This article appeared in the Summer 2016 issue of Pulse Crop News.

Pulse growers are advised to be aware of possible marketing restrictions that may arise from using certain crop protection products this season. More than 85% of Canada’s pulse production is exported to feed the world. Market access is important to the Canadian pulse industry, and growers play a key role in keeping the doors open. Guidelines for specific products are available on the next page of this document. Growers are encouraged to review all of the following information before proceeding with their pulse crop management plans.

WHAT ARE THE CROP PROTECTION PRODUCTS TO PAY ATTENTION TO THIS SEASON?

For pulse crop production in Western Canada, these products include diquat (Reglone), glyphosate (Roundup), saflufenacil (Heat), glufosinate (MPower Good Harvest), flumioxazin (Valtera), carfentrazone (Aim, CleanStart), benzovindiflupyr (Solatenol, Elatus), chlorantraniliprole (Coragen, Voliam Xpress), and Chlorpyrifos (Lorsban and other trade names).

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF USING THESE PRODUCTS?

There is no need for caution if applied early in the season, but very late applications of fungicides, insecticides or desiccants, and harvest management tools may result in residue levels found in the seed. As a result, growers must ensure that they take appropriate risk mitigation steps to assure product residue remains below MRLs set by regulatory agencies.

WHAT DEVELOPMENTS HAVE THERE BEEN ON THESE ISSUES SINCE LAST YEAR?

The Canadian pulse industry is working hard to eliminate market access risks. For the crop protection products referenced in this document, growers are advised to be aware of international regulations in order to make the best crop management decisions.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MITIGATE RISK?

Ensure product residues remain at trace levels or levels well below accepted maximums by following these simple steps:

1. Do not exceed the product’s labelled rate Regulations for individual pesticides are set to allow growers to properly use the product without fear of violating domestic MRLs. However, these guidelines assume that the labelled rate is not exceeded. If you exceed the labelled rate, you risk surpassing recognized MRLs and this can have serious consequences in terms of both domestic pesticide laws, and international acceptance of the crop.
2. Time the application according to the label Labels are very specific in terms of crop staging. Follow label instructions and apply crop protection products only at the recommended crop stage, so that you do not risk exceeding the maximum residue limits making your crop difficult to market.
3. Consult with your exporter/processor about which crop protection products are acceptable in international markets Exporters/processors have a good sense of which markets may be sensitive to specific products. They will likely ask you what was used in your crop and possibly for more information.
4. Consult the chart on the following page indicating market considerations and statuses for specific products or visit www.keepingitclean.ca.