The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has given the all clear for a new potato-protecting herbicide to be used in New Zealand.
Boxer Gold contains the active ingredient prosulfocarb, which although new to New Zealand has already been approved in the European Union.
The herbicide leads to reduced resistance in weeds, which in turn results in bigger potato crops, according to the EPA.
It has been approved for use by professional users only and a number of rules have been set by the authority, including that it can only be applied once a year and only on non-windy days.
A buffer zone of 5m must also be maintained to protect against spray drift into waterways.
