Growers are warned that residual herbicide Dacthal W75 (chlorthal-dimethyl), for pre-emergence weed control, will be revoked on 23 March 2010 following its non-inclusion in Annex I of Council Directive 91/414/EEC. Alan Horgan, Certis’ technical officer is advising that growers are however able to continue using up stocks for a further year, until March 2011. “Dacthal is an effective residual herbicide that provides a robust foundation to weed control programmes with action against a broad spectrum of grass and broadleaved weeds including chickweed, fat hen, knot grass, small nettles and speedwell,” says Alan. It can be used across a range of crops. “The broad label covers use on brassicas, leeks, bulb onions, ornamentals, runner beans, sage and soft fruit such as strawberries making it a flexible option for weed control in a number of situations,” says Alan. “The unique active ingredient chlorthal-dimethyl is extremely effective and kind to the crop as well as having no LERAP buffer zone restrictions,” he explains. “Applications are recommended either pre or post crop emergence, but growers must ensure treatments are applied before the weeds emerge,” says Alan adding, “Moist soil at application is vital, so a light irrigation if conditions are dry will increase efficacy and activate the chemical,” he says. Alan also notes Dacthal W75 has also been granted a specific off-label approval (SOLA) for use on salad onions – replacing the role of Decimate (chlorthal-dimethyl and propachlor) following its revocation earlier this year. The off-label notice for Dacthal gives salad onion growers 12 months of use up until the final revocation date the following year, in March 2011. |