September 2014
Don’t Leave a Residue
Increased use of insecticides in a range or crops (particularly canola and pulses) this year has
increased the risk of residues. Producers must only use products that are registered or permitted for
use on the crop listed on the label. They must follow label advice on withholding periods and on the
number of applications.
With high numbers of Green Peach Aphids (vector for Beet Western Yellow Virus) and Diamond Back
Moth in some regions, responsible insecticide use is critical for protecting our reputation as
producers of premium clean and green produce.
With vendor declarations and a range of chemical residue testing at the silos by our bulk handlers,
our national residue testing survey and international buyers for chemicals, producers need to be
reading labels carefully.
In light of these concerns and industry feedback, Rural Chemical Operations will be conducting
random audits in key canola growing areas of the State. The focus of the audits will be chemical use,
record keeping and compliance with label instruction.
Sensitive Plants Warning
Spring will see the start of bud burst in vines which means the start of the Group I spray drift risk
period for this highly sensitive plant and other horticultural crops. Producers are reminded that they
MUST keep records for all Group I herbicide applications and MUST manage the risk of spray drift.
Critical spray drift management factors include:
 wind speeds
 temperature inversions
 nozzle types
 travel speeds
For further information on reducing spray drift and Group I record keeping requirements, go to
Biosecurity SA Chemical Operations Group
Chemical Record Keeping
Recent chemical audits in the Riverland/Northern Mallee and Lower North – and backed up by a
survey of producers at the Cleve field day – show few producers are filling in all the required
information needed for Group I (summer weed spraying) herbicide applications.
Rural Chemical Operations (RCO) group has promoted heavily this regulation brought in last year (1
September 2013) and encourages all producers and advisers to make themselves aware of the
requirements. Group I Record Keeping
Chemical records should be completed at all times as an on-farm insurance strategy or self-insurance
against litigation where harm or damage may occur. RCO will continue to monitor the situation and
promote industry best practice as a priority. Further audits will be conducted in 2014–15. Go to
COP Summer weed spraying brochure on right of web page.
Honeybee Industry Needs Your Help.
Canola growers are asked to be vigilant and follow label instructions when using insecticide in canola
crops to minimise the risk of killing honeybees. Two new fact sheets have been produced that
provide a better understanding of bee behavior and chemical use. Canola is highly attractive to
honeybees, to the extent that honeybees will bypass a less attractive/declining alternate floral
resource, flying up to ≥7km.
These fact sheets aim to help canola growers, spray contractors and crop consultants make informed
decisions and minimise losses to both canola growers and apiarists during what may be a challenging
season. Biosecurity SA bee fact sheets
HVE Banned
The APVMA ban on the use of High Volatile Esters (HVE) came into effect on 1 September 2014.
Producers need to be aware that they can no longer use these products at any time in SA. All
remaining chemical should be disposed of via Drum Muster, ChemClear or Zero Waste Disposal of
chemicals. A list of suspended HVE 2,4-D products can be found on the APVMA web site APVMA
HVE list.
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Cheers
Dave
David Hubbard | Rural Chemicals Liaison Officer, Rural Chemicals Operations, Biosecurity SA
Primary Industries and Regions SA - PIRSA
33 Flemington Street Glenside 5065 South Australia | GPO Box 1671, Adelaide SA 5001| DX 66765
Ph (08) 8207 7984 | Mobile 0427 500 020 | Email:[email protected]
Chemical Misuse Hotline: 1300 799 684
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