Devrinol approval won for speciality crops weed control

The Horticultural Development Company (HDC) secured two specific off-label approvals (SOLAs) for its use on outdoor crops of rocket, Lambs lettuce, Chinese cabbage, collard, choi sum and pak choi.

SOLA 1742/2011 permits growers to use Devrinol to control annual meadow grass, knot grass, mayweed and other weeds pre-sowing or prior to transplanting. SOLA 1741/2011, is an amendment to SOLA 0406/2009, which expires on 30 September and includes a revision of the latest time that Devrinol can be applied to control weeds.

This is because, although the product was approved for transplanted crops of collard, Chinese cabbage, pak choi and choi sum, it was of little use because most are drilled. It can now be applied prior to sowing or transplanting.

David Norman of Fresh Produce Consultancy, who worked with the HDC to gain the new SOLAs, said: "These approvals are crucial for growers to be able to produce vegetable crops economically."

Herbicide approvals Application status

The application of Devrinol pre-sowing or pre-transplanting helps leafy salad growers in the fight against weeds.

Currently, off-label approved herbicide products have final use dates within the next 12 months.

Dacthal lost all its approvals earlier this year. Defy has a limited weed spectrum and its application post emergence results in phytotoxicity in the crop. It also has a maximum residue limit of detection, which can deter growers from using it.

Propyzamide has also been reported as causing phytotoxicity.