Regulatory Aspects in Chemical Control of Fungal Diseases: Impact on Efficient Plant Production

Abstract

Chemical control measures against plant diseases have a long history. Already in the nineteenth century and even earlier chemicals containing copper, sulphur, or phenolic compounds were used. In the middle of the twentieth century new efficient fungicides against plant pathogens were invented. Since the 1960s an official approval for Plant Protection Products (PPPs) by special authorities was demanded. In Germany, this was the beginning of an obligatory testing of PPPs by authorities. Nowadays PPPs are intensively tested in the frame of the European evaluation system for active substances and in the national registration procedures of products. In addition, many regulations have been set up for the use of registered PPPs with special emphasis to application machinery, user protection, and distances to water bodies, natural habitats or living areas. Current discussions about new proposals for regulations in the European Union lead to suspects that regulations might become more strict in the future. As a consequence, the supply of innovative and efficient fungicides in agriculture may become insufficient. In contrast, other expert groups demand for efficient new PPPs as part of strict quarantine regulations to prevent spread and establishment of dangerous plant pathogens. Private food supply retailers build up their own regulations concerning residue levels. When combining all regulations including those of private organisations, there is reason for concern that efficient control of plant pathogens may be hampered in the future.