Risk Assessment of the Fungicide Infinito with the Active Substances Fluopicolide and Propamocarb HCL

Infinito is a new fungicide containing the two active substances fluopicolide and propamocarb-HCL. Infinito is a new generation fungicide to protect potatoes against the blight pathogen phytophtora infestans. The risk assessment was finalized at a meeting Mai 29, 2012, by the Panel on plant protection products of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM). The Norwegian Food Safety Authority would like, in this regard, an assessment of the following: The fate and behaviour in the environment and the ecotoxicological effects and risks with regard to the properties of Infinito and the active substances. The Panel is particularly asked to look at the following: o The persistence of fluopicolide and its metabolites. o The leaching potential of fluopicolide and its metabolites. VKM considers both fluopicolide and its main metabolite M-01 (2,6-dichlorobenzamid (BAM)) to be persistent in Norwegian soils and surface waters. Other conclusions from VKM are as follows: Fluopicolide and its main metabolite may have a significant potential for soil accumulation after repeated use under Norwegian conditions. Fluopicolide shows low mobility in both studies and modelling. Metabolite M-01 (BAM) is however highly mobile. There is minimal risk for toxic effects of fluopicolide to terrestrial and aquatic organisms with the proposed application regime.