Take care when spraying canola

CANOLA growers are being reminded to adhere to label application directions on herbicides containing haloxyfop as part of an industry-wide effort to avoid “unacceptable” chemical residues.

Canola growers are being reminded to adhere to label application directions when spraying herbicide. Photo: DANNIKA BONSER

CANOLA growers are being reminded to adhere to label application directions on herbicides containing haloxyfop as part of an industry-wide effort to avoid “unacceptable” chemical residues.

National Working Party on Grain Protection chair Gerard McMullen said Australian grain growers have had a “very good history of compliance label directions, but as an industry growers need to ensure haloxyfop continues to be used in accordance with label directions”.

“Growers are also encouraged to consider other herbicides containing products with different active ingredients for in-crop control of grass weeds in canola,” Mr McMullen said.

For herbicides containing haloxyfop as the active ingredient, label directions stipulate they must not be applied to canola and other specified oilseed crops after the eight leaf growth stage, or after the stem elongation growth stage has started.

The herbicide must not be used under or between windrow, as this is not registered label use and could result in chemical residues.

Highlighting the importance of complying with label directions, Mr McMullen said residue testing by the National Residue Survey had detected haloxyfop residues above the Australian maximum residue limit in canola traded domestically.

The European Union — Australia’s main canola export market — is also implementing newer, tighter import controls.

For more details, visit groundcover.grdc.com.au.