Switch 62.5 Foliar Fungicide label expanded via Minor Use Program for Suppression of Alternaria leaf blight and powdery mildew on Brassica Vegetables in Canada

J. Mosiondz, OMAFRA, Minor Use Coordinator, Guelph

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of an URMULE registration for Switch 62.5® Foliar Fungicide for suppression of Alternaria leaf blight on Crop Group 5-13 as well as control of Powdery Mildew on Crop Group 4-13B in Canada. Switch 62.5® Foliar Fungicide was already labeled for use on a number of crops in Canada for control / suppression of several diseases. This minor use proposal was submitted by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness as a result of minor use priorities established by growers and extension personnel. 

Crop Group 5-15 includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, Napa cabbage, cauliflower and cultivars and/or hybrids of these.

Crop Group 4-13B includes arugula, broccoli raab, abysinnian cabbage, seakale, bok choy, collards, garden cress, upland cress, hanover salad, kale, maca, mizuna, mustard greens, radish leaves, rape greens, wild rocket, shepherd’s purse, turnip greens, watercress and cultivars and/or hybrids of these.

The following is provided as an abbreviated, general outline only. Users should be making pest management decisions within a robust integrated disease management program and should consult the complete label before using Switch 62.5® Foliar Fungicide.

Crop(s)	Target	Rate (g/ha)	Application Information	PHI (days)
CG 5-13	Alternaria Leaf Spot (Suppression)	775 – 975	Make the first application when disease first appears.. Apply in sufficient water volume to obtain thorough coverage; use a minimum spray volume of 200 L/ha. Do not exceed 2.9 kg of product per hectare or 3 applications per year.	7
CG 4-13B	Powdery Mildew (Control)	775 – 975	Make the first application when disease first appears.. Apply in sufficient water volume to obtain thorough coverage; use a minimum spray volume of 200 L/ha. Do not exceed 2.9 kg of product per hectare or 3 applications per year.	7

Follow all precautions and detailed directions for use on the Switch 62.5® Foliar Fungicide label carefully.

TOXIC to aquatic organisms. Observe spray buffer zones specified under DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Fludioxonil is persistent and may carryover. It is recommended that this product not be used in areas treated with any products containing fludioxonil during the previous season.  To reduce runoff from treated areas into aquatic habitats avoid applications to areas with a moderate to steep slope, compacted soil, or clay. Avoid application when heavy rain is forecast. Contamination of aquatic areas as a result of runoff may be reduced by including a vegetative filter strip between the treated area and the edge of the water body.

For a copy of the new minor use label contact your local crop specialist, regional supply outlet or visit the PMRA label site http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pest/registrant-titulaire/tools-outils/label-etiq-eng.php

Note:  This article is not intended to be an endorsement or recommendation for this particular product, but rather a notice of registration activity.