Bayer CropScience is seeking approval from the EU's Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) for use of its foliar neonicotinoid insecticide Biscaya in niche applications this autumn.

Biscaya's active ingredient, thiacloprid does not fall under the EU's two-year moratorium on use of the neonicotinoid class of insecticide, including treated seeds, with the active ingredients clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in all crops except those unattractive to bees.

Over vocal opposition from insecticide producers, including Bayer, Syngenta and BASF, the temporary ban was in place from the beginning of December 2013 in an effort to determine whether the products contribute to the phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).

The application Bayer is seeking approval for is control of the aphid vector of turnip yellows virus (TuYV) in oilseed rape, which would formerly have been controlled by a neonicotinoid seed treatment.

It is also seeking approval for use of its Mesurol (methiocarb) non-neonicotinoid insecticidal seed treatment on oilseed rape.

Bayer's US arm told the agricultural trade journal Farmers Guardian that approval is being sought for two applications of Biscaya in the same crop to cover both uses.

Given the proximity to the autumn sowing season, it is unclear whether there is any real prospect of approval being given in time for this year, the journal said. Biscaya is currently approved for spring use in the winter oilseed rape crop for control of pollen beetle.

Syngenta recently withdrew an application to plant 186,000 hectares of its neonicotinoid-treated Cruiser OSR in the UK, after the government failed to make a decision in time to apply for an exemption.

The Swiss player said it will consider making a new application for the 2015-16 season. The UK is one of the EU countries that did not vote in favor of the neonicotinoid moratorium.