Radio Transcript

Welcome to Agritalk

This week we will be talking about the Control of Summer Weeds

In previous seasons, 2,4-D ester was one of the preferred herbicides used for this purpose.

But the use of high volatile ester formulations of 2,4-D is now prohibited between 1 September and 30 April because they are a risk to non-target crops, native vegetation and aquatic organisms.

The good news for farmers is that safer alternatives are registered and available for most, if not all, common summer weed problems.

Low-volatile and moderately volatile formulations of 2,4-D - including the amine salt - can still be used between 1 September and 30 April, at a similar cost to high volatile esters.

High volatile esters readily evaporate several hours or days after application and enter the airstream. High temperatures and low relative humidity increase this risk and vapour can be carried many kilometres by the wind and damage sensitive areas.

Guidelines for minimum distances to sensitive areas should be observed for any 2,4-D or similar herbicides.

There is a leaflet called  - Avoid Spray Drift – available from PIRSA Rural Chemicals Program.  There is a link to it from the Rural Solutions SA website.

There are exceptional circumstances where chemical users can apply to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for a permit to use high volatile ester formulations of 2,4-D during the restricted period. For more information on this got the APVMA website.

For further information on any edition of Agritalk go to the Rural Solutions SA website www.ruralsolutions.sa.gov.au click on News then Agritalk Radio for links and more information.

AUTHOR: David Stephenson & Tarnya Brooksby, Rural Solutions SA
CONTACT: Tarnya Brooksby, Rural Solutions SA Keith Office, Telephone: 08 8755 3166