Minor Use Label Expansion Granted for Callisto 480SC Herbicide For Weed Control On Asparagus

J. Chaput, OMAFRA, Minor Use Coordinator,Guelph

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of a minor use label expansion for CALLISTO 480SC Herbicide (mesotrione) for control of weeds on established asparagus in Canada.

This minor use submission was sponsored in 2010 by the minor use office of OMAFRA in response to minor use priorities identified by producers and extension personnel in Canada.

Weed control is an important component of asparagus production and has been identified as a priority by producers for several years.  The registration of Callisto herbicide is an important step towards obtaining an effective and useful weed management and resistance management toolkit. 

The following is provided as a general outline only.  Users should consult the complete label before using Callisto 480SC herbicide.

Callisto herbicide can be used on established asparagus plantations only.  Callisto can be applied at a rate of 0.3 L per ha in 100 – 200 L water per ha after fern mowing, disking or other tillage operations but prior to spear emergence.  Only one application per year is permitted.

Callisto herbicide should be used in an integrated weed management program and in rotation with other management strategies.  Follow all other precautions and directions for use on the Callisto herbicide label.

We wish to acknowledge the personnel of Syngenta Crop Protection Canada Inc. for their support of this registration and the personnel of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency for evaluating and approving this important pest management tool.

For copies of the new supplemental label contact Kristen Callow, OMAFRA, Ridgetown (519) 674-1335, Elaine Roddy, OMAFRA, Ridgetown (519) 674-1616 or visit the Syngenta Canada website at http://www.syngenta.com/country/ca/en/Pages/home.aspx