Stewardship for late season application of herbicides in winter crops: The responsibility to avoid herbicide residues in delivered cereal, pulse and oilseed grains sits squarely with grain growers and their advisers.
Key Points
- Correct usage: Product labels must be followed and withholding periods adhered to
for all herbicides. Off-label use without a permit is not allowed and can result in grain
being unsaleable.
- Residues: Late herbicide applications to crops increase the risk of detectable
herbicide residues in harvested grain, potentially leading to breaches of maximum
residue limits (MRLs). MRLs vary according to herbicide, crop and market and these
need to be understood.
- Registration: Diquat, including Reglone®, is the only registered herbicide for preharvest
weed control barley. However, growers must be aware that some maltsters
have certain restrictions on the late season use of herbicides. Consult with buyers
before use.
- Food Safety: Growers and their advisers need to be aware of the implications of
their herbicide applications and the role they play in ensuring food health safety and
in protecting the grain industry.
- Be responsible: Stewardship must be taken seriously by all sections of the grain
value chain.