Superthrive Banned !

[Bretts]

Plenty still available on Ebay

[Ash]

New stocks of Superthrive 'just arrived' according to the Stone Lantern mail out. (P.S. I have never tested Superthrive - I am just commenting on the veracity of the' Superthrive banned' claim which has done the rounds more than once before). Ash

[SteveT]

I've sent an email to Australian Customs. If I get a response I will post it here.



Steve

[Bretts]

I have been meaning to get a clarification on this. Chatting with a guy from WA customs about interstate tree travel and I was going to ask him who to contact. I am not convinced yet either

[Bretts]

I just got of the phone with the guy from Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority who made the decision and basicly what has been said about it being banned is true. No more Superthrive in Australia. For now anyway.

Because of complaints it has been classed as an "agricultural chemical product" This means that it must now become a registered product and can not be imported into Australia until it goes through this process.
What defines it as an agricultural chemical product is a substance that is,
"modifying the physiology of a plant or pest so as to alter its natural development, productivity, quality or reproductive capacity;"
The scary part is that may other things we use also fit into this category. Basically anything that contains gibberellins, auxins, cytokinins,abscisic acid, etc.
This includes Seasol, seamungus, root cutting solutions/powders and so on. Most of these products however are allowed to be sold without being classed as an agricultural chemical product. So far!
The guy basicly said look out because the cavalry is on it's way on all these products

What will surely amuse some is part of the process to become a registered product is that it must prove what it claims on the label Also it must prove it is not harmful or whether it needs a with holding period. Maybe even funnier is they want to make sure that marijuana growers are not poisoning themselves as they do not know what happens when these hormones are smoked.
The very cool thing is that we now have proof that these things do actually work as another "Transplant shock limiter" and "Growth stimulator" Multi Crop Plant starter, is a registered product. So that means it has proven what it claims being;

Plant Starter is a plant growth stimulant designed to speed plant growth and establishment. The active ingredients are Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) and Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) in liquid form. Promotes quick establishment of seedlings.
Reduces transplant shock when repotting or transplanting.
Encourages root formation on plant cuttings.
Increases the life of cut flowers.
Available in 500ml and 1L sizes

[mickthomas]

Hi all,

This leaves me in a sticky situation...I thought I would give this stuff a go so about 1week or so ago I purchased a 4oz bottle on ebay from the U.S. it had already been sent when i come across this post..... ..

have i done my dough or do you think it will get through... ...

Have not used it before, just thought would see how it goes with my trees, so I would be able to advise others based upon my results..


cheers

Mick

[SteveT]

Thanks Brett. That's very interesting.

fyi: Australian Customs have referred me to AQIS (Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service). Again, if I hear anything I will post it here.


Steve

[Bretts]

I started with AQIS Steve and they put me through to some dept that takes a three hour lunch
Kept Googling and came across the APVMA. Not so sure why I thought they where worth calling but ended up with the ...... that actually made the decision.
Seems the guy has been busy I now notice Ebay Hydro stores now list APVMA approved PGR's to replace some that have been taken off he market.
I love the sound of this stuff
Imagine what we could do with this stuff
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/U-TURN-50MLS ... 5d2e56cbdf

It might get through Mick. If not you can look forward to easily getting your mony back through Ebay or Paypal.

[mickthomas]

Hi all,

Just an update ,
My 960ml bottle of superthrive arrived from the U.S. today....all intact ....now to test it out and see for myself what all the hoohaa is about .....


cheers

Mick

[NathanM]

I'm gonna buy a bottle from ebay tongiht and hope for the best
A big bottle.

[Bretts]

Since this banning I have bought my first ever bottle of Superthrive. Well two actually. Now after all the talk I finally get to try the stuff

I got mine from a local Ebay seller and they still have some left but it does say "LAST ONES LEFT"

[ozzy]

Be very carefull using Superthrive, I once spilled a bottle on myself and this was the result ...

[mickthomas]

best be real carefull with it then....


mick

[Damian Bee]

I have heard through people in the Agriculture/Horticulture industry that Government is planning to phase out fertilisers that are high in phosphorus etc in an effort to reduce or stop algal blooms, coral bleaching and damage to fish stocks.
Could the banning Superthrive be part of this campaign? (as well as the registration issue)

[Joel]

Don't think so Damien. I doubt there is much of anything in ST.

On the other hand, the future is going to be really interesting (in a bad way) when we run out of phosphorus for fertilisers. Our resources are already depleting and agriculture is so dependent on it.

Joel