When using pesticides, yielding to temptation may not result in the desired outcome.
Producers might have on hand a pesticide approved for barley, wheat or oats that they are thinking of using for canaryseed. Canaryseed is, after all, another grass crop.
However, if there has been no research supporting its use on canaryseed, the producer might expose himself to substantial financial loss if the canaryseed is adversely affected, said Saskatchewan Agriculture pesticide specialist Cameron Wilk.
“It may seem like a convenient solution. A producer might want to use a pesticide product for a use that is similar to, but different than that for which it has been approved. People should know that pesticide labels or the information pamphlets that come with insecticides and pesticides are legal documents.”
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Wilk said people regularly contact him to seek off-label recommendations.
“They are illegal. People might believe they are allowed to apply pesticides they think would be suitable for use, despite not being recommended for use on a particular crop, but they certainly are illegal for commercial applicators to use.
“Think of this example: a producer might use a product to control broadleaf weeds in forage stands. However, if alfalfa or clover, also broadleaf plants, is part of that forage mix, the forage mix itself might be affected. This happens all the time.”
Spring is a particularly vulnerable time of the year for pesticide damage, said Wilk, because new growth is so sensitive.
“Drift is a real danger and could result in significant damage to off-target vegetation. For instance, if you have insurance coverage and you make an off-label application, you might find your coverage nullified, if this came to light.”
Off-label application might result in some detectable residue in the crop. This would mean the producer might not be able to sell that crop, or an entire market could be jeopardized for all producers.
Farmers who wonder if they could use a product in an off-label situation should contact their chemical company representative or a provincial specialist to find out if there is a minor use approval or a supplemental label.
The most current options for pest control products can be found in the Guide to Crop Protection, produced annually by the department. The publication is available in January, and can be found at local chemical retail outlets or on the department’s website at www.agr.gov.sk under crops.
