WEED-IT Australia acknowledges the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s (APVMA) announcement regarding new restrictions and stewardship requirements for paraquat and diquat herbicides.

The previous maximum application rate for paraquat and diquat was 1150 grams of active ingredient per hectare.

This announcement introduces new application limits:

1. The maximum rate of application on paraquat and diquat will be 231 grams per hectare.
2. Fallows at rates up to 770 grams per ha for optical spot sprayers (maximum 30% area treated).

WEED-IT is a pioneer, innovator and leading provider of precision optical spot spraying technology and remains focussed on helping Australian growers maximise productivity while reducing unnecessary chemical use.

WEED-IT Australia Managing Director Hamish McIntosh said the announcement highlights the increasing importance of technologies that support chemical stewardship, operational efficiency, herbicide resistance management and sustainable farming practices.

“It also demonstrates the growing role precision agriculture technologies can play in helping growers meet both productivity and stewardship objectives” he said.

“The APVMA review recognises a specific pathway for optical spot spraying systems to apply paraquat and diquat at higher application rates than those now permitted for conventional blanket spraying.

“Paraquat and diquat are an integral part of many farmers’ weed management programs.  These new restrictions will need to be managed effectively to allow ongoing use of these chemicals and WEED-IT provides an immediate optical spot spraying solution that is proven in Australia over many years.

“By targeting weeds and reducing unnecessary blanket application, precision spraying technologies can also support broader resistance management strategies while helping growers maximise the value of available chemistry.

“Paraquat is also a key part of double-knock spraying for many farmers so optical spot spraying will now be required to achieve effective rates.  WEED-IT offers the benefit of chlorophyll detection so sick weeds from the first pass are still detected and WEED-IT can also use the as-applied map from the first pass as a prescription map for the second pass.”

Mr McIntosh said WEED-IT would continue working closely with growers, dealers and equipment manufacturers to deliver practical solutions that improve efficiency, reduce input costs and support long-term sustainability.

“Australian agriculture has a strong track record of innovation and adaptation. Precision spraying technologies are helping growers meet today’s challenges while preparing for the future.”

The APVMA media release is here: APVMA review finds new restrictions necessary for paraquat and diquat herbicides | Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority

The official Gazette is here: Special Gazette, 23 June 2026

ENDS