Major potato desiccant diquat is set to be banned due to concerns related to the exposure of bystanders and residents and also its effect on bird life, with growers only likely to have at most one more season's use of the product.

Is diquat harmful to humans?

* Exposure to Diquat Dibromide can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and may cause nosebleeds. * Exposure to large amounts of Diquat Dibromide may cause severe poisoning with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, convulsions, and even death. ... * Diquat Dibromide may damage the liver, kidneys and lungs.

Is diquat safer than glyphosate?

Diquat Dibromide will not kill weed roots and contributes to recurring weed problems. When using a chemical solution to control weeds, it's more cost effective and often safer to use a herbicide that only requires one application. ... For this reason, Glyphosate is the better chemical for weed control.