac), olive fruit fly (bactrocera oleae, Croatian: maslinova muha), leopard moth (Zeuzera pyrina, Croatian: granotoč) and weevils (otiorhyncus, Croatian: Skorovača) in May, June, July, August, and September; Rogor (or Baturad) to be used in May against olive psyllid (euphyllura olivina, Croatian maslinova buha)
EMAMECTIN BENZOATE. Semisynthetic derivative of avermectin.
Possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to bees, birds, aquatic life, aquatic environment, algae; in humans:highly toxic through swallowing, inhalation and skin contact; can cause organ damage, serious eye irritation or damage; muscle tremors, muscle incoordination, vomiting, pulmonary oedema, unconsciousness; skin allergies.
EU February 2024: Emamectin approved 01/05/2014 - 30/11/2024. (Emamectin benzoate not listed)ECHA: Emamectin, Emamectin Benzoatenot approved
Product approvals: ECHA February 2024: no approved products. Croatia FIS: February 2024, Emamectin Benzoate 3 approved products: (1202)Revive II authorized 19/03/2019 - 30/04/2025; (738) Affirm approved 04/11/2011-04/11/2028, (1148) Affirm Opti approved 26/03/2018-30/04/2025.Proclaim not approved .MIZ: (August 2022), No approved products, Affirm Opti, Revive II, Proclaim not approved
2019, 2021: Jelsa local Council: Revive used on palm trees in Jelsa Park 12.04.2019. and 09/09/2021.
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to use Affirm Opti, especially against caterpillars in fruit trees (17th May 2019, 26.06.2019)
FIPRONIL. Pyrazole
Possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to honeybees and other pollinators, birds, mammals, dragonflies, aquatic crustaceans, sediment dwelling organisms, moderately toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates and earthworms. In humans: possible carcinogen (USEPA); highly toxic if inhaled or swallowed; thyroid, kidney and liver toxicant; neurotoxicant; skin and eye irritant; can cause headache, dizziness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, agitation and seizures
ON HVAR 2023. Chemical analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratory of a hair sample taken on 25/05/2023, analysed on 21/06/2023 revealed the presence of Fipronil in a female (b.1975) living near Vrboska.
FIPRONIL SULFONE. Pyrazole; primary metabolite of Fipronil; chemical transformation substance
Possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to honeybees, fish, aquatic invertebrates, aquatic crustaceans, sediment dwelling organisms; fipronil sulfone is more persistent in organisms than fipronil itself; In humans: toxic if swallowed; fipronil sulfone toxicity is more severe in mammals or human cells than fipronil-induced toxicity
Sources:- PubChem National Library of Medicine, 2022. Fipronil sulfone
- University of Hertfordshire: Pesticide Properties DataBase, 2022.Fipronil Sulfone
HVAR 2022: A Pitve female resident (b. 1948) tested positive for Fiproil sulfone in a chemical analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratory: hair sample taken on 24/11/2022, tested on 08/12/2022.
HVAR 2023: Chemical analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratory of a hair sample taken on 25/05/2023, analysed on 21/06/2023 revealed the presence of Fipronil Sulfone in a female (b.1975) living near Vrboska.
IMIDACLOPRID. Neonicotinoid.
Possible adverse effects: very toxic to bees, birds, also aquatic life and aquatic environments, with long-lasting effects; can affect reproduction and development in humans; possibly associated with autism spectrum disorder; moderately toxic to mammals, fish and earthworms; persists in soil.
EU February 2024: Imidacloprid not approved as from 01/01/2020..ECHA: Imidacloprid approved, PT18, 01/07/2013 - 31/12/2025.
Products: Quick Bayt (imidacloprid with tricosene), Quick Bayt (imidacloprid), Quick Bayt spray (imidacloprid); Bros duo protiv muha 1 (imidacloprid with silicon dioxide); Bros zamka za mrave II; Maxforce Quantum; Admire, Advantage, Kohinor, Merit, Confidor, Hachikusan, Premise, Prothor, Winner,
Product approvals: ECHA PT18, February 2024: 80 authorizations; Croatia FIS February 2024:, No approved products, Quick Bayt not approved.MIZ: (August 2022): 5 imidacloprid products listed: (932) Quick Bayt (imidacloprid) approved 10/08/2009; (933) Quick Bayt spray (imidacloprid) approved 10/08/2009; (1402) Bros duo protiv muha 1 (imidacloprid, silicon dioxide) approved 01/07/2015; (1908) Bros zamka za mrave II(imidacloprid, geraniol) approved 29/09/2017; (696) Maxforce Quantum approved 03/10/2011; Quick Bayt (imidacloprid with tricsene) not approved
USED ON HVAR: DDD programme,Quick Bayt® (imidacloprid with Tricosene) usedon rubbish tips.2018: Hvar Town region, July 3rd, 2 kg.; Stari Grad region, 3rd July, 25th July, 15th August, 6th September 2018, 2kg.
2017: Quick Bayt insecticde was used in the Sućuraj region, with thiamethoxam incorrectly listed as its active ingredient in the report to the Sućuraj council (certificate / potvrda 52177, dated 04/06/2017)
2020: Quick Bayt used around the Jelsa Council region (DDD programme)
HVAR 2022: A Pitve resident (fem. b. 1948) tested positive for Imidacloprid in a chemical analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratory; hair sample taken on 24(11/2022, tested on 08/12/2022.
HVAR 2023. Chemical analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratory of hair samples revealed the presence of Imidacloprid in the following people:
1. female (b.1975) living near Vrboska, sample taken on 25/05/2023, analysed on 21/06/2023.
2. female (b. 1964), living in Vrisnik, sample taken on 15/06/2023, analysed 17/07/2023.
3. male (b. 1964) living in Hvar, sample taken on 17/06/2023, analysed on 17/07/2023.
4. male (b.2019) living in Pitve, sample taken on 26/06/2023, analysed on 17/07/2023.
5. female (b.1988) living in Pitve, sample taken on 26/06/2023, analysed on 17/07/2023.
IMIPROTHRIN synthetic pyrethroid
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to bees, aquatic organisms, fish; poisonous to cats, also other animals; in humans: possible carcinogen; can cause organ damage, toxic if swallowed or inhaled; respiratory tract irritant; possible reproduction / development effects; possible skin and eye irritant.
EU February 2024: Imiprothrin not approved.ECHA February 2024: Imiprothrin approved, PT18, 01/07/2019 - 30/06/2029
Products: Raid Max sprej protiv mrava i žohara (cypermethrin, imiprothrin); Hit crawling insect killer (cypermethrin, imiprothrin); Raid sprej protiv mrava i žohara, miris cvijeta naranče (cypermethrin, imiprothrin); Raid sprej protiv mrava i žohara, miris eukaliptisa (cypermethrin, imiprothrin)
Product approvals: ECHA February 2024 1 authorization.Croatia FIS: February 2024,no approved products;MIZ, August 2022, 5 products listed: (946) Raid Max sprej protiv mrava i žohara approved 29/09/2017; (2424) Hit crawling insect killer approved 11/05/2020; (3020) Raid sprej protiv mrava i žohara, miris cvijeta naranče approved 29/09/2017; (3021) Raid sprej protiv mrava i žohara, miris eukaliptisa approved 18/03/2010; (136) Bayer Garden protiv gmizućih insekata (imiprothrin, cyphenothrin), approved 27/09/2011,
Sources: -PubChem Open Chemistry Database, 2023: Imiprothrin
- University of Hertfordshire, Pesticide Properties Database, 2023: Imiprothrin
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to honeybees and other bee species; highly toxic to aquatic life and aquatic environments, with long-lasting effects; in humans, highly toxic, can be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin; carcinogen; endocrine disruptor; possible harmful reproduction and development effects; can cause harm to breast-fed babies; skin irritant, eye irritant; can causwe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, seizures, muscle tremors; may cause damage to organs from prolonged or repeated exposure.
EU / ECHA February 2024: Lindane not approved.FIS February 2024 Lindane products not approved. MIZ (August 2022) Lindane products not approved
EU: February 2024: approved 01/05/2010-31/07/2026. ECHA:malathion not approved
Possible adverse effects: GHS Hazard Statements H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]; H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]; H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]
Plus: highly toxic to bees. In humans: possible carcinogen; endocrine disruptor; neurotoxicant; may be fatal if swallowed and enters airways; causes skin irritation; causes serious eye irritation;
?reproduction / development effects.
Flammable liquid and vapour: Exposure to fumes from a fire or to liquid causes headache, blurred vision, constricted pupils of the eyes, weakness, nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and tightness in the chest. Muscles twitch and convulsions may follow. The symptoms may develop over a period of 8 hours.
FIS: February 2024: no approved products,MIZ: (August 2022) no approved products
Winfield Safety Data Sheet 17/03/2015. Malathion 5.
ON HVAR 2023: Analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratoryof a hair sample taken on 26/06/2023, analysed on 17/07/2023 revealed the presence of malathionin a female (b. 1988) living in Pitve.
H400 (100%): very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]; H410 very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects; can harm aquatic freshwater invetebrates, algae; can harm honeybees; persistent organic pollutant; in humans: H351 (100%): suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity;]H361 (93.62%): suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child [Warning Reproductive toxicity]; H362 (87.23%): may cause harm to breast-fed children [Reproductive toxicity, effects on or via lactation]; H301 toxic if swalloed; H302 harmful if swallowed; H311 toxic in contact with skin; H312 harmful in contact with skin; can cause damage in endocrine system, neurological system, renal system, eyes.
ON HVAR 2023: Analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratoryof a hair sample taken on 22/12/2023, analysed on 08/01/2024 revealed the presence of mirexin a female (b. 1982) living in Jelsa.
PERMETHRIN. Synthetic pyrethroid.
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to bees, sea organisms, fish; poisonous to cats, also other animals; in humans: classified as a potential carcinogen; linked to Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma; can cause neurological damage, also problems in the immune and endocrine systems.
EU February 2024: Permethrin not approved.(European Commission Review Report, 13 July 2000, p.114). Fom the Assessment: "Based on the information available and the proposed conditions of use it was further concluded that a risk to aquatic organisms exposed to permethrin cannot be excluded. In conclusion from the assessments made on the basis of the submitted information, no plant protection products containing the active substance concerned is expected to satisfy in general the requirements laid down in Article 5 (1) (a) and (b) of Council Directive 91/414/EEC. Technical evidence has been provided indicating that limited further use of permethrin in forestry could be allowed whilst research is ongoing in order to find efficient alternatives providing that appropriate risk mitigation measures are taken."ECHA February 2024: Permethrin approved, PT18, 01/05/2016 - 30/04/2026
Products: Permex 22E (with tetramethrin & piperonyl butoxide); Neopitroid EC 20 PRO (with piperonyl butoxide); Neopitroid prah Pro (with piperonyl butoxide); Neopitroid Premium Plus (with prallethrin); Neopitroid Premium (with D-Allethrin and Piperonyl Butoxide); household fly-killer sprays such as Sanmex Fly and Wasp Killer (with Tetramethrin); Raid sprej protiv mrava i žohara, miris naranče; Raid spray for flies and mosquitoes (with Tetramethrin).
Product approvals: ECHAFebruary 2024: 54 authorizations (PT18); Croatia FIS February 2024: no approved products.Permex 22E and Neopitroid Premium not approved. MIZ (August 2022): c. 78 listed products.(141) Baygon protector sprej protiv mrava i žohara (permethrin, pyrethrins & pyrethroids), approved 06/06/2010; (163) Biokill (permethrin), approved 11/03/2010; (164) Biotoll neopremin (permethrin - cis-trans 25-75), approved 19/05/2009; (241) Bros sprej protiv osa i stršljena (permethrin, cypermethrin, tetramethrin), approved 16/08/2012; (331) Coopex dimni generator (permethrin), approved 10/09/2009; (465) Effect insekticid protiv osa i stršljenova (aerosol) (permethrin, tetramethrin), approved 10/05/2011; (466) Effect microtech CS (permethrin, tetramethrin), approved 26/09/2013; (467) Effect ultimum (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 15/04/2014; (468) Effect univerzalni insekticid aerosol (permethrin, tetramethrin), approved 21/05/2009; (471) Entox insekticidni aerosol (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 13/06/2011; (477) Fentin aerosol (permethrin), approved 19/01/2010; (479) Final fliegen turbo spray (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 26/09/2013; (480) Final universal ungezieferspray (permethrin,tetramethrin, cypermethrin), approved 26/09/2013; (493) Forth Univerzalni insekticid (permethrin), approved 24/03/2014; (653) Killtox insekticid (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 05/10/2010; (668) Komtoks (permethrin, bioallethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 10/07/2013; (723) Microsene (permethrin, cis-trans, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 17/03/2010; (724) Microsene (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 11/09/2009; (747) Mount sprej (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 27/04/2012; (748) Mount sprej aqua (permethrin, tetramethrin), approved 19/11/2012; (869) Permex 22E (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 26/04/2012; (872) Pertrin S (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 20/03/2010; (880) Pitroid spray protiv gmizućih kukaca (permethrin, tetramethrin), approved 20/04/2009; (881) Pitroid spray protiv letećih kukaca (permethrin, tetramethrin), approved 20/04/2009; (882) Pitroid total spray (permethrin, d-phenothrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 22/05/2009; (954) Raid spray protiv muha i komaraca (permethrin, tetramethrin), approved 18/03/2010; (955) Raid tarme protiv moljaca cedar (permethrin), approved 23/06/2010; (956) Raid tarme protiv moljaca lavanda (permethrin), approved 23/06/2010; (1055) Smartline insekticid sprej (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 23/05/2011; (1117) Sting (permethrin, prallethrin), approved 09/12/2010; (1130) Super Birtox insekticid aerosol (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 24/06/2010; (1161) Terminator X insekticidni posip (permethrin), approved 01/02/2011; (1163) Terminator X univerzalni insekticid (permethrin), approved 09/12/2010; (1244) Bio Kill (permethrin), approved 24/06/2014; (1249) Insekticid Joker Bun (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 26/06/2014; (1342) Biotip insekticidno prašivo (permethrin), approved 05/03/2015; (1352) Bitox insecticide spray 400ml (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 10/04/2015; (1355) Insekticid dvostruko djelovanje (permethrin, tetramethrin, d-phenothrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 20/04/2015; (1371) Insekticid Tam Tam (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 07/05/2015; (1563) Agritox (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 30/04/2018; (1574) Akvacid (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 24/05/2016; (1778) Bifent Fogger Plus (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl), approved 23/05/2019; (1819) Biosekt univerzalni insekticid 500ml (permethrin, prallethrin), approved 15/02/2022; (1896) Bros prašak protiv mrava II (permethrin, silicon dioxide / diatomaceous earth), approved 01/04/2016; (1898) Bros prašak protiv mrava IV (permethrin, geraniol), approved 04/04/2018; (1902) Bros sprej protiv gmizućih insekata I (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 06/02/2019; (1904) Bros sprej protiv osa i stršljena I (permethrin, prallethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 07/01/2020; (2265) Effect Microtech CS Pro (permethrin, prallethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 01/07/2020; (2270) Effect Ultimum Pro (permethrin, teteramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 19/06/2020; (2295) Faracid (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 06/02/2019; (2296) Faracid + (permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 14/09/2017; (2301) Flash 23 - sprej protiv pužećih kukaca (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 14/02/2017; (2302) Flash 23 sprej protiv gmizućih insekata (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 22/07/2021; (2318) Flytrin 6.14 (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 20/05/2021; (2339) Froxynol 250 (permethrin, N-(3-Aminopropyl)-N-dodecylpropane-1.3-diamine), approved 07/01/2020; (2465) Indusect micro (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 08/06/2017; (2507) Inz-Eco mosquito trap (permethrin, pyriproxyfen, tetramethrin), approved 17/11/2020; (2625) LD 100 G (permethrin), approved 23/6/2017; (2743) Mr. Kill sprej protiv muha i drugih insekata (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide, pyrethrins & pyrethroids), approved 13/02/2017; (2775) Neo Starr (permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 17/11/2017; (2779) Neopitroid EC 20 Pro (permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 08/01/2016; (2780) Neopitroid prah PRO (permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 22/02/2016; (2781) Neopitroid Premium Plus (permethrin, prallethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 29/06/2022; (2788) New Spraymaster (permethrin, chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium extract, piperonyl butoxide), approved 05/06/2019; (2789) New Spraymaster ONE SHOT (permethrin, chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium extract, piperonyl butoxide), approved 29/05/2019; (2803) Nooze insetticida spray (permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 11/03/2020; (2891) Pertrin RTU (permethrin), approved 06/04/2016; (2905) Phobi aurodil super PB+ (permethrin, prallethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 09/02/2022; (2966) Profissimo sprej protiv insekata (permethrin, tetramethrin), approved 12/06/2018; (3247) Speed Stop insekticidna pjena protiv mrava i žohara 300ml (permethrin, tetramethrin), approved 10/03/2020; (3261) Sprej protiv mrava i žohara / Ant and crawling spray (permethrin, tetramethrin), approved 09/05/2017; (3262) Sprej protiv muha i osa / Fly and wasp killer (permethrin, tetramethrin), approved 09/05/2017; (3313) Stop insekticid sprej za leteće i gmižuće inskete (permethrin, transphenothrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 30/04/2018; (3317) Strike protiv osa, stršljena i azijskih stršljena (permethrin, d-trans-tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 31/01/2017; (3321) Strike® univerzalno insekticidno sredstvo za posipanje (permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 24/02/2017; (3351) Terminator X Insekticidno prašivo (permethrin), approved 15/04/2016; (3352) Terminator X Univerzalni insketicid (permethrin), approved 15/04/2016; (3426) Universal (permethrin, chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium extract), approved 22/03/2019.Neopitroid Premium no longer approved
- Alavanja, M.C.R., Hoffmann, J.N., Lynch, C.F., Hines, C.J., Barry, K. H., Barker, J., Buckman, D.W., Thomas, K., Sandler, D. P., Hoppin, J.A., Koutros, S., Andreotti, G., Lubin, J.H., Blair, A., Beane Freeman, L.E. 2014. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Risk and Insecticide, Fungicide and Fumigant Use in the Agricultural Health Study. PLoS One (US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health) 9 (10): e109332.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. August 2009. Permethrin Facts.
- Hoffmann, M., Meléndez, J.L., Ruhman, M.A., 2008. Risks of Permethrin Use to the Federally Threatened California Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora draytonii) and Bay Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas editha bayensis), and the Federally Endangered California Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris obsoletus), Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys raviventris), and San Francisco Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia). Environmental Fate and Effects Division Office of Pesticide Programs, Washington, D.C. 20460
USED ON HVAR: DDD programme, for adult insect suppression: 2016: Permex 22E- Hvar Town and its surrounds, June, July x2, August, October; Stari Grad and its environs, June, July, August; Jelsa Council area, July x2, August 2016. 2017: Hvar Town and surrounds Permex 22E 25th May, 20th June; 13th July; 11th August, 28th September, 12th October. Permex 22E total: 22 litres; Stari Grad and surrounds 17-18th May, 14th July, 11th August, 26th September, total 10 litres; Jelsa Council region, 12th July, 10th August, 27th September 2017, 9 litres. 2018: Hvar Town region, 24th July 2018, quantity 3 kg; Stari Grad region, 26th July, 15th August, 6th September, 3L; Jelsa region, 25th July, 14th August, 5th September 2018, 4L. 2019, 2020, Permex22E used in the insect suppression fogging programme on Hvar (Hvar Town, Stari Grad, Jelsa).
2018. Neopitroid Premium was used for insect suppression in the Sućuraj area on July 3rd and August 11th 2018.
HVAR 2021, 2022: Chemical analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratory of hair samples tested on 19/02/2021 and 08/12/2022 revealed significant quantities of Permethrin in a Pitve resident (fem. b.1948).
HVAR 2022. Neopitroid Premium was used for blanket insect spraying around the Jelsa Municipality on JuLY 27th 2022.
HVAR 2023. Neopitroid Premium was used for blanket insect spraying around the Jelsa Municipality on June 19th 2023.
HVAR 2023. Analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratoryof hair samples revealed the presence of Permethrin in the following people:
1. female (b. 1964), living in Vrisnik, sample taken on 15/06/2023, analysed 17/07/2023.
2. male (b. 1964) living in Hvar, sample taken on 17/06/2023, analysed on 17/07/2023.
3. female (b.1988) living in Pitve, sample taken on 26/06/2023, analysed 17/07/2023.
HVAR 2023. Neopitroid Premium Plus was used for blanket insect spraying around the Jelsa Municipality on August 21st 2023.
Possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to cats, bees and aquatic organisms; in humans, can cause dizziness, salivation, headache, fatigue, diarrhoea, irritability to sound and touch.
EU February 2024.: Phenothrin, d-phenothrin, cyphenothrin, IR-trans phenothrinnot approved; ECHA February 2024: IR-trans phenothrin approved 01/09/2015 - 31/08/2025; Cyphenothrin approved 01/02/2020 - 31/01/2030. Phenothrin, d-phenothrin not approved
Products: Sumithrin, Raid, Enforcer Flea Killer, Enforcer BedBug spray, Enforcer Flying Insect Killer, Enforcer Wasp and Hornet Killer, Ortho Max Flying Insect Killer, Anvil.
Approvals:ECHA February 2024 Cyphenothrin, twoauthorizations (PT18); IR-trans phenothrin, 34 authorizations (PT18, February 2024); Croatia FIS, February 2024: No approved products. MIZ: (August 2022): 21 listed products, 2 without approval dates; 2 based on phenothrin alone, 12 on d-phenothrin, 4 on cyphenothrin, 2 on IR-trans-phenothrin, 1 on R-trans-phenothrin: 101 Aroxol sprej protiv muha i komaraca (phenothrin, tetramethrin) approved 11/03/2013; 136 Bayer Garden protiv gmižućih insekata (cyphenothrin, imiprothrin) approved 27/09/2011; 137 Bayer Garden protiv letećih insekata (d-phenothrin, d-tetramethrin) approved 27/09/2011; 224 Bros 007 za mrave i puzeće insekte (cyphenothrin) approved 13/02/2012; 230 Bros mamac za faraonske mrave (cyphenothrin) approved 14/02/2012; 235 Bros sprej protiv moljaca (d-phenothrin, prallethrin, piperonyl butoxide) approved 26/07/2012; 236 Bros sprej protiv muha i komaraca (phenothrin, prallethrin, piperonyl butoxide) approved 25/07/2012; 351 Daytox insekticid u spreju (d-phenothrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide) 20/02/2012; 882 Pitroid Total Spray (d-phenothrin, permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide) approved 22/05/2009; 916 Protect Wasp Killer Aerosol (cyphenothrin, d-trans-tetramethrin approved 04/10/2010. 953 Rapid Sprej protiv gmižućih i letećih insekata (d-phenothrin, tetramethrin) approved 21/4/2011; 1087 Sprej Despar protiv muha i komaraca (d-phenothrin, d-allethrin) approved 21/5/2014; 1088 Sprej Despar protiv muha i komaraca (d-phenothrin, d-allethrin, tetramethrin) No approval date; 1089 Sprej Despar protiv žohara i mrava (d-phenothrin, d-allethrin) approved 21/5/2014; 1090 Sprej Despar protiv žohara i mrava (d-phenothrin, d-allethrin, tetramethrin) No approval date; 1354 Insekticid za dom Yuki Sprej (d-phenothrin, d-trans-tetramethrin) approved 20/04/2015; 1355 Insekticid dvostruko djelovanje (d-phenothrin, permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide) approved 10/4/2015; 1383 Raid Sprej protiv gmižućih i letećih insekata (IR trans-phenothrin, prallethrin) approved 10/6/2015; 1384 Raid sprej protiv muha i komaraca (R-trans-phenothrin, prallethrin) approved 10/6/2015; 2426 Hit insect killer 400ml sprej protiv insekata (d-phenothrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide) approved 20/02/2019; 3313 Stop insekticid sprej za leteće gmižuće insekte (IR trans-phenothrin, permethrin, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide) approved 30/04/2018.
ON HVAR: d-Phenothrin was on the list of pesticides recommended for use around Hvar Town, Stari Grad and the Jelsa Council area, under the Programme issued by the Split-Dalmatian County Public Health Institute for 2017.
PHOSMET. Organophosphate.
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic life and environment; highly toxic to honeybees; in humans can be fatal if inhaled; if swallowed, causes stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, sickness; can cause organ damage, eye irritation; possibly causes fetal damage or disrupts fertility; can cause swelling, itchiness, raised skin temperature if absorbed through the skin; can be toxic to birds, earthworms, cats and dogs.
EU / ECHA February 2024: Phosmet not approved
Products: Imidan 50 WG, Imidan 50WP.
Approvals: ECHAFebruary 2024: no approved products Croatia FIS February 2024: No approved products, Imidan 50WG, Imidan 50WP not approved. MIZ: (August 2022), no approved products listed
- University of Hertfordshire, Pesticide Properties Database, 2023: Phosmet.
2018. The Croatian Agriculture-Forestry Advisory Section for the Split-Dalmatian County recommended the Phosmet product Imidan for use on Hvar and in other olive-growing areas against fruit-flies in July 2018.
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to use Imidan 50WG against olive fly (Bactrocera oleae) 14.06.2019, 19.06.2019,26.06.2019, 21.08.2019, 13.09.2019,27.09.2019,
2019. Imidan (or - variously - Decis or Baturad or Rogor) recommended by a well-respected Hvar olive oil producer for use in May, June, againstolive moth (prays oleae, Croatian: maslinin moljac); Imidan (or Decis or Rogor or Rogor with Buminal or Success Bait or Eko-Trap) recommended to be used in July, August, September and October against olive fruit fly (bactrocera oleae, Croatian: maslinova muha)
PROPOXUR Carbamate insecticide, acaricide
EU / ECHA February 2024: Propoxur not approvedCroatia FIS February 2024:not approved MIZ (August 2022) not approved.
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish, birds, bees and some plants (chrysanthemums, orchids, roses). In humans: probable human carcinogen; endocrine disruptor; can cause headaches, blurred vision, pupillary constriction, dizziness; abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting. muscle cramps, excessive salivation, sweating, breathing difficulties, muscle twitching. convulsions, unconsciousness, even death; can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.
Approved products:ECHA / FIS, February 2024 / MIZ (August 2022): no approved products.Official GHS* warnings: H301: Toxic if swallowed [Danger Acute toxicity, oral] H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard] H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard] Precautionary Statement Codes P264, P270, P273, P301+P316, P321, P330, P391, P405, and P501
ON HVAR: Propoxur identified in a Hvar resident living near Vrboska (fem., 48) via a hair sample taken on 25/05/2023, analysed by the Kudzu Science laboratoryon 21/06/2023.
PYRIPROXYFEN Insect growth regulator (IGR). Aromatic ether, member of pyridines (substance group unclassified)
Possible adverse effects: Toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates; Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; moderately toxic to bees, earthworms; in humans: harmful if absorbed through the skin, or swallowed; causes eye irritation; possibly affects male fertility; possible endocrine disruptor, may have an estrogenic effect; possible liver and blood toxicant
ON HVAR: 2019: Pyxal recommended by a well-respected Hvar olive oil producer for use in May against scale insects (coccoidea, Croatian: štitašte uši)
RESMETHRIN. Synthetic pyrethroid.
Possible adverse effects: potentially harmful to humans: endocrine disruptor, neurotoxic, eye and skin irritant, possible thyroid toxicity; possible human carcinogen; highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates; moderately toxic to birds;
EU / ECHA February 2024: Resmethrin not approved. [Banned in the United States since 2015.]
- University of Hertfordshire, Pesticide Properties Database 2021. Resmethrin.
ON HVAR: Resmethrin was on the list of pesticides recommended for use around Hvar Town, Stari Grad and the Jelsa Council area, under the Programme issued by the Split-Dalmatian County Public Health Institute for 2017.
SPINOSAD, combination of Spinosyn A and Spinosyn D, derived from naturally occurring soil fungi (naturalyte)
Possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, with long-lasting effects; highly toxic to bees; toxic to fish and earthworms; in humans can cause allergic reactions and eye irritation.
EU February 2024: Spinosad approved 01/02/2007 - 15/03/2025.ECHA: Approved, PT18, 01/11/2012 - 30/04/2025, renewal in progress (February 2024).
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to use Laser (19.06.2019) and Success Bait (13.09.2019, 27.09.2019)
SPIROTETRAMAT tetramic acid insecticide.
Possible adverse effects: very toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; moderately toxic to fish, algae, aquatic plants, sediment dwelling organisms, birds, earthworms. In humans: possible liver and kidney toxicant; may cause lung damage; possibly causes reproduction and developmental problems; skin sensitiser; eye irritant;
EUFebruary 2024: Spirotetramat approved 01/05/2014 - 30/04/2024. ECHA:Spirotetramat not approved
Product: Movento
Product approvals: ECHA February 2024: no approved products; CroatiaFIS February 2024, 1 product approved: (1017) Movento approved 31/10/2016 - 30/04/2025. MIZ (August 2022): no approved products.
- María Del Mar Fernández, Pilar Medina, Alberto Fereres, Guy Smagghe, Elisa Viñuela, Are Mummies and Adults of Eretmocerus mundus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) Compatible With Modern Insecticides? , Journal of Economic Entomology, Volume 108, Issue 5, October 2015, Pages 2268–2277, https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/tov181
ON HVAR: Movento recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Phytosanitary Institute (FIS) against orange spiny whitefly (aleurocanthus spiniferus); ordered to be used by the Phytosanitary inspector on a private property (September 2021).
SULFOXAFLOR Sulfoximine insecticide.
Possible adverse effects: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects; can be very harmful to honeybees, bumblebees and earthworms; moderately harmful to aquatic crustaceans and sediment-dwelling organisms. In humans: possible liver toxicant; possible carcinogen (US Environmental Protection Agency); possibly affects reproduction and development.
EU February 2024: Sulfoxaflor approved 18/08/2015 - 18/08/2025. BUT as from April 2022. the use of Sulfoxaflor has been restricted to indoors in permanent greenhouses only because of its high risk to pollinators, especially bees. ECHA:Sulfloxaflor not approved
Approvals: ECHA February 2024: no approved products; Croatia FIS February 2024, 1 approved product: (1223) Closer approved 28/05/2019 - 18/08/2026. MIZ (August 2022): no approved products
ON HVAR: Closer recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Phytosanitary Institute (FIS) against orange spiny whitefly (aleurocanthus spiniferus); ordered to be used by the Phytosanitary inspector on a private property (September 2021).
Possible adverse effects: potential human carcinogen, also can cause dizziness, breathing difficulties, coughing, eye irritation, gastrointestinal upset, blisters and skin rashes; extremely toxic to bees and aquatic organisms, including fish and aquatic invertebrates.
EU February 2024: Tetramethrin not approved, d-tetramethrin, trans-Tetramethrin not listed: ECHA February 2024: Tetramethrin & d-tetramethrin under evaluation, application for renewal in progress
Products: Permex 22E (with permethrin & piperonyl butoxide); Cymina Plus (with cypermethrin), Cymina Ultra (with cypermethrin & piperonyl butoxide); Household insect-killing sprays such as Killtox insekticid (with permethrin & piperonyl butoxide); Raid sprej muhe i komarci (tetramethrin, d-cis, trans allethrin); Raid sprej protiv gmižućih i letećih insekata (tetramethrin with phenothrin); Raid sprej protiv muha i komaraca (tetramethrin, permethrin); Bayer Garden protiv letećih insekata (d-tetramethrin with d-phenothrin); Strike protiv osa, stršlena i azijskih stršlena (d-trans tetramethrin with permethrin and piperonyl butoxide)
Product approvals: ECHA February 2024: no approved products (PT18); Croatia FIS February 2024 No approved products,Permex 22E, Cymina Plus, Cymina Ultra not approved MIZ: (August 2022): c. 88 products were listed based on tetramethrin, only three on tetramethrin alone; nine were based on d-trans-tetramethrin or trans-tetramethrin: (1249) insekticid Joker Bun (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 26/06/2014; (1352) Bitox insecticide Spray 400ml (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 20/04/2015; (1354) Insekticid za dom Yuki Spray, (d-trans-tetramethrin, phenothrin), approved 20/04/2015; (1355) Insekticid dvostruko djelovanje, ((tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide, d-phenothrin), approved 20/04/2015; (1371) Insekticid Tam Tam, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 07/05/2015; (1563) Agritox, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 30/04/2018; (1572) Akvacid, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 24/05/2016; (1736) Atoks, (tetramethrin, methyl cyclopropane carboxylate), approved 14/02/2017; (1737) Atoks hornet sprej protiv osa, stršljena i njihovih legla (tetramethrin), approved 19/06/2019; (1752) Bado ose i stršljeni, (tetramethrin, prallethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 21/04/2022; (1768) Bengal sprej protiv svih insekata, (d-trans-tetramethrin), approved 25/09/2017; (1778) Bifent Fogger Plus, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 23/05/2019; (1899) BROS prašak protiv muha 1 (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 06/02/2019; (1902) BROS sprej protiv gmižućih insekata 1, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 06/02/2019; (1903) BROS sprej protiv muha i komaraca, (tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 19/10/2021; 1981 Cimetrol Super EW, (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide, piriproxyfen), approved 08/04/2020; 2067 Daytox insekticid u spreju, (tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 03/06/2016; (2134) Despar insekticidni sprej protiv komaraca i muha 400ml, trans-tetamethrin, approved 23/03/2022; (2270) Effect Ultimum pro, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 19/06/2020; (2295) Faracid, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 06/02/2019; (2298) Flash 22 - sprej protiv letećih kukaca(tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 25/04/2017; (2299) Flash 22 mosche e zanzare 400ml, (tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 04/04/2016; (2300) Flash 22 sprej protiv muha i komaraca (tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 22/07/2021; (2301) Flash 23 sprej protiv puzećih kukaca, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 14/02/2017; (2302) Flash 23 sprej protiv gmizučih insekata, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 22/07/2021; (2317) Fly tomb 4 GR, (tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 15/06/2016; (2318) Flytrin 6.14, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 20/05/2021; (2334) FORTH spray protiv moljaca, (tetramethrin), approved 17/12/2015; (2426) HIT insect killer 400ml sprej protiv insekata, (tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide, d-phenothrin)), approved 20/02/2019; (2463) Indusect EC, (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 07/06/2017; (2464) Indusect ME, (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 08/06/2017; (2465) Indusect Micro, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 08/06/2017; (2507) Inz-Eco mosquito trap, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piriproxyfen), approved 17/11/2020; (2556) Killer ultra, (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium extract), approved 30/10/2019; (2743) Mr Kill sprej protiv muha i drugih insekata, (tetram30)ethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide, pyrethrins & pyrethroids), approved 13/02/2017; 2802 Nooze insetticida liquido microincapsulato, (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 01/6/2020; (2803) Nooze insetticida spray M&Z, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 11/03/2020; (2804) Nooze insetticida spray S&F, (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 28/02/2020; (2966) Profissimo sprej protiv insekata 400 ml, (tetramethrin, permethrin), approved 12/06/2018; (2971) Protect wasp killer aerosol, (d-trans-tetramethrin), approved 08/06/2022; (3247) Speed Stop Insekticidna pjena protiv mrava i žohara 300 ml, (tetramethrin, permethrin), approved 10/03/2020; (3261) Sprej protiv mtava i žohara / ant and crawling spray, (tetramethrin, permethrin), approved 09/05/2017; (3262) Sprej protiv muha i osa / fly & wasp killer, (tetramethrin, permethrin), approved 09/05/2017; (3313) Stop insekticid sprej za leteće i gmižuće insekte, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 30/04/2018; (3317) Strike protiv osa, stršljena i azijskih stršljena, (d-trans-tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 31/01/2017; 3346 Tator, (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 21/02/2019; (64) Amplat, (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 11/03/2010; (65) Amplat, (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 11/09/2009; (101) Aroxol sprej protiv muha i komaraca, (tetramethrin, phenothrin), approved 11/03/2013; (137) Bayer Garden protiv letećih insekata, (d-tetramethrin, d-phenothrin), approved 27/09/2011; (217) Bogaclean antiparasitic spray, (tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide, pyrethrins & pyrethroids), approved 31/12/2013; (218) Bogaclean flea fogger, (tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide, pyrethrins & pyrethroids, cypermethrin, S-metropen), approved 31/12/2013; (228) Bros insect spray, (tetramethrin, deltamethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 25/07/2012; (232) Bros prašak protiv insekata, (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 03/11/2011; (241) Bros sprej protiv osa i stršljenova, (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, permethrin), approved 16/08/2012; (315) Clear Score Plus, (tetramethrin, pyrethrins, liquefied petroleum gas, isopropyl alcohol), approved 03/09/2009; (342) Cymina Ultra, (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 04/02/2011; (343) Cymina Ultra, (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 04/2/2011; (344) Cyperbase, (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 24/03/2014; (452) Draker 10.2, (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 05/02/2010; (453) Draker RTU, (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 02/10/2012; (458) Duracid sprej, (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 01/02/2011; (465) Effect insekticid protiv osa i stršljenova (aerosol), (tetramethrin, permethrin), approved 10/05/2011; (466) Effect Microtech CS, (tetramethrin, permethrin), approved 26/09/2013; (467) Effect Ultimum, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 15/04/2014; (468) Effect univerzalni insekticid aerosol, (tetramethrin, permethrin), approved 21/05/2009; (471) Entox insekticid aerosol, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 13/06/2011; (479) Final Fliegen Turbo Spray, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 26/09/2013; (480) Final universal ungezieferspray, (tetramethrin, permethrin, cypermethrin), approved 26/09/2013; (492) Forth sprej protiv muha i komaraca, (tetramethrin, pyrethrins, pyrethroids, piperonyl butoxide), approved 24/04/2014; (494) Foval CE, (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 04/11/2010; (495) Foval Komarci i muhe, (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 29/12/2010; (594) Insetticida fulmine contro mosce i zanzare, (tetramethrin), approved 07/4/2010; (653) Killtox insekticid, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 05/10/2010; (698) Maxicarb forte, (tetramethrin, bendiocarb, piperonyl butoxide), approved 14/12/2012; (712) Mercator insekticid protiv letećih insekata s raspršivačem, (tetramethrin, pyrethrum extract (pyrethrins & pyrethroids), approved 01/04/2010; (723) Microsene, (permethrin, cis/trans 25/75, tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 17/03/2010; (724) Microsene, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 11/09/2009; (747) Mount Sprej, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 27/04/2012; (748) Mount sprej aqua, (tetramethrin, permethrin), approved 19/11/2012; (869) Permex 22E, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 26/04/2012; (872) Pertrin S, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 20/03/2010; (880) Pitroid spraj protiv gmižućih kukaca, (tetramethrin, permethrin), approved 20/04/2009; (881) Pitroid spraj protiv letećih kukaca, (tetramethrin, permethrin), approved 20/04/2009; (882) Pitroid Total Spray, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide, d-phenothrin), approved 22/05/2009; (916) Protect wasp Killer Aerosol, (d-trans-tetramethrin, cyphenothrin), approved 04/10/2010; (952) Raid sprej muhe i komarci, (tetramethrin d-cis, trans-allethrin), approved 10/10/2011; (953) Raid sprej protiv gmižućih i letećih insekata, (tetramethrin, phenothrin), approved 21/04/2011; (954) Raid sprej protiv muha i komaraca, (tetramethrin, permethrin), approved 18/03/2010; (1055) Smartline insekticid sprey, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 23/05/2011; (1088) Sprej Despar protiv muha i komaraca, (d-tetramethrin, d-allethrin, d-phenothrin), No approval details; (1090) Sprej Despar protiv žohara i mrava, (d-tetramethrin, d-allethrin, d-phenothrin), No approval details; 1091 Sprej Plus ZAZ protiv muha i komaraca 400ml, (tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 21/03/2014; (1092) Sprej protiv insekata 400ml, (tetramethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 09/03/2011; (1130) Super Birtox insekticid aerosol, (tetramethrin, permethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 24/06/2010; (1149) Tator, (tetramethrin, cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 25/02/2011; (1162) Terminator X sprej protiv muha i komaraca, tetramethrin, natural pyrethrin extract, piperonyl butoxide), approved 09/12/2010. Cymina Plus not approved.
USED ON HVAR: DDD programme, for adult insect suppression: 2016: Permex 22E- Hvar Town and its surrounds, June, July x2, August, October; Stari Grad and its environs, June, July, August; Jelsa Council area, July x2, August 2016. 2017: Hvar Town and surrounds Permex 22E 25th May, 20th June; 13th July; 11th August, 28th September, 12th October. Permex 22E total: 22 litres; Stari Grad and surrounds 17-18th May, 14th July, 11th August, 26th September, total 10 litres; Jelsa Council region, 12th July, 10th August, 27th September 2017, 9 litres. 2018: Hvar Town region, 24th July 2018, quantity 3 kg; Stari Grad region, 26th July, 15th August, 6th September, 3L; Jelsa region, 25th July, 14th August, 5th September 2018, 4L. 2019, 2020, Permex22E used in the insect suppression fogging programme on Hvar (Hvar Town, Stari Grad, Jelsa)
2019, 2020: Permex22E used on Hvar in the insect suppression fogging programme.
THIAMETHOXAM. Neonicotinoid.
Possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to aquatic life, with acute and lasting effects; highly toxic to bees; toxic to earthworms; in humans, can be harmful through skin contact, inhalation, and especially ingestion; can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache; ingestion can cause seizures, coma, hypothermia, respiratory failure, hypotension, ventricular dysrhythmias and death.
EU February 2024: Thiamethoxamnot approvedECHA: approved PT18 01/02/2015 - 31/01/2025.
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to use Actara (10.05.2019, 14.06.2019, 19.06.2019)
TRANSFLUTHRIN. Pyrethroid insecticide
Possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to aquatic life, with acute and lasting effects; in humans, possible carcinogen; toxic, can be fatal if inhaled; kidney and liver toxicant; causes skin irritation, eye irritation.
EU February 2024: Transfluthrinnot approved. ECHA: approved PT18 01/11/2015 - 31/10/2025.
Product approvals: ECHAPT18,February 2024, 98 authorizations, Croatia FIS February 2024: no approved productsMIZ: (August 2022), 12 product listed: 15 based on transfluthrin alone, five in mixtures. (see the Croatian version of this article for details)
ON HVAR: 2023. Transfluthrin identified in a Vrisnik resident from a hair sample taken on 15/06/2023, analysed by the Kudzu Science laboratoryon 17/07/2023.
HVAR 2023: Analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratoryof hair samples revealed the presence of Transfluthrin in the following people:
1. female (b. 1964), living in Vrisnik, sample taken on 15/06/2023, analysed 17/07/2023.
2. male (b. 1964) living in Hvar, sample taken on 17/06/2023, analysed on 17/07/2023.
3. male (b. 2019) living in Pitve, sample taken on 26/06/2023, analysed 17(07/2023.
4. female (b. 1988) living in Pitve, sample taken on 26/06/2023, analysed 17(07/2023.
5. female (b. 1982) living in Jelsa, sample taken on 22/12/2023, analysed on 08/01/2024.spirotetramat
TRICHLORFON. Organophosphate.
Possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to birds, bees, and aquatic organisms, toxic to fish; in humans, possible carcinogen; suspected to cause reproductive problems and birth defects; can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps; affects the nervous system: can cause confusion, headaches, irritability, speech difficulties, memory and concentration loss; when inhaled, causes breathing problems, pulmonary oedema, sometimes nose-bleeds; eye contact can cause redness and bleeding, tears, blurred vision; skin contact can cause sweating and muscle contractions; severe poisoning affects the central nervous system and can cause loss of coordination (ataxia), slurred speech, weakness, fatigue, paralysis, unconsciousness, and even death; symptoms such as cramps, tingling, numbness in the legs followed by incoordination and paralysis sometimes come on 1-4 weeks after exposure and can leave permanent disability.
EU /ECHA / Croatia FIS February 2024 / MIZ (August 2022): Trichlorfon not approved.
Sources: - National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database. 2005, modified 2018. Metrifonate -TRICHLORFON.
- University of Hertfordshire Pesticide Properties Database 2023. Trichlorfon.
USED ON HVAR: for many years trichlorfon was distributed to households together with rat poison (Ratimor, see below), previously in flimsy cellophane packaging. In tablet form, it was intended for use down toilet pans: when used, it most probably finished in the sea from seaside properties, or in the soil from soak-away septic tanks.
TRICOSENE. Chemical compound: muscalure, Z-9-tricosene, cis-tricos-9-ene, muscamone
Possible adverse effects: Irritant to skin and eyes on contact; inhalation can cause irritation to the respiratory tract; highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates
EU February 2024: Tricoseneot approvedECHA: Approved PT19, repellants and attractants, 01/10/2014 - 30/09/2024.
Product approvals: ECHA February 2024: no authorizations (PT19); Croatia FIS February 2024 no approved products MIZ: (August 2022): no approved products. (note: Quick Bayt, active ingredient imidacloprid on its own, approved 10/08/2009)
USED ON HVAR DDD programme, on rubbish tips: 2018: Quick Bayt®, Hvar Town region, 3rd July, 2 kg; Stari Grad region, 3rd July, 25th July, 15th July, 6th September 2018, 2 kg.
2017: Quick Bayt insecticde was used in the Sućuraj region, with thiamethoxam (probably incorrectly) listed as its active ingredient in the report to the Sućuraj council (certificate / potvrda 52177, dated 04/06/2017)
2020: Quick Bayt (active ingredient imidacloprid) used around the Jelsa Council region (DDD programme)
2. SYNERGIST ('INERT SUBSTANCE' / MIXER)
PIPERONYL BUTOXIDE (PBO). Pyrethroid synergist.
Possible adverse effects: very toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; may cause birth defects, including holoprosencephaly (HPE); may delay mental development in infants; animal studies show possible damage, including tumours, in mice and rats.
Product approvals: ECHA PT18, February 2024: 27 authorizations.
Croatia FIS February 2024, 2 products listed: (944) K-Obiol EC 25 (deltamethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 01/03/2016 - 31/10/2024 & (810) Kofumin 77 UL (cypermethrin, piperonyl butoxide), approved 19/12/2014-15/10/2022, authorization withdrawn, final use deadline 15/04/2024; Permex 22E, Cymina Ultra, Cymina Plus, Neopitroid Premium not authorized.
MIZ (August 2022): c.101 products listed (insecticides, ECHA PT18); includingPermex 22E approved April 2012.Cymina Ultra approved February 2011. Neopitroid Premium approved July 2011. approval withdrawn August 2022.Cymina Plus not approved
ON HVAR, 2023. Chemical analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratory of a hair sample taken on 25/05/2023, analysed on 21/06/2023 revealed the presence of Ametoctradin in a female (b.1975) living near Vrboska.
AZOXYSTROBIN(substance group strobilurin)
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic organisms and the aquatic environment, with long-lasting effects; highly toxic to hoverfly larvae; toxic to fish, earthworms; in humans, suspected possible carcinogen; can be fatal if swallowed; highly toxic if inhaled; harmful if absorbed through the skin; skin and eye irritant.
EU February 2024:Azoxystrobin approved 01/01/2012 - 31/12/2024 [ECHA: Asoxystrobin authorized for film preservatives (PT07), fibre, leather, rubber, polymerised materials preservatives (PT09), construction materials preservatives (PT10).]
HVAR 2021, 2022: Chemical analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratory of hair samples tested on 19/02/2021 and 08/12/2022 revealed the presence of Azoxystrobin in a Pitve resident (fem. b.1948).
HVAR2023Chemical analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratory of hair samples revealed the presence of Azoxystrobin in the following people:
1. female (b.1975) living near Vrboska, sample taken on 25/05/2023, analysed on 21/06/2023 .
2. female (b. 1964) living in Vrisnik, sample taken on 17/06/2023, analysed on 17/07/2023.
3. male (b. 1964) living in Hvar, sample taken on 17/06/2023, analysed on 17/07/2023.
4. male (b.2019) living in Pitve, sample taken on 26/06/2023, analysed on 17/07/2023.
5. female (b.1988) living in Pitve, sample taken on 26/06/2023, analysed on 17/07/2023.
6. female (b. 1987) living in Jelsa, sample taken on 06/11/2023, tested on 01/12/2023.
7. female (b. 1982) living in Jelsa, sample taken on 22/12/2023, analysed on 08/01/2024.
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish; very toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; toxic to birds, earthworms, aquatic invertebrates and algae; slightly toxic to honeybees; in humans, probable reproduction/developmental toxin
EU February 2024: Bixafen approved 01/10/2013-31/05/2025
Possible adverse effects: toxic to the aquatic environment, with long-lasting effects; moderately toxic to fish, birds and earthworms; may affect foraging capacity in honeybees; in humans: possible carcinogen; possible effects on reproduction and development.
Product approvals: Croatia FIS February 2024 :8 products approved, 3 based on boscalid alone, 5 in combination with other active ingredients: 66 Bellis (boscalid, pyraclostrobin), approved 04/01/2008-31/12/2028; 110 Cantus, approved 09/12/2004-31/12/2028; 616 Signum (boscalid, pyraclostrobin), approved 29/12/2006-31/12/2028; 1142 Collis (boscalid, kresoxyim-methyl), approved 05/02/2018-31/07/2028; 1479 Pictor Active (boscalid, pyraclostrobin), approved 09/06/2022-31/01/2029; 1486 Loyalty approved 21/06/2022-31/07/2024; 1602 Royalty approved 12/07/2023-15/04/2027;494 Pictor (boscalid, dimoxystrobin), approved 29/12/2006-31/01/2024, registration expired, final date for sale 30/05/2024, final usage date 31/07/2024; 1532 Empartis (boscalid, kresoxim-methyl), approved 13/12/2022-31/07/2024, registration expiring, final date for sale 31/01/2025, final usage date 31/01/2026.
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Scientific Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to use Signum (19/06/2019)
ON HVAR 2021 Boscalid identified in a dust sample taken on June 22nd from a house near vineyards in Svirče
Possible adverse effects: toxic if swallowed; can cause serious respiratory problems; can cause severe eye irritation.
EU February 2024:Calcium chloride not approved [ECHA Calcium Chloride approved under PT02 (disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct application to humans or animals) , 03 (Veterinary hygiene), 04 (food and feed area), 05 (drinking water), 11 (preservatives for liquid-cooling and processing systems)]
Product Cuprablau Z Ultra Product approvals:Croatia FISFebruary 2024: No approved products, Cuprablau Z Ultra not approved
Possible adverse effects: corrosive; toxic for aquatic life; in humans: skin irritant; causes serious eye irritation, possible respiratory tract irritant;
EU February 2024: Calcium hydroxide approved from 01/07/2015; calcium dihydroxide not listed [ECHA June 2023: Calcium hydroxide, calcium dihydroxide approved 01/05/2018-30/04/2028 as disinfectants and algaecides not intended for direct application to humans or animals (PT02), and for veterinary hygiene (PT03) ]
Product Approvals: Croatia FIS February 2024, No approved products listed under calcium hydroxide, calcium dihydroxide.
EU February 2024: Captan approved 01/10/2007 - 15/11/2024
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic life, hazardous to aquatic environment; mod birds, earthworms, aquartic invertebrates, algae; in humans, acutely toxic if inhaled; suspected carcinogen; suspected endocrine disruptor; skin and eye irritant; may cause contact dermatitis; possibly a skin sensitiser,
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic organisms and the aquatic environment, with long-lasting effects; toxic to earthworms; moderately toxic to honeybees; in humans, may cause genetic defects; may damage fertility and the unborn child;
EU February 2024: Carbendazim not approved
Product: Tilt CB 187.5 FW (carbendazim and propiconazole)
Product approvals: Croatia FIS February 2024: No approved products,Tilt CB 187.5FW not approved
- University of Hertfordshire Pesticide Properties Database 2023. Carbendazim
CHLOROTHALONIL substance group chloronitrile
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish; very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; toxic to birds, honeybees, earthworms; in humans: can be fatal if swallowed or inhaled; possible carcinogen; can affect reproduction and development; possible endocrine disruptor; causes serious eye damage; can cause respiratory tract irritation; can cause allergic skin reaction
EU February 2024: Chlorothalonil not approved,
Product: Folio Gold
Approved products: CroatiaFIS,February 2024: No approved products,Folio Goldauthorization withdrawn 20/11/2019
- PPDB Pesticide Properties Database University of Hertfordshire. 2023. Chlorothalonil
COPPER COMPOUNDS
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates, organisms and plants; toxic to bees and earthworms; sheep, chickens; persists in the soil. In humans can cause nausea, irritation of respiratory tract and skin, eczema. Eye contact can cause conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelid lining, excess fluid build-up in the eyelid, clouding of the cornea, cornea tissue deterioration due to ulceration in the eye's mucous membrane.
Long-term, excessive exposure leads to the risk of heavy metal poisoning, including liver disease, brain damage, kidney and intestinal problems, anaemia, mutagenic potential; possible damaging effects on reproduction and development. Symptoms include: a metallic taste in the mouth, burning pain in the chest and abdomen, intense nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, sweating, shock, disrupted urination leading to yellowing of the skin. People with Wilson's disease (in which copper is absorbed and stored excessively in the body01/10/2013-31/05/2025), are at special risk of poisoning from copper-based pesticides.
EU February 2024: Copper compounds, Bordeaux Mixture, copper oxide, copper oxychloride, copper hydroxide approved 01/01/2019-31/12/2025
Product approvals: EU February 2024: Bordeaux Mixture approved 01/01/2019-31/12/2025; Croatia FISFebruary 2024: 1 Bordoska juha Caffaro 20 WP (bordeaux mixture), approved 08/07/2004-31/12/2028; 85 Bordoska juha 20WP Manica (bordeaux mixture), approved 24/11/2006-31/12/2028; 122 Champion WG 50 (copper hydroxide), approved 21/01/2008-31/12/2028; 162 Cuprocaffaro 50 WP (copper oxychloride), approved 02/05/2005-31/12/2028; 440 Modro ulje (copper hydroxide, paraffin oil), approved 23/07/2008-31/12/2025; 452 Neoram WG (copper oxychloride), approved 24/01/2008-31/12/2025; 458 Nordox 75 WG (copper oxide), approved 24/01/2002-31/12/2028; 817 Amaline Flow (tribasic copper sulphate, zoxamide), approved 22/03/2013-21/03/2025; 992 Optix R (tribasic copper sulphate), approved 04/08/2016-01/01/2029; 1047 Ridomil Gold R (metalaxy-M, copper oxychloride) approved 11/04/2017-30/06/2025; 1144 Cyclo R liquido (copper hydroxide), approved 22/03/2018-31/01/2029; 1167 Red Fox (copper oxide, paraffin oil), approved 23/07/2018-31/12/2028; 1590 Codimur SC (copper oxychloride), 09/08/2023-31/12/2026; 1592 Copper Key Flow (copper oxychloride), approved 09/08/2023-31/12/2026; 1182 Cupra (copper oxychloride), approved 22/10/2018-31/01/2029; 1210 Copper Key (copper oxychloride), approved 25/03/2019-01/01/2029; 1211 Codimur 50 (copper oxychloride), approved 27/03/2019-01/01/2029; 1212 Copper Lainco (copper oxychloride), approved 26/03/2019-01/01/2029; 1219 Cuprablau Z 35 WG (copper oxychloride), approved 17/04/2019-31/12/2025; 1230 Bordoflow (bordeaux mixture), approved 12/08/2019-01/01/2029; 1239 Airone SC (copper hydroxide), approved 09/08/2019-01/01/2029; 1270 Fantic A (benalaxyl-M, copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride), approved 19/12/2019-01/01/2029; 1468 Copforce Extra (copper hydroxide, cymoxanil), approved 07/04/2022-31/08/2028.. Not approved: Bordeaux mixture (copper sulphate and hydrated lime / calcium dihydroxide);Modra galica; Cuprablau Z Ultra; Modra Galica (Scarmagnan) registration withdrawn on 01/07/2016; Champion and Cuprablau-Z registration withdrawn on 01/01/2020, final deadline for sales of stocks 01/07/2020, final use-by date 01/07/2021.121 Champion Flow SC (copper hydroxide), approval withdrawn
COPPER SULPHATE
Possible adverse effects: Danger! According to the classification provided by companies to ECHA in REACH registrations this substance is very toxic to aquatic life, is very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects, may cause cancer, may damage fertility or the unborn child, is harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye damage, may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure, causes skin irritation and may cause an allergic skin reaction. (ECHA Substance infocard)
EU February 2024: Tribasic copper sulfate approved, 01/01/2019 - 31/12/2025. [ECHA: Copper Sulphate approved under PT02 (disinfectants and algaecides) Copper Sulphate approved 01/07/2015-30/06/2025. (10 related products)]
Product: Bordeaux Mixture.(combination of copper sulphate and hydrated lime / calcium dihydroxide)
Croatia FIS February 2024: Bordoška juha caffaro 20WP approved 08/07/2004-31/12/2028; Bordoška juha 20WP Manica approved 24/11/2006-31/12/2028.
Sources:- University of Hertfordshire: Pesticide Properties Database. 2023.Copper Sulphate.
- University of Hertfordshire: Pesticide Properties Database. 2023.Bordeaux Mixture.
USED ON HVAR: Copper-based compounds, such as Nordox, and especially Copper Sulphate and Bordeaux Mixture, are widely used on vines, especially on the north side of the island, also on other crops(see 'Starigrad Plain: Our Survey')
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to use copper-based pesticides fungicides (22.02.2019, 14.03.2019,15.03.2019 (for olives), 15.03.2019 (for vines), 12th April 2019 (for vegetables), 19.06.2019, 26.07.2019)
CYMOXANIL substance group cyanoacetamide oxime
Possible adverse effects: very toxic to aquatic life and the aquatic environment, with long-lasting effects; in humans: highly toxic if swallowed; reproductive toxicity, suspected of damaging fertility and the unborn child; skin irritant; eye irritant; prolonged exposure causes organ damage
EU February 2024: Cymoxanil approved 01/09/2009 - 15/08/2026.
Product: Antracol Combi WP 76 (Cymoxanil and Propineb)
Product approvals: Croatia FISFebruary 2024, 12 products, 5 based on cymoxanil alone, 7 in combinations: 787 Momentum Trio (cymoxanil, fosetyl, folpet), approved 13/06/2016-31/08/2028; 924 Proxanil 450 SC (cymoxanil, propamocarb), approved 04/12/2015-31/07/2024; 1165 Magma Triple (cymoxanil, folpet, fosetyl), approved 21/06/2018-31/08/2028; 1183 Reboot (cymoxanil, zoxamid), approved 02/11/2018-31/08/2028; 1192 Cymbal Flow, approved 08/01/2019-31/08/2028; 1328 Curzate 60 WG, approved 18/12/202-31/08/2024; 1468 Copforce Extra, approved 07/04/2022-31/08/2028; 1477 Magma Triple WG (cymoxanil, fosetyl, folpet), approved 02/06/2022-31/07/2028; 1542 Vitene 45 WG approved 06/02/2023-31/08/2024; 1543 Sacron 45 WG approved 06/02/2023-31/08/2024; 1594 Afrasa Triple WG (cymoxanil, fosetyl, folpet) approved 07/07/2023-31/08/2024; 1621 Carial Flex (cymoxanil, mandipropramid) approved 18/01/2024-31/12/2026. 165 Curzate F (cymoxanil, folpet), approved 10/03/2006, approval ending 24/03/2023, final deadline 24/03/2024. Antracol Combi WP 76 and other Antracol products not approved
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to the aquatic environment, with long-lasting effects. Highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates; toxic to fish; moderately toxic to birds and earthworms; in humans: possible reproduction and development effects; can cause allergic reactions in skin; irritant to respiratory tract, eyes, skin; skin sensitizer.
ON HVAR 2021 Cyprodinil identified in a dust sample taken on June 22nd 2021 from a house near vineyards in Svirče
DIFENOCONAZOLE conazole fungicide,substance group triazole
Possible adverse effects: very toxic to fish, aquatic plants and algae, with long-lasting effects; harmful to bees; can contaminate bee pollen;moderately toxic to birds and mammals; in humans, possible carcinogen; possible endocrine disruptor; harmful if swallowed or inhaled; can cause serious eye irritation
EU February 2024: Approved 01/01/2009 - 15/03/2026.
ON HVAR: Difcor recommended by a well-respected Hvar olive oil producer for use in April 2019 against olive leaf spot (spilocaea oleagina Cast. Croatian: paunovo oko)
DIMETHOMORPH substance group morpholine
Possible adverse effects: toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates, crustaceans and plants, with long-lasting effects; hazardous to the aquatic environment; possibly affects honeybees through accumulation in pollen; slight risk for bumblebees and birds; moderately toxic to earthworms; can affect soil bacteria, impacting on soil nitrification and ammonification; in humans: irritant to respiratory tract, skin and eyes; possibly causes chromosome aberrations; possibly affects reproduction and development
EU February 2024: Dimethomorph approved 01/10/2007-15/02/2025
Products: Acrobat MZ WG (dimethomorph with mancozeb), Cabrio Team (dimethomorph and pyraclostrobin)
Product approvals: Croatia FIS February 2024, 5 products, all in combinations: 272 Forum Star (dimethomorph, folpet), approved 12/12/1997-31/12/2028; 998 Orvego (dimethomorph, ametocradin), approved 12/09/2016-31/07/2028; 1013 Sphinx Extra 685 WDG (dimethomorph, folpet), approved 05/10/2016-31/07/2024; 1276 Metomor F (dimethomorph, folpet), approved 28/02/2020-31/07/2028; 1313 Diflunova (dimethomorph, fluazinam), approved 25/09/2020-31/07/2028 Acrobat MZ WG approval withdrawn 04/07/2021; Cabrio Team not approved
EU February 2024: Dimoxystrobin approved 01/01/2006 - 31/01/2024, approval expired
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects, highly toxic to fish, earthworms, aquatic invertebrates; toxic to honeybees, birds, sediment dwelling organisms, algae; in humans: endocrine disruptor, suspected carcinogen, suspected of reproduction / development effects - suspected of damaging unborn child
Product: Pictor (dimoxystrobin and boscalid)
Product approval: Croatia FIS, February 2024: 494 Pictor approved 29/12/2006-31/12/2023, approval expired
Possible adverse effects: very toxic to fish, aquatic life, hazardous to the aquatic environment; moderately toxic to birds, earthworms; in humans: toxic; possible carcinogen; possible liver and kidney toxicant; if swallowed, may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea; can cause serious eye irritation
EU February 2024: Dithianon approved 01/06/2011 - 31/08/2024
- PPDB Pesticide Properties Database University of Hertfordshire. 2023. Dithianon
FLUDIOXONIL substance group phenylpyrrole
EU February 2024: Fludioxonil approved 01/11/2008 - 15/06/2025
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates, fish; damaging to birds, earthworms, aquatic crustaceans, sediment dwelling organisms, aquatic plants, algae; in humans, suspected carinogen; suspected of damaging the unborn child; eye and skin irritant.
Product approvals: Croatia FIS February 2024, 10 approved products, 2 based on fludioxonil alone, 8 in combinations: 413 Maxim 025 FS, approved 12/04/1999-31/12/2028; 414 Maxim Extra 050 FS (fludioxonil, difenoconazole), approved 03/03/2005-31/12/2028; 416 Maxim XL 035 FS (fludioxonil, metalaxyl-M), approved 01/02/2007-31/12/2028; 646 Switch 62,5 WG (fludioxonil, cyprodinil) approved 07/02/2007-31/10/2024; 968 Geoxe, approved 02/05/2016-31/12/2024;1066 Vibrance Duo (fludioxonil, sedaxan), approved 04/05/2017-31/10/2024; 1158 Difend Extra (fludioxonil, difenoconazole), approved 11/06/2018-31/12/2028; 1225 Kinto Plus (fludioxonil, fluxapyroxad, triticonazole), approved 22/07/2019-31/10/2028; 1316 Vibrance Gold (fludioxonil, difenoconazole, sedaxan), approved 06/11/2020-31/12/2024; 1491 Vibrance Star (fludioxonil, sedaxan, triticonazole), approved 22/07/2022-31/10/2028.
Possible adverse effects: very toxic to fish, aquatic plants and algae, with long-lasting effects; slightly toxic to bees, birds, earthworms; in humans, can cause serisous eye irritation; possibly causes damage to nervous system; affects reproduction, possibly damages the unborn child.
EU February 2024: Fluopyram approved 01/02/2014 - 30/06/2026
Product approvals: Croatia FIS February 2024, 7 approved products, 2 based on fluopyram alone, 5 in combinations: 858 Luna Experience (fluopyram, tebuconazole), approved 19/01/2015-31/08/2024; 859 Luna ® Privilege , approved 09/02/2015-31/01/2025; 945 Velum Prime, approved 04/02/2016-31/01/2025; 974 Propulse (fluopyram, protioconazole), approved 30/05/2016-31/07/2024; 1111 Ascra Xpro (fluopyram, bixafen, protioconazole), approved 01/12/2017-31/07/2029; 1240 Luna Sensation (fluopyram, trifloxystrobin), approved 09/07/2019-31/01/2025; 1289 Luna Care (fluopyram, fosetyl), approved 23/04/2020-30/04/2029
USED ON HVAR Luna Experience, Luna Sensation and Luna Privilege used by individuals cultivating vines, olives, etc(see 'Starigrad Plain: Our Survey')
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to use Luna Privilegeand Luna Experience (14.03.2019.,10.05.2019.,24.05.2019.,18.06.2019.,26.06.2019.,26.07.2019)
ON HVAR 2021 Fluopyram identified in a dust sample taken on June 22nd from a house near vineyards in Svirče
FLUXAPYROXAD substance group pyrazolium
Possible adverse effects: very toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; toxic to birds, earthworms, fish, aquatic invertebrates, aquatic custaceans, aquatic plants, algae; somewhat toxic to honeybees; in humans: suspected carcinogen, possible reproduction / development effects, possible eye irritant
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms; moderately toxic to earthworms; causes developmental effects in animals; in humans: probable human carcinogen; possibly disrupts fertility; toxic if inhaled; causes serious eye irritation; can cause allergic skin reactions.ECHA warnings: hazardous to the environment and human health
EU February 2024: Approved 01/10/2007 - 15/02/2025. [ECHA: approved 01/01/2016-31/12/2025 under PT 06 (preservatives for products during storage), no product listing; PT 07 (film preservatives) 01/10/2016-30/09/2026, no product listing; PT09 (fibre, leather, rubber and polymerised materials preservatives) 01/10/2016-30/09/2026, 1 product listing.]
Product approvals: Croatia FISFebruary 2024, 19 approved products, 4 based on folpet alone, 15 in combinations: 264 Folpan 80 WDG, approved 26/01/2005-31/07/2024; 272 Forum Star (dimethomorph, folpet), approved 12/12/1997-31/12/2028; 278 Futura 50 WP, approved 30/01/2002-31/12/2028; 430 Mikal Flash (folpet, fosetyl), approved 30/11/2006-31/12/2028; 431 Mikal Premium F (folpet, fosetyl, iprovalicarb), approved 29/11/2007-31/12/2028; 489 Pergado F (folpet, mandipropamid), approved 26/11/2007-31/12/2028; 573 Folpan Gold (folpet, metalaxyl-M), approved 15/10/2003-31/12/2028; 701 Universalis (azoxystrobin, folpet), approved 21/05/2007-31/12/2028; 787 Momentum Trio (cymoxanil, fosetyl, folpet), approved 13/06/2016-31/08/2028; 997 Solofol, approved 24/08/2016-31/07/2028; 1013 Sphinx Extra 685 WDG (dimethomorph, folpet), approved 05/10/2016-31/07/2024; 1034 Fantic F, approved 09/02/2017-31/07/2029; 1046 Vincare (folpet, benthiavalicarb), approved 06/03/2017-31/07/2028; 1165 Magma Triple (cymoxanil, folpet, fosetyl), approved 21/06/2018-31/08/2028; 1276 Metomor F (dimethomorph, folpet), approved 28/02/2020-31/07/2028; 1337 Actlet F (folpet, metalaxyl-M), approved 04/02/2021-31/07/2028; 1344 Valis F (folpet, valifenalate), approved 03/03/2021-31/07/2028; 1477 Magma Triple WG (cymoxanil, fosetyl, folpet), approved 02/06/2022-31/07/2028. 1594 Afrasa Triple WG (cymoxanil, fosetyl, folpet) approved 07/07/2023-31/08/2024; 165 Curzate F (cymoxanil, folpet), approved 10/03/2006, approval ending 24/03/2023, final deadline 24/03/2024.Mikal and Folpan 50WP not approved
Sources:- PubChem Open Chemistry Database. 2023.Folpet.
- University of Hertfordshire: Pesticide Properties Database. 2023.Folpet.
- United States Environmental Protection Agency 1999. R.E.D. facts.Folpet.
USED ON HVAR Mikal, Mikal Flash, Universalis and Pergado used by farmers cultivating grapes and olives, etc(see 'Starigrad Plain: Our Survey')
30th April 2019, following heavy rain on Hvar, the Agriculture Ministry's Scientific SupportDepartment advised grape growers to use Pergado F to prevent downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola)
12th April 2019, the Agriculture Ministry's Scientific Support Department advised grape growers to use Folpet fungicides preventively against black spot (Phomopsis viticola)
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to useMikal Flash, Mikal Premium F (02/05/2019,27/05/2019, 18/06/2019, 03/07/2019), and Pergado F (27/05/2019)
Possible adverse effects: toxic to mammals, bees, birds, fish, aquatic invertebrates, algae, earthworms; possible human carcinogen; irritant if inhaled, can cause lung damage; causes serious eye irritation or damage; skin irritant
EU February 2024: Fosetyl approved 01/05/2007 - 15/03/2025. Fosetyl-Al not approved.
Products: Luna Care (fosetyl and fluopyram), Mikal Flash (folpet and fosetyl-al), Mikal (folpet and fosetyl-al), Mikal Premium F (folpet, fosetyl, iprovalicarb), Aliette Flash, Fosetyl-Al 80WP, Previcur Energy (propamocarb with fosetyl-al).
Sources:- PubChem Open Chemistry Database. 2023.Fosetyl-Al
- University of Hertfordshire: Pesticide Properties Database 2023.Fosetyl-al
- United States Environmental Protection Agency 1991. R.E.D. facts.Fosetyl-Al
USED ON HVAR Mikal and Mikal Flash used by individuals cultivating vines, olives, etc(see 'Starigrad Plain: Our Survey')
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to useMikal Flash, Mikal Premium F (02.05.2019,27.05.2019, 18.06.2019, 03.07.2019),and Aliette Flash (12.04.2019)
IPROVALICARB substance group carbamate
Possible adverse effects: marine pollutant; very toxic to aquatic organisms; toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates; may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment; moderately toxic to earthworms; in humans: possible carcinogen; corrosive to skin; highly damaging to health if swallowed (Melody Duo WP66,8)
EU February 2024: Iprovalicarb approved 01/04/2016-31/03/2031
Product approval: Croatia FIS: Fevruary 2024, 1 product: 431 Mikal Premium F (folpet, fosetyl, iprovalicarb), approved 29/11/2007.-31/12/2028.Melody Duo 66,8 (propineb and iprovalicarb), Melody Duo WP 66,75 (propineb and iprovalicarb) not approved
Possible adverse effects: very toxic to aquatic life; Highly toxic to the aquatic environment with long-lasting effects; moderately toxic to mammals; moderately toxic to earthworms; slightly toxic to honey bees (apis mellifera); in humans: probable carcinogen; irritant to respiratory tract, skin and eyes
EU February 2024: approved 01/01/2012 - 31/12/2024.
Possible adverse effects: toxic to fish, birds, aquatic invertebrates; moderately toxic to bees, earthworms, algae; in humans: possible thyroid disruptor; possible effects on reproduction and development; respiratory tract irritant; eye irritant
EU / ECHA: not approved (approval expired 04/01/2021)
Products: Cadillac 80WP, Acrobat MZ WG (mancozeb, dimethomorph), Fubol Gold (mancozeb, metalaxyl), Mancozeb Blue 72 WG, Mancozeb Flowable with Zinc, Matco 8-64 (mancozeb with metalaxyl), Ridomil Gold MZ pepite (mancozeb, metalaxyl), Ridomil Gold MZ 68WP (mancozeb with metalaxyl), Pergado MZ (Mandipropamid with Mancozeb)
Sources:- PubChem Open Chemistry Database. 2023.Mancozeb
- University of Hertfordshire: Pesticide Properties Database 2023.Mancozeb
- Axelstad, M., Boberg, J., Nellemann, C., Kiersgaard, M., Jacobsen, P.R., Christiansen, S., Hougaard, K.S., Hass, U. 2011.Exposure to the widely used fungicide mancozeb causes thyroid disruptionin rat dams but no behavioral effects in the offspring. Toxicological Sciences 120 (2) 439-446
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2005.Mancozeb Facts- Pesticide Reregistration
ON HVAR: Ridomil and Cadillac used by individuals cultivating vines, olives, etc(see 'Starigrad Plain: Our Survey')
24th May 2019, the Agriculture Ministry's Scientific Support Department advised vegetable growers to use Ridomil Gold MZ preventively on potatoes, garlic, onions, tomatoes and peppers.
12th April 2019, the Agriculture Ministry's Scientific Support Department advised grape growers to use Mancozeb fungicides preventively against black spot (Phomopsis viticola)
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms; moderately toxic to birds and earthworms; can be harmful to the liver and kidneys; eye irritant.
EU February 2024: Mandipropamid approved 01/08/2013 - 31/12/2025.
Products: Pergado F (mandipropamid, folpet), Pergado D (mandipropamid, dithianon), Pergado MZ (mandipropamid, mancozeb)
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to usePergado MZ (19.06.2019)
METALAXYL, METALAXYL-M(substance group phenylamide)
Possible adverse effects: toxic to bees, birds, fish, earthworms; in humans: can cause serious eye damage; skin irritant; very harmful if swallowed
EU February 2024: Metalaxyl approved 01/07/2010 - 30/09/2026; Metalaxyl-M approved 01/06/2020-31/05/2035.
Product approvals: Croatia FISFebruary 2024, 8 approved products, 1 based on metalaxyl alone, 2 on metalaxyl with other substances; i on metalaxyl-M alone, 4 on metalaxyl-M with other substances: 28 Apron XL 350 ES (metalaxyl-M), approved 25/07/2011-25/07/2028; 416 Maxim XL 035 FS (fludioxonil, metalaxyl-M), approved 01/02/2007-31/12/2028; 573 Folpan Gold (folpet, metalaxyl-M), approved 15/10/2003-31/12/2028; 1047 Ridomil Gold R (metalaxyl-M, copper compounds: copper oxychloride), approved 11/04/2017-30/06/2025; 1144 Cyclo R Liquido (metalaxyl, copper compounds: copper hydroxide), approved 22/03/2018-31/01/2029; 1235 Redigo M (metalaxyl, protioconazole), approved 12/09/2019-31/07/2028; 1335 Armetil 25 (metalaxyl), approved 28/12/2020-30/06/2024; 1337 Actlet F (folpet, metalaxyl-M), approved 04/02/2021-31/07/2028. 266 Fonganil Gold (metalaxyl-M), approval 14/12/2010-24/03/2023 ended, final deadline 24/03/2024; Ridomil Gold MZ pepite approval withdrawn 04/07/2021, previously approved 24/01/2011-24/01/2021Folio Gold authorization withdrawn 20/11/2019; Ridomil Gold Plus 42,5 WP authorization withdrawn 01/01/2020;Ridomil Gold MZ 68WP, Fubol Gold not approved
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to useRidomilGold MZ pepite (12.04.2019., 05.06.2019., 18.06.2019.,19.06.2019., 03.07.2019.)
2023.Chemical analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratory of a hair sample taken on 25/05/2023, analysed on 21/06/2023 revealed the presence of Metalaxyl in a female (b.1975) living near Vrboska.
METIRAM (substance group carbamate)
Possible adverse effects:Moderately toxic to fish; highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates; highly toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; hazardous to the aquatic environment; moderately toxic to honeybees and earthworms; in humans: can cause skin and eye irritation; can cause anaemia; toxic if ingested or inhaled; can cause abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested; classified as a possible human carcinogen
EU February 2024: Metiram not approved, approval expired 28/11/2023.
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised grape-growers in the Split-Dalmatia County to use the Metiram fungicide Polyram DF preventively against black spot (Phomopsis viticola) (12th April 2019)
PENCONAZOLE, (substance group triazole)
Possible adverse effects: toxic to bees, birds, fish, aquatic invertebrates and algae; in humans: suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child; possible endocrine disruptor; very harmful if swallowed
EU February 2024: Penconazole approved 01/01/2012 - 15/10/2026.
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers inthe Split-Dalmatia County to useTopas (05.06.2019,18.06.2019,03.07.2019, 26.07.2019)
PROPAMOCARB (substance group carbamate)
Possible adverse effects: Potentially harmful to herbivorous and insectivorous birds; moderately toxic to fish and honeybees; in humans: harmful if swallowed; skin irritant; possible endocrine disruptor; possible neurotoxicant
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to fish; toxic to aquatic organisms; in humans, highly irritant to eyes and skin; harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin; can cause skin allergies; possible liver toxicant; possible endocrine disruptor; classified as possible carcinogen by USEPA.
EU February 2024:Propriconazole not approved, approval expired 19/12/2018.
HVAR 2023. Analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratoryof hair samples revealed the presence of Propiconazole in the following people:
1. female (b. 1964), living in Vrisnik, sample taken on 15/06/2023, analysed 17/07/2023.
2. male (b. 1964) living in Hvar, sample taken on 17/06/2023, analysed on 17/07/2023.
3. male (b.2019) living in Pitve, sample taken on 26/06/2023, analysed on 17/07/2023.
4. female (b.1988) living in Pitve, sample taken on 26/06/2023, analysed on 17/07/2023.
PROPINEB(substance type: carbamate)
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic life; toxic to bees, birds, earthworms; in humans: can cause organ damage, allergic skin reactions; toxic on skin contact; suspected as possible carcinogen, respiratory tract irritant.
EU February 2024: Propinebnot approved, approval expired 22/03/2018.
Possible adverse effects: toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates, aquatic crustaceans and sediment dwelling organisms; very toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; hazardous to the aquatic environment; toxic to honeybees and earthworms; in humans: can affect reproduction and development; possible endocrine disruptor; can cause skin irritation; possible irritant if inhaled.
EU February 2024: Prothioconazole approved 01/08/2008-15/08/2025
PYRACLOSTROBIN (carbamate ester, substance group strobilurin)
Possible adverse effects:Highly toxic to fish, aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; hazardous to the aquatic environment with long-term effects; in humans: toxic, acutely dangerous if inhaled, can be fatal if swallowed; may cause respiratory irritation; causes eye and skin irritation; causes neurodegeneration; can cause nausea, headache, dizziness, chest pain
EU February 2024: Pyraclostrobin approved 01/06/2004 - 15/09/2025
Product approvals: Croatia FIS, February 2024, 9 approved products, 3 based on pyraclostrobin alone, 6 in combination: 66 Bellis (boscalid, pyraclostrobin), approved 04/01/2008-31/12/2028; 101 Cabrio Top (pyraclostrobin, metiram) approved 07/04/2011-28/05/2024, approval expiring, last sales deadline 28/08/2024, last usage deadline 28/11/2024; 616 Signum (boscalid, pyraclostrobin), approved 29/12/2006-31/12/2028; 901 Retengo (pyraclostrobin), approved 23/08/2015-31/01/2029; 1103 Priaxor EC (fluxapyroxad, pyraclostrobin), approved 24/10/2017-31/01/2029; 1356 Revycare (pyraclostrobin), approved 23/09/2015-31/01/2029; 1462 Architect (pyraclostrobin, mepiquat, prohexadione) approved 29/03/2022-31/12/2024; 1469 Mizona (fluxapyroxad, pyraclostrobin), approved 06/05/2022-31/01/2029; 1479 Pictor Active (boscalid, pyraclostrobin), approved 09/06/2022-31/01/2029; 1519 Insignia (pyraclostrobin), approved 03/11/2022-31/01/2024, approval expired, last sales deadline 31/07/2024, last usage deadline 31/07/2025;1038 Tercel (dithianon, pyraclostrobin), approval (01/09/2017-31/01/2022) ended, final deadline 31/07/2023;Cabrio Team not approved
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to useSignum (19.06.2019)
ON HVAR 2021 Pyraclostrobin identified in a dust sample taken on June 22nd from a house near vineyards in Svirče
PYRIMETHANIL(substance group anilinopyrimidine).
Possible adverse effects:toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; endocrine disruptor in tree frogs, causes liver and kidney damage in non-target species; toxic to earthworms; in humans, possible carcinogen; toxic through skin contact and inhalation
EU February 2024: Pyrimethanil approved 01/05/2007 - 15/03/2025
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to usePyrus400SC (26/04/2019, 10/05/2019,05/06/2019, 18/06/2019,26/07/2019, and Scala (19/06/2019)
2023. Chemical analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratory of a hair sample taken on 25/05/2023, analysed on 21/06/2023 revealed the presence of Pyrimethanil in a female (b.1975) living near Vrboska.
SPIROXAMINE(substance group morpholine).
Possible adverse effects: very toxic to aquatic life; in humans, suspected of causing damage to the unborn child; may cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure; harmful if swallowed or inhaled; can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
EU February 2024: Spiroxamine approved 01/01/2012 - 31/05/2026.
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to useFalcon 460EC (18/06/2019, 26/07/2019)
ON HVAR 2021 Spiroxamine identified in a dust sample taken on June 22nd from a house near vineyards in Svirče
SULPHUR(inorganic compound)
Possible adverse effects: if inhaled can cause coughing, sneezing and respiratory impairment; skin contact can cause redness, itching and burning in sensitive individuals; eye contact can cause painful irritation, redness and tears; ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea; can interfere with photosynthesis in plants.
EU February 2024: Sulphur approved 01/01/2010 - 15/04/2025; Lime sulphur (calcium polysulphid) approved 01/06/2011-31/08/2024; Sulphuric acid not approved.
Sulphur Safety Data Sheet Section 8.2: Eye protection: Use safety goggles with side protection; Skin protection • hand protection Wear suitable gloves. Chemical protection gloves are suitable, which are tested according to EN 374...• type of material NBR (Nitrile rubber) • material thickness >0,11 mm • breakthrough times of the glove material >480 minutes (permeation: level 6). Respiratory protection:Respiratory protection necessary at: Dust formation. Particulate filter device (EN 143). P1 (filters at least 80 % of airborne particles, colour code: White). Environmental exposure controls Keep away from drains, surface and ground water.
Product approvals: Croatia FISFebruary 2024, 18 approved products: 134 Chromosul 80, approved 04/09/1997-31/12/2028 (Product warning: Chromosul 80 to be used no more than four times a year, and never when the vine is fully developed; should not be mixed with propamocarb, captan, heptenophos, oils, bupirimate and folpet.); 148 Cosavet DF approved 24/03/2004-31/12/2028;343 Kalinosul 80 WG approved 13/07/2000-31/12/2028; 363 Kossan WG approved 20/11/2001-31/12/2028; 366 Kumulus DF approved 20/06/2006-31/12/2028; 636 Solfosul 80 DF approved 07/03/2001-31/12/2028; 641 Sumpor SC-80 approved 25/05/1998-31/12/2028; 642 Sumporno prašivo approved 13/12/2004-31/12/2028; 657 Brimflo approved 19/02/2007-31/12/2028; 672 Thiovit Jet approved 06/12/2004-31/12/2028; 940 Sulgran approved 03/02/2016-31/12/2028; 1003 Sumpor prašivo approved 21/09/2016-31/12/2028; 1012 Sumpor WG 80 approved 14/10/2016-31/12/2028; 1053 Microthiol Special Disperss approved 12/04/2017-31/12/2024; 1420 Sumpor prašivo 98,5 DP approved 21/02/2022-31/12/2028; 1466 Azumo WG approved 06/04/2022-31/12/2028; 1489 Solfoxidante approved 28/12/2021-21/12/2028; 1585 Visul WG approved 17/07/2023-31/12/2024.. Sumpor micro 80WP, Sumpor močivi tiosam 80 mikro not approved
Sources: - University of Hertfordshire: Pesticide Properties Database 2023. Sulphur
ON HVAR: Chromosul used, especially by grape-growers (see 'Starigrad Plain: Our Survey'). Sulphur-based products used regularly in vineyards, especially after spring rains.
2019: the Agriculture Ministry's Department of Expert Support for the Development of Agriculture and Fishing advised farmers in the Split-Dalmatia County to use sulphur-based fungicides (15/03/2019, 19/06/2019, 26/06/2019,)
TEBUCONAZOLE (substance group triazole)
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; toxic to bees, birds, earthworms; in humans: can damage the unborn child; possible human carcinogen; toxic if swallowed.
EU February 2024: Tebuconazole approved 01/09/2009 - 15/08/2026. ECHA: approved under PT07 (film preservatives), 08 (wood preservatives), 10 (construction material preservatives)
HVAR 2023. Analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratoryof hair samples revealed the presence of Tebuonazole in the following people:
1. female (b. 1964), living in Vrisnik, sample taken on 15/06/2023, analysed 17/07/2023.
2. male (b. 1964) living in Hvar, sample taken on 17/06/2023, analysed on 17/07/2023.
3. male (b.2019) living in Pitve, sample taken on 26/06/2023, analysed on 17/07/2023.
4. female (b.1988) living in Pitve, sample taken on 26/06/2023, analysed on 17/07/2023.
TRIADIMENOL (substance group triazole)
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; hazardous to the aquatic environment; causes reproductive disruption in medaka fish and mammals;can harm Eremias argus lizards; causes neurobehavioural effects in rats; in humans: highly toxic if swallowed; may damage fertility; may harm the unborn child; may harm a child being breast-fed; causes eye irritation; causes mild skin irritation
EU February 2024: Triadimenol not approved, expired 31/08/2019.
Product approvals: Croatia FIS February 2024: No products approved. Falcon EC 460 approval revoked 30/08/2020, previously approved 10/02/2006-31/08/2020.
Possible adverse effects: very toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates and algae; very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; moderately toxic to sediment-dwelling organisms and aquatic plants; moderately toxic to earthworms; low toxicity to honeybees; in humans: can cause problems with reproduction and development; can cause eye irritation and allergic skin reactions.
EU February 2024: Trifloxystrobin approved 01/08/2018-31/07/2033.
Product approvals: Croatia FIS February 2024: 6 approved products, 1 based on trifloxystrobin alone, 5 in combinations:450 Nativo 75 WG (tebuconazole, trifloxystrobin) approved 06/03/2008-31/12/2028; 723 Zato Plus (captan, trifloxystrobin), approved 21/01/2008-31/12/2028; 765 Zato 50 WG, approved 04/07/2012-04/07/2024; 1240 Luna Sensation (fluopyram, trifloxystrobin), approved 09/07/2019-31/01/2025; 1419 Delaro Forte (prothioconazole, spiroxamine, trifloxystrobin) approved 06/12/2021-31/12/2024; 1431 Cayunis (trifloxystrobin, spiroxamine, bixafen) approved 23/12/2021-31/12/2024.Fandango EC200 not approved
Sources: - PubChem Open Chemistry Database. 2023. Trifloxystrobin
- University of Hertfordshire: Pesticide Properties Database 2023. Trifloxystrobin
4. LIMACIDE (MOLLUSCICIDE) ECHA APPROVAL CODE PT16, molluscicides, vermicides and products to control other invertebrates (against slugs, snails and other arthropods)
METALDEHYDE (Chemical compound)
Possible adverse effects: Highly toxic to aquatic organisms, with long-lasting effects; deadly to dogs and cats: Toxic to humans if swallowed or through skin contact or inhalation; can cause salivation, lethargy, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, convulsions, hyperthermia, comas, and death
EU February 2024: Metaldehyde approved, 01/06/2011-31/08/2026. ECHA February 2024: not approved
Products: Pužomor, Corry's slug, snail and insect killer, Bug-geta snail and slug pellets, Slugit, Slug-Tox, Certis Deal 5, Meridien, Carakol, Metalden, Metarex. Combined with insecticide Carbaryl in Lily Miller Slug, Snail and Insect Killer Bait, also for Ortho Bug-Geta Plus.
Possible adverse effects: Highly damaging to the environment, especially the aquatic environment; highly inflammable: in contact with water releases gases capable of spontaneous combustion; extremely toxic to humans, can be fatal if swallowed or inhaled; harmful through skin contact; can cause serious eye damage; damages the nervous system, causing delirium, coma and loss of consciousness; can cause cardiovascular disturbances (including dysrhythmia, transient atrial fibrillation, left ventricular failure); if ingested, can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, severe thirst and renal failure.
EUFebruary 2024: Aluminium Phosphide approved 01/09/2009-31/11/2026; ECHAFebruary 2024: Aluminium Phosphide approved PT14 rodenticides 01/09/2011-31/07/2024; approved PT18 (insecticides, acaricides and products to control other arthropods) 01/02/2012-31/07/2024; approved PT20 (control of other vertebrates) 01/07/2015-30/06/2025.(renewal applications in progress for all categories).
Approved products: ECHA, February 2024:PT14 10 product approvals; PT18 3 product approvals; PT20 1 product approval; Croatia FIS, February 2024, 7 approved products (all listed as insecticides and acaricides, although aluminium phosphide has long been used as a raticide): 491 Phostoxin kuglice approved 15/09/2005-31/12/2028; 492 Phostoxin pelete approved 20/06/2005-31/12/2028; 493 Phostoxin tablete approved 30/08/2005-31/12/2028; 1343 Gastoxin Pellet approved 16/02/2021-31/08/2028; 1529 Quickphos 3G Tablets approved 08/03/2023-31/08/2024; 1564 Quickphos 0.6 G pellets approved 03/05/2023-31/08/2024; 1587 Quickphos bags approved 08/08/2023-31/08/2024.. MIZ (August 2022) no approved products
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic when ingested, causes haemorrhage, can be fatal to humans and animals alike; can be fatal through inhalation and skin contact; highly toxic to fish and birds; causes long-lasting damaging effects in aquatic environments
EU February 2024: Brodifacoum Not approvedECHA: approved, PT14, 01/02/2012 - 30/06/2024 - renewal application in progress. Products: Ratimor, Ridak, Delicat, Sorexa Checkatube.
Product approvals:ECHAFebruary 2024,568 approved products listed.Croatia FIS February 2024 / MIZ August 2022: No approved products,Ratimor products no longer approved
- PubChem, Open Chemistry Database 2023 Brodifacoum
- University of Hertfordshire Pesticide Properties Database, 2023. Brodifacoum
ON HVAR: Brodifacoum was on the list of pesticides recommended for use around Hvar Town, Stari Grad and the Jelsa Council area, under the Programme issued by the Split-Dalmatian County Public Health Institute for 2017, and in the Institute's Implementation Plan for 2018.
Possible adverse effects: Acutely toxic, can be fatal if swallowed, inhaled, or via skin contact; may damage fertility or the unborn child; can cause organ damage in humans; highly toxic to fish and aquatic life, also to earthworms.
EU,February 2024: Bromadiolone not approved as from 31/05/2021ECHA February 2024: approved, PT14, 01/07/2011 - 30/06/2024 renewal application in progress, February 2024
Product approvals,ECHA February 2024: 552 related products approved. Croatia FIS February 2024/ MIZ (August 2022): No approved products,Ratimor products no longer approved, Brodilon not approved
- PubChem, Open Chemistry Database, 2023. Bromadiolone
- University of Hertfordshire Pesticide Properties Database, 2023. Bromadiolone
USED ON HVAR, Ratimor (granules and wax blocks): 2016: Hvar Town and surrounds: May and October; Stari Grad and surrounds, April and October; Jelsa Council region, April-May and October 2016; 2017: Hvar Town region, May-June, 17th & 23rd November, total quantities 1010 kg granules 172 kg wax blocks; Stari Grad and surrounds, May and November, total: 787 kg; Jelsa Council region, May and November 2017. total 981 kg; 2018: Hvar Town region 22nd May, 3rd October, Ratimor granules 455 kg, wax blocks 22 kg; Stari Grad & surrounds, 22-24 May, 2-4 October; Jelsa Council region,18-21 May, 25th September - 4th October 2018. Ratimor has been delivered to households on Hvar twice a year for many years. It used to be delivered along with an insecticide, Trichlorfon (see above). Until 2017, the pesticides were distributed in flimsy cellophane packages, with the instructions on the inside. From 2018 - 2020, Ratimor was delivered to households in the Jelsa region in insecure cardboard boxes, without detailed instructions as to how to use the poisons, and without any guidance as to how to dispose of the box and poison after use.
2017, 2018 Brodilon used in the Sućuraj region
ZINC PHOSPHIDE
Possible adverse effects: Highly tosic to aquatic environments, with lasting effects; toxic to birds and mammals; in humans: toxic, possible reproduction & development effects;
EU February 2024: approved 01/05/2011-31/07/2024; ECHA,February 2024: zinc phosphide not approved
6. HERBICIDES. (Herbicides are authorized as 'plant protection products' and are not included as such in the ECHA list of biocidal chemical substances)
CHLOROTOLURON (substance group urea)
EU February 2024: Chlorotoluron approved 01/03/2006-15/08/2026.
Possible adverse effects: very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; moderately toxic to birds and honeybees; suspected carcinogen; suspected reproductive toxicity, causing harm to the unborn child
Product approvals: Croatia FIS, February 2024, 4 approved products, 1 based on chlorotoluron alone, 3 in combinations: 771 Tornado Forte (chlorotoluron, diflufenican) approved 03/05/2015-31/12/2028; 928 Tolurex 50 SC, (chlorotoluron) approved 25/09/2015-31/10/2028; 1216 Legacy Plus (chlorotoluron, diflufenican) approved 15/04/2019-31/12/2024; 1596 Carmina Forte (chlorotoluron, diflufenican) approved 19/09/2023-31/10/2024.
ON HVAR 2021 Chlorotoluron identified in a dust sample taken on June 22nd from a house near vineyards in Svirče
DIFLUFENICAN (substance group carboxamide)
Possible adverse effects: highly toxic to aquatic life and the aquatic environment, with long-lasting effects; moderately toxic to birds and earthworms; can be harmful to bees; in humans, possibly affects reproduction and development; eye irritant.
EU February 2024: Diflufenican approved 01/01/2008-15/01/2026
There are at least some 750 glyphosate-based herbicides available in the world markets. Eleven of them, including the widely used Roundup (Cidokor in Croatian), were banned in the EU in 2016.
Suspected possible adverse effects in humans: carcinogenic; neurotoxic; genotoxic; contributes to antibiotic resistance; influences pregnancy, fertility, and birth defects; endocrine disruptor; damages DNA, gut bacteria, organs including liver, kidneys and spleen; contributes to Parkinson's Disease and autism.
Possible environmental ill-effects: damage to water, fish, aquatic organisms, soil, soil organisms, bees, butterflies, gastropods, trees, plants
Product approvals: Croatia FIS February 2024, 26 approved products, 24 based on glyphosate alone, 2 in combinations: 758 Boom Efekt (glyphosate), approved 01/03/2012-01/03/2029; 902 Cidokor Plus (glyphosate), approved 24/11/2015-15/12/2028; 907 Roundup Rapid (glyphosate), approved 24/11/2015-15/12/2028; 921 Satelite (glyphosate), approved 12/11/2015-15/12/2028; 1048 Glifokor 360 TF (glyphosate), approved 22/02/2017-15/12/2028; 1050 Herkules (glyphosate), approved July 202322/02/2017-15/12/2028; 1106 Karda (glyphosate), approved 16/11/2017-15/12/2028; 1152 Resolva 24H (glyphosate), approved 10/04/2018-18/12/2028; 1154 Glyfoon 480 (glyphosate), approved 24/04/2018-15/12/2028; 1292 Galaxia Max (glyphosate, MCPA), approved 24/04/2020-15/12/2028; 1297 Total Up (glyphosate), approved 26/06/2020-15/12/2028; 1401 Glyphogan (glyphosate), approved 03/11/2021-15/12/2028; 1438 Rodeo Plus (glyphosate), approved 17/02/2022-15/12/2029; 1449 Coctel Gold (glyphosate, MCPA), approved 18/02/2022-31/10/2028; 1459 Singlif (glyphosate), approved 16/03/2022-15/12/2024; 1512 Glister Ultra (glyphosate), approved 21/10/2022; 15/12/2028; 1523 Nasa (glyphosate), approved 11/11/2022-15/12/2024; 1533 Barbarin Xtra 610 (glyphosate) approved 02/01/2023 - 15/12/2024; 1535 Gallup Super 480 (glyphosate) approved 05/01/2023 - 15/12/2024: 1562 Catamaran 360 (glyphosate), approved (05/12/2016) 24/04/2023-15/12/2024; 1565 Roundup Biactive (glyphosate) approved 25/04/2023-15/12/2024; 1567 Halvetic (glyphosate) approved 19/05/2023-15/12/2024; 1573 Ouragan System 4 (glyphosate) approved (24/01/2012) 21/04/2023-15/12/2028; 1575 Roundup Future (glyphosate) approved 15/06/2023-15/12/2024; 1593 Tartan Super 360 (glyphosate) approved 13/07/2023-15/12/2024; 1605 Clinic Xtreme (glyphosate) approved 15/09/2023-15/12/2024. Registration withdrawn: 742 "Glyphogan", approval 29/11/2011-03/11/2021 ended, final deadline 03/05/2023; 857 Cidokor Max, approval 09/06/2015-01/03/2022 ended, final deadline 01/09/2023; 993 Chikara Duo (glyphosate, flazasulfuron) approval 09/08/2016-01/03/2022 ended, final deadline 01/09/2023; 1024 Total TF approval 05/12/2016-01/03/2022 ended, deadline 01/09/2023; 1128 Gallup Super 480 approval 07/02/2018-05/01/2023 ended, final deadline 05/07/2024; 1136 Barbarian Xtra 610 approval 27/02/2018-02/01/2023 ended, final deadline 02/07/2024; 977 Roundup Bioactive, approved 01/07/2016-15/12/2023, not listed February 2024.
ON HVAR 2023
USED ON HVAR: Roundup (locally Cidokor) has been widely and intensively used on Hvar over many years, alongside other glyphosate-based herbicides such as 'Ouragan', 'Oxalis' and 'Boom Efekt'. (see 'Starigrad Plain: Our Survey'). Local farmers are still using their stocks in 2023.
2019, Cidokor, alternatively Herkules Super or Glyfos were recommended by a well-respected Hvar olive oil producer to be used on weeds in April and June.
ON HVAR 2021: A chemical analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratory from a hair sample submitted in February revealed the presence of glyphosate in a 72-year-old resident of Pitve.
EU February 2024:Isoproturon approval expired 30/05/2016, banned from use after 2017, suspected of causing endocrine disruption in humans and potential groundwater contamination. ECHA: February 2024. Initial application for approval in process, under PT07 (film preservatives) and PT10 (contruction material preservatives).
Possible adverse effects: GHS Hazard Statements: H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity] H373: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure] H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard] H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]. In humans: suspected of reproduction and development effects; eye and skin irritant.
FIS February 2024/ MIZ (August 2022) : no approved products
ON HVAR 2023: Analysis by the Kudzu Science laboratoryof a hair sample taken on 26/06/2023, analysed on 17/07/2023 revealed the presence of isoproturon in a female (b. 1988) living in Pitve.
PENDIMETHALIN (substance group dimitroaniline).
EU February 2024: Pendimethalin approved 01/09/2017-30/11/2024.
Possible adverse effects: very toxic to aquatic life, with long-lasting effects; highly toxic to freshwater fish, marine organisms; moderately toxic to earthworms; slightly toxic to birds; possible carcinogen (USEPA); reproduction/developmental effects, suspected endocrine disruptor; thyroid and liver toxicant; can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting; skin sensitizer; skin and eye irritant; can irritate nose and throat; bioaccumulates.
Product approvals: Croatia FIS: February 2024, 7 approved products, 5 based on pendimethalin alone, 2 in combinations: 949 Dost 330 EC approved 01/09/2016-01/09/2024; 982 Sharpen 330 EC approved 16/06/2016-01/09/2024; 983 Pendus 330 EC approved 28/06/2016-01/09/2024; 1498 Penter (pendimethalin, terbuthylazine) approved 10/08/2022-30/11/2025; 1516 Bismark (pendimethalin, clomazone) approved 06/04/2022-31/10/2028. 1547 Stomp Aqua approved 27/02/2023-30/11/2025; 1568 Pendifin 400 SC approved 25/05/2023-30/11/2025. Registration withdrawn: 806 Wing P (pendimethalin, dimethenamid-P) approval 24/02/2015-01/03/2022, final deadline 01/09/2023; 913 "Stomp Aqua", approval 22/10/2015-27/02/2023 ended, final deadline 27/08/2024
ON HVAR 2021 Pendimethalin identified in a dust sample taken on June 22nd 2021 from a house near vineyards in Svirče
Compiled by Vivian Grisogono MA(Oxon). Information updated February 2024.
Please note: the above information is as complete and accurate as possible, and has taken several years to piece together. If you are aware of inaccuracies or further information which would be relevant to this list, please let us know at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For the latest information on pesticides and biocides, please refer to the links in the introductory paragraph (Part 1 - Background)
Lots of dogs have a tough time on Hvar and in other parts of Croatia. Helping dogs in need can be tricky. These are basic guidelines to help show you what can and can't be done.
Poisons, definitely not! Eco Hvar's campaign against the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides to kill off unwanted insects and other 'pests' began many years ago.
As July progresses, the grapes ripen on the vines, ready to reach their full luscious ripeness later on in August. However, foraging is not recommended.
Reading Steve Jones' report earlier this year, keen birdwatcher Tomislav Sjekloća was inspired to check out the Dračevica pond and other parts of Hvar, and we are delighted he has shared his sightings with us.
In 2023 the honour of celebrating International Bat Night, which aims to raise people's awareness of the vital importance in our ecosystem, fell to the Krka National Park,which organised a superbly imaginative programme beside its exquisite Skradinski Buk Waterfall.
Highlighting Croatia's wild orchids and the need to treat them with love and respect, the highly active and successful BIOM ASSOCIATION published an article in the spring of 2024 with a plea to pay attention to these fascinating and invaluable plants.
In 2023 on Hvar there were two special orchid finds by visiting experts from Zagreb, who located the endemic Ophrys pharia and the Himantoglossum robertianum.
These delicate-looking, exquisite creatures play an important part in the natural chain. They are especially useful to humans because of their voracious appetite for mosquitoes and other biting insects such as midges.
Steve Jones of Dol recounts his observations during June and July 2019, a mixture of some disappointments balanced by unexpected joys, including a couple of bird rescues!
An appeal from the heart for happy wagging tails! The Bestie Foundation is in urgent need of financial help, and here are twelve good reasons for supporting it.
In an event of huge significance to the Catholic population of the island, relics of St. John Paul II were brought to the parishes of Vrisnik and Pitve in September 2021, thanks to parish priest Don Robert Bartoszek.
"My connection to Croatia is unbreakable. I feel it as a cord of turquoise and rosemary and cicadas and curry plants, from my heart to that island. I feel blessed every single day to have Croatia in my heart."
Church bells are part of daily life all over Croatia. Splitska on Brač Island is one of the few places where the bells are rung by hand and not electronically controlled.
The exhibition of Croatia's cultural heritage as recognized on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List reflects Hvar's wealth of prized assets and traditions.
Jelsa's Elementary School is outstanding in promoting worthwhile extra-curricular activities. Photography is one which gives pupils a special experience of the world around them.
The replanting project to rejuvenate Hvar's woodlands with autochthonous black pines continued at the end of January, backed by a mobile exhibition highlighting the importance of trees for the island.
Dr.Radoslav Bužančić's London lecture entitled ‘Diocletian’s Palace in Split: New Discoveries’ aroused great interest among experts in archaeology, architecture, history of art, museology and the protection of cultural monuments and heritage.
In response to a request from Hvar's registered charity Dignitea, the EC has sent a full explanation of the regulations which should be applied to the proposed oil and gas drilling in the Adriatic.
Eco Hvar is sometimes criticized for doing too little - or even nothing - to help the island's innumerable needy cats and kittens. In fact there are lots of residents around the island, locals and incomers, who consistently do their utmost to help.
Lucky Luki revels joyfully in his explorations of Hvar's boundless beauties. The Galešnik fortress in the hill to the south above Jelsa is one of his regular haunts.
There's nothing Luki likes better than exploring the lesser known areas of Hvar Island. The eastern region is largely overlooked and (mercifully) underdeveloped, so it is perfect territory for Luki and his friends.
This is the story of a pony who has captivated the hearts of all around him in the quiet inland village of Svirče on Hvar. He is a walking symbol of unconditional love!
From Skittish Stari Grad Street Dog to Alpha Canine Queen of Dol, Sveta Ana. Evening Lategano of the Suncrokret Body and Soul Retreat in Dol tells the story of Maza's rescue.
Despite the local authorities' attempts to control mosquitoes with pesticides, many have complained that the mosquitoes on the island are more virulent than ever.
Query: It was a pleasant surprise to come across your article regarding olive oil making in Dalmatia. Me and my husband have taken it up as a serious hobby to be involved in the olive oil process in m...
I am staying at the Hotel Berulia in Brela and have been feeding a mother,father and five kittens about (10 weeks old). Do they get rid of the kittens in the winter when there are no guests?
We are currently visiting your lovely island and are staying in the Amfora Hotel. Since our arrival we have fallen in love with a beautiful stray young cat.
Hello I was staying in Hvar Town for 5 days last week in June 14 and we tried our best to care for the kittens, cats we have seen as they were so very skinny. What is keeping me awake at night back in...
Resulting from the successful European Citizens' Initiative Petition, in which 1,1 million Europeans asked for an end to pesticide use, there will be a hearing in the EU Parliament on January 24th 2023.
Due to the effects of the Covid-19 virus, in 2020 the Ministry of Tourism announced financial relief measures for those engaged in the tourist industry.
The novel coronavirus named Covid-19 has ravaged the world. Being new, its spread has been swift and fierce, in the absence of a vaccine or known effective treatment measures.
In memory of one of Hvar's best-loved sons, cultural society Matica Hrvatska is launching Nikša Petrić's book about Hvar's heritage in the Hvar Town Loggia on Tuesday September 8th 2015 at 20:00.
Stari Grad's fire service has confirmed the conditions governing lighting fires outdoors. The restrictions apply generally across Croatia, with some minor variations, and are enforced.
If someone filled a spray can with potentially deadly poisons and went round spraying people at random, everyone, including the police, would react to put a stop to it.
Letter sent to the Public Health authorities on 12th June 2024, following yet another scandalous example of irresponsible poison spraying against insects.
Towards the end of 2023, the European Parliament and the European Commission showed that they are not willing or able to protect European citizens from the ill-effects of chemical pesticides. So what needs to be done?
A listing of selected pesticides which are, or have been in common use in Croatia, with the official warnings of their side-effects and the known side-effects of their active constituents.
Testing people on Hvar Island for pesticides via hair samples is an ongoing project, conducted by Eco Hvar. These are the preliminary results from the Kudzu laboratory which tested for 100 pesticides.
This is a guide to the systems governing chemical pesticide regulation, registers and laws, with an overview of some of the many problems arising from pesticide use.
Chemical poison use is out of control in much of the modern world. Safeguards exist in theory, in practice they are inadequate. At each level of responsibility, practices need to be improved. These are our suggestions for achieving vital improvements.
For several years, the local councils of Jelsa, Stari Grad and Hvar have routinely sprayed the streets against mosquitoes, flies and other 'flying pests'. Is this a good thing?
Would I find myself driving home through a mist of toxic chemicals if I caught the 20:30 ferry back from Split? That was the question on 27th September 2017.
Because we at Eco Hvar are very concerned about the shortcomings of the mosquito liquidation programme on Hvar and around Croatia, we have petitioned the Minister for Health to re-consider the methods used.
Our request to Croatian local and national authorities to review the insect suppression programme has produced a lamentable response so far. It's hard getting the message across, but we will keep trying.
A bee sting can cause a severe allergic reaction in a vulnerable person. Under current Croatian law, insects which cause allergic reactions must be subjected to an annual programme of suppression.
The look of abject terror on the monkey's face is a haunting picture, the stuff of nightmares for anyone with an ounce of empathy for torture victims, whether human or animal. Animals are frontline victims of dangerous chemicals.
From October 1st 2016, the sale of Roundup (Croatian Cidokor) and 11 other similar glyphosate-based herbicides was banned in the European Union. The ban should serve as a wake-up call to all users, supporters and promoters of pesticides.
The manufacturers have claimed that the herbicide Roundup, whose active ingredient is glyphosate, is "safe enough to drink", and many people are naive enough to believe this.
When the World Health Organization defined Glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans”, it should have put an immediate stop to the sale and use of Glyphosate-based herbicides.
Donations can be made in euros or pounds, dollars and Swiss francs. Please let us know when you have made a donation, especially if you require an official receipt, as the bank does not always identify donors. All donations, however small, are very welcome.
ECO HVAR BANK DETAILS
Privredna Banka Zagreb d.d.
Poslovnica 220 Pjaca, Pjaca 1
21465 Jelsa, Croatia
IBAN: HR37 2340 0091 1106 0678 6 (Account number)
SWIFT CODE: PBZGHR2X
Account name: ECO HVAR
Account address: Pitve 93, 21465 Jelsa, Croatia
If the payment slip has a box for 'further details' or 'further information' you should enter the Charity's OIB: 14009858487, and state 'donation' or 'donacija'.
About The Site
The site contains articles and information on topics related to health, the environment and animal welfare.
While the focus is on Hvar Island in Dalmatia, much of the information is relevant to the rest of Croatia, and some to Europe, the United States and the rest of the world.
The main language of the site is English, but articles in Croatian are being added as quickly as possible. Some of the Croatian articles are translations, some original. Book reviews are in the language of the publication being reviewed.
To see all the articles archived in each category, click on the category name which is given below the title of each article (Environment, Highlights, Notices etc).
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Deep divisions remain after high-stakes talks end with agreement to help developing world shift to low-carbon economy
Rich and poor countries concluded a trillion-dollar deal on the climate crisis in the early hours of Sunday morning, after marathon talks and days of bitter recriminations ended in what campaigners said was a “betrayal”.
Under the target the developing world should receive at least $1.3tn (£1tn) a year in funds to help them shift to a low-carbon economy and cope with the impacts of extreme weather, by 2035.
Countries must curb production now and tackle plastic’s full life cycle, says Norwegian minister Anne Beathe Tvinnereim ahead of key UN talks this week
The world will be “unable to cope” with the sheer volume of plastic waste a decade from now unless countries agree to curbs on production, the co-chair of a coalition of key countries has warned ahead of crunch talks on curbing global plastic pollution.
Speaking before the final, critical round of UN talks on the first global treaty to end plastic waste, in Busan, South Korea, this week, Norway’s minister for international development, Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, acknowledged the split that had developed between plastic-producing countries and others. She represents more than 60 “high ambition” nations, led by Rwanda and Norway, who want plastic pollution tackled over its full life cycle. Crucially, this means clamping down heavily on production.
The Essex waterways: There’s lots of nature near my Pop’s canal boat, and there’s some inside it as well
I wander through a secret passageway to the canal, past ivy-wound fence panels and pebbles crunching under my feet. The pathway used to be overgrown but it’s clearer now that chilly autumn has arrived.
As I walk along the path, I notice the ruby red leaves, grasp some of the last blackberries and enjoy the bitterness on my tongue. Further along I see the familiar horse chestnut trees that always reveal the signs of the seasons. There are hedgehog-like conker shells scattered under their majestic branches. I know some have been collected by my Pop – there is a myth that conkers keep spiders away, so he has bowlfuls of them on his canal boat. I don’t believe this is true though as his boat is still full of sneaky spiders that give me shivers up my spine.
Advocates and officials argue that consequences of Israeli siege are inextricably linked to tackling the climate crisis
As countries negotiate over climate finance, Palestinian officials and advocates have come to Cop29 in Baku to highlight global heating’s intersection with another crisis: Israel’s siege on Gaza.
“The Cop [meetings] are very keen to protect the environment, but for whom?” said Ahmed Abu Thaher, director of projects and international relations at Palestine’s Environment Quality Authority, who had travelled to Cop29 from Ramallah. “If you are killing the people there, for whom are you keen to protect the environment and to minimise the effects of climate change?”
Traders at a big machinery show say inheritance tax changes affecting the rural economy have had an immediate impact on business
A shiny new tractor is pulling a huge orange trailer, while a commentator explains how best to manoeuvre it to tip grain, watched by a group of farmers wrapped up warmly in wellies, coats and bobble hats, some holding spaniels on leads.
Others are checking out the latest models of combine harvesters and crop sprayers, parked on snowy ground at the Midlands Machinery Show, but few seem to be buying, and the changes to inheritance tax for agricultural properties announced in Rachel Reeves’s October budget are never far from anyone’s lips.
We are used to seasonal droughts in the Karoo. But this did not stop. This is Sybil’s story
Location Sutherland, South Africa
Disaster Southern Africa drought, 2015-2023
Isabella Visagie, known to everyone in her life as Sybil, is a 57-year-old sheep farmer, wife and mother from the Karoo, in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. In 2015 a drought began that would bring the community in which she lived toits knees. Theprovince has been locked in a drought sincethen.The climate crisis intensified flash droughts acrosssouthern Africa in 2015-16, increased the probability of the 2015-17 drought in the south-west of neighbouringWestern Cape, and is increasing temperatures in the Northern Cape, as well as decreasing rainfall in parts of that province.
The world will continue to be absurd, but you, with all your passion, can still make your corner of it more bearable
The questionI am finding it ever more difficult to be in this nasty world. Everything that I cherish is being destroyed and there is nowhere to go to find solace. I’ve always loved nature – but when I go for a walk now, I see every ash tree dying, I hear the loss of birdsong, I see how few insects there are. When I read the news, I just cannot comprehend how cruel humans are able to be, racism, misogyny, religious hate, cruelty to animals… The list is endless.
I work in climate change and am having to pretend every day that there is still a chance we can prevent catastrophic climate change. I find it ever harder to be around people who don’t get just how bad things are. I don’t have kids and am single. I can’t talk to my family about it because they are rightwing, wealthy climate sceptics. They patronise me (despite the fact I’m nearly 60 and a chief executive).
America’s majestic national bird was close to extinction when Tina Morris, a young researcher, was asked to help bring three chicks to adulthood. First, she had to conquer a fear of heights
It was a daunting task, with little likelihood of success. An adventurous but anxious graduate researcher without any experience of looking after birds was dispatched to the wilds of upstate New York to become a human eagle mother: feeding, teaching – and keeping alive – three helpless eagle chicks.
Tina Morris was to camp alone beside their artificial nest, find them food, track them when they began to fly, keep them away from danger and rescue them if they got into trouble. If they survived to adulthood, northeast America would begin to be repopulated with its national bird, the bald eagle, a majestic, much-loved raptor that had been driven to the brink of extinction by the 1960s.
Spain is increasingly either parched or flooded – and one group is profiting from these extremes: the water-grabbing multinational companies forcing angry citizens to pay for it in bottles
After catastrophic floodsengulfed Valencia last month, killing more than 200 people, it might seem counterintuitive to think about water shortages. But as the torrents of filthy water swept through towns and villages, people were left without electricity, food supplies – and drinking water. “It was brutal: cars, chunks of machinery, big stones, even dead bodies were swept along in the water. It gushed into the ground floor of buildings, into little shops, bakeries, hairdressers, the English school, bars: all were destroyed. This was climate change for real, climate change in capital letters,” says Josep de la Rubia of Valencia’s Ecologists in Action, describing the scene in the satellite towns south of the Valencian capital.
In the aftermath, hundreds of thousands of people were reliant on emergency tankers of water or donations of bottled water from citizen volunteers. Within a fortnight, the authorities had reconnected the tap water of 90% of the 850,000 people in affected areas, but all were advised to boil it before drinking it or to use bottled water. Across the region, 100 sewage treatment plants were damaged; in some areas, human waste seeped into flood waters, dead animals were swept into rivers and sodden rubbish and debris piled up. Valencia is on the brink of a sanitation crisis.
One of the best ways we can reduce our household’s carbon footprint is to repair things instead of throwing them away. But it’s also a way of life for many people.
“Seems I’ve spent most of my life fixing stuff because I was brought up that way,” observes Phil, from Bedfordshire. “I look at everything that comes my way as potentially useful and more often than not, it is,” writes Richard, a designer from Essex.
EDITOR’S NOTE:Few places on Earth are as evocative — or as imperiled — as the vast grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. In a new Conservation News series, “Saving the Savanna,” we look at how communities are working to protect these places — and the wildlife within.
MARA NORTH CONSERVANCY, Kenya — Under a fading sun, Kenya’s Maasai Mara came alive.
A land cruiser passed through a wide-open savanna, where a pride of lions stirred from a day-long slumber. Steps away, elephants treaded single-file through tall grass, while giraffes peered from a thicket of acacia trees. But just over a ridge was a
sight most safari-goers might not expect — dozens of herders guiding cattle into an enclosure for the night. The herders were swathed in vibrant red blankets carrying long wooden staffs, their beaded jewelry jingling softly.
Maasai Mara is the northern reach of a massive, connected ecosystem beginning in
neighboring Tanzania’s world-famous Serengeti. Unlike most parks, typically managed by local or national governments, these lands are protected under a wildlife conservancy — a unique type of protected area managed directly by the Indigenous
People who own the land.
Conservancies allow the people that live near national parks or reserves to combine their properties into large, protected areas for wildlife. These landowners can then earn income by leasing that land for safaris, lodges and other tourism activities.
Communities in Maasai Mara have created 24 conservancies, protecting a total of 180,000 hectares (450,000 acres) — effectively doubling the total area of habitat for wildlife in the region, beyond the boundaries of nearby Maasai Mara National
Reserve.
“It's significant income for families that have few other economic opportunities — around US$ 350 a month on average for a family. In Kenya, that's the equivalent of a graduate salary coming out of university,” said Elijah Toirai, Conservation
International’s community engagement lead in Africa.
Lions tussle in the tall grass of Mara North Conservancy.
But elsewhere in Africa, the conservancy model has remained far out of reach.
“Conservancies have the potential to lift pastoral communities out of poverty in many African landscapes. But starting a conservancy requires significant funding — money they simply don't have,” said Bjorn Stauch, senior vice president
of Conservation International’s nature finance division.
Upfront costs can include mapping out land boundaries, removing fences that prevent the movement of wildlife, eradicating invasive species that crowd out native grasses, creating firebreaks to prevent runaway wildfires, as well building infrastructure
like roads and drainage ditches that are essential for successful safaris. Once established, conservancies need to develop management plans that guide their specified land use for the future.
Conservation International wanted to find a way for local communities to start conservancies and strengthen existing ones. Over the next three years, the organization aims to invest millions of dollars in new and emerging conservancies across Southern
and East Africa. The funds will be provided as loans, which the conservancies will repay through tourism leases. This financing will jumpstart new conservancies and reinforce those already in place. The approach builds on an initial model that has
proven highly effective and popular with local communities.
“We’re always looking for creative new ways to pay for conservation efforts that last,” Stauch said. “This is really a durable financing mechanism that puts money directly in the pockets of those who live closest to nature —
giving them a leg up. And it’s been proven to work in the direst circumstances imaginable.”
“No one thought that the world could stop in 24 hours,” said Kelvin Alie, senior vice president and acting Africa lead for Conservation International. “But then came the pandemic, and suddenly Kenya is shutting its doors on March 23,
2020. And in the Mara, this steady and very well-rounded model based on safari tourism came to a screeching halt.”
Tourism operators, who generate the income to pay landowners' leases, found themselves without revenue. Communities faced a difficult choice: replace the lost income by fencing off their lands for grazing, converting it to agriculture, or selling to developers
— each of which would have had drastic consequences for the Maasai Mara’s people and wildlife.
“But then the nature finance team at Conservation International — these crazy guys — came up with a wild idea,” Alie said. “In just six months they put this entirely new funding model together: loaning money at an affordable
rate to the conservancies so that they can continue to pay staff and wildlife rangers.”
Conservation International and the Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association launched the African Conservancies Fund — a rescue package to offset lost revenues for approximately 3,000 people in the area who rely on tourism income. Between
December 2020 and December 2022, the fund provided more than US$ 2 million in affordable loans to four conservancies managing 70,000 hectares (170,000 acres).
The loans enabled families in the Maasai Mara to continue receiving income from their lands to pay for health care, home repairs, school fees and more. And because tourism revenues — not government funding — support wildlife protection
in conservancies, this replacement funding ensured wildlife patrols continued normally, with rangers working full time.
Born out of this emergency, we discovered a new way to do conservation.
Elijah Toirai
“The catastrophe of COVID-19 was total for us,” said Benard Leperes, a landowner with Mara North Conservancy and a conservation expert at Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association. “Without Conservation International and the
fund, this landscape would have not been secured; the conservancies would have disintegrated as people were forced to sell their land to convert it to agriculture.”
But it was communities themselves that proved the model might be replicable after the pandemic ended.
“The conservancies had until 2023 before the first payment was due,” Toirai said. “But as soon as tourism resumed in mid-2021, the communities started paying back the loans. Today, the loans are being repaid way ahead of schedule.”
“Born out of this emergency, we discovered a new way to do conservation.”
A new era for conservation
The high plateaus overlooking the Maasai Mara are home to the very last giant pangolins in Kenya.
These mammals, armored with distinctive interlocking scales, are highly endangered because of illegal wildlife trade. In Kenya, threats from poaching, deforestation and electric fences meant to deter elephants from crops have caused the species to
nearly disappear. Today, scientists believe there could be as few as 30 giant pangolins left in Kenya.
Conservancies could be crucial to bringing them back. Conservation International has identified opportunities to provide transformative funding for conservancies in this area — a sprawling grassland northwest of Maasai Mara that is the very
last pangolin stronghold in the country. The fund will help communities better protect an existing 10,000-hectare (25,000-acre) conservancy and bring an additional 5,000 hectares under protection. It provides a safety net, ensuring a steady income
for the communities as the work of expanding the conservancy begins. With a stable income, communities can start work to restore the savanna and remove electric fences that have killed pangolins. And as wildlife move back into the ecosystem, the
grasslands will begin to recover.
In addition to expanding conservancies around Maasai Mara, Conservation International has identified other critical ecosystems where community conservancies can help lift people out poverty, while providing new habitats for wildlife. Conservation
International has ambitious plans to restore a critical and highly degraded savanna between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks in southern Kenya, as well as a swath of savanna outside Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Many of the new and emerging community conservancies have been carefully chosen as key wildlife corridors that would be threatened by overgrazing livestock.
When the first Maasai Mara conservancies were established in 2009, cattle grazing was prohibited within their boundaries. When poorly managed, cattle can wear grasses down to their roots, triggering topsoil erosion and the loss of nutrients, microbes
and biodiversity vital for soil health. It was also believed that tourists would be put off by the sight of livestock mingling with wildlife.
Cattle are closely monitored in the Maasai Mara to prevent overgrazing.
However, over the years, landowners objected, lamenting the loss of cultural ties to cattle and herding. “That was when we changed tactics,” said Raphael Kereto, the grazing manager for Mara North Conservancy.
Beginning in 2018, Mara North and other conservancies in the region started adopting livestock grazing practices to restore the savanna. Landowners agreed to periodically move livestock between different pastures, allowing grazed lands to recover
and regrow, mimicking the traditional methods pastoralists have used on these lands for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.
“Initially, there was a worry that maybe herbivores and other wildlife will run away from cattle,” said Kereto. “But we have seen the exact opposite — the wildlife all follow where cattle are grazing. This is because we
have a lot of grass, and all the animals follow where there is a lot of grass. We even saw a cheetah with a cub that spent all her time rotating with wildlife.”
“It's amazing — when we move cattle, the cheetah comes with it.”
The loans issued by the fund — now called the African Conservancies Facility — will enhance rotational grazing systems, which are practiced differently in each conservancy, by incorporating best practices and lessons from the organization’s
Herding for Health program in southern Africa.
For landowners like Dickson Kaelo, who was among the pioneers to propose the conservancy model in Kenya, the return of cattle to the ecosystem has restored a natural order.
“I always wanted to understand how it was that there was so much more wildlife in the conservancies than in Maasai Mara National Reserve,” said Kaelo, who heads the Kenya Wildlife Conservancy Association, based in Nairobi.
“I went to the communities and asked them this question. They told me savannas were created by elephants, fire and Maasai and cattle, and excluding any one of those is not good for the health of the system. So, I believe in the conservancies
— I know that every single month, people go to the bank and they have some money, they haven't lost their culture because they still are cattle keepers, and the land is much healthier, with more grass, more wildlife, and the trees have
not been cut.
“Nature is resilient — when given the chance.” A Conservation International study shows where trees can grow back on their own — and fight climate change.
Conservation International is launching a historic conservation partnership to plant 1 billion trees and protect 1 million hectares across India, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Ocean protections are lagging dangerously. Here’s what it’s going to take to meet global goals, according to a Conservation International marine scientist.
Years of civil war left Mozambique’s national parks in ruins. But in one park, a decade of conservation has brought the savanna roaring back to life. Now, Conservation International and Peace Parks Foundation are replicating this success on a massive scale.