Growers now have a new option for pre-emergence weed control with the granting of a specific off-label approval (SOLA) for the use of residual herbicide Dacthal W75 (chlorthal-dimethyl) on salad onions.
The off-label gives growers an additional residual herbicide option to replace the use of Decimate following its withdrawal in 2009.
Certis’ regulatory affairs officer Sue Young said: “This gives growers an extra 12 months to use Dacthal on salad onion crops, up until the final use up date of 23 March 2011.”
Growers should note that they only have until 23 March 2010 to purchase the herbicide.
Gaining good weed control within salad onion crops is essential at all times as the crop is a poor competitor against weeds. Dacthal is an effective residual herbicide that provides control of a range of broadleaved and grass weeds in a number of crops.
Alan Horgan, Certis’ technical officer, said: “With the advent of the off-label, salad onion growers are now on an equal footing with bulb onion growers, with both now able to use a reliable herbicide with a high level of crop safety and good efficacy until March 2011.”
Dacthal should be used pre weed emergence. Horgan advises that the soil should be moist at the time of application, recommending a light irrigation if conditions are dry. The application of Dacthal for salad onions is off-label and growers are reminded that it is entirely at their own risk.
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