The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of an Emergency Use Registration (EUR) for Tough  600 EC herbicide for control of labelled weeds on carrots in numerous provinces in Canada. This EUR for Tough 600 EC herbicide on carrots can be used only in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador from May 1st, 2022, until December 31st, 2022.

Tough 600 EC herbicide was already labeled for management of weeds on a wide range of crops in Canada. This use will also be addressed as a future label expansion by an Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – Pest Management Centre (AAFC-PMC) submission through the regional upgrade selected by the Maritime provinces at the 2022 AAFC-PMC ‘A’ priority setting workshop (pending favourable trial results and subsequent submission evaluation by PMRA).  This EUR request was initiated by participating provinces in response to significant expected shortages of a key weed management tool in the 2022 field season which Canadian carrot growers traditionally rely upon for post emergence weed control.

The following is provided as an abbreviated, general outline only. Users should be making weed management decisions within a robust integrated weed management program and should consult the complete emergency use label before using TOUGH® 600 EC Herbicide. 

Tough 600 EC herbicide has exhibited crop tolerance to carrots in development trials when used according to label recommendations and rates.  However, Tough 600 EC herbicide has not been tested on all carrot varieties for tolerance. Use the following considerations prior to applying Tough 600 EC herbicide to carrots:

•  Test the product on a small area first, under local conditions and using standard practices, to confirm the product is suitable for widespread application.

•  Do not apply if the crop is under stress caused by nutrients, disease, insects or climatic conditions.

•  Apply to carrots which are actively growing, that have sufficiently hardened off and have a substantial waxy cuticle. 

•  Avoid irrigation in the three days prior to herbicide application.

•  Delay application for three days after rainfall, cool, or cloudy weather to allow the crop to harden-off.

•  Consult with your Belchim representative prior to adding any surfactants or tank-mix partners not specifically mentioned on the label.

•  Do not apply Tough 600 EC herbicide when temperatures exceed 25˚C, as crop injury may result. Application of Tough 600EC herbicide is discouraged when the 24-hour temperature difference is >10°C, as this may increase the risk of crop injury.

This product contains an active ingredient and aromatic petroleum distillates, which are toxic to aquatic organisms. Toxic to non-target terrestrial plants. Observe spray buffer zones specified under Directions For Use.

Follow all other precautions, restrictions, and directions for use on the Tough 600 EC herbicide. 

For more information on weed management strategies for carrots during the 2022 field season, check the ONvegetables blog.

For a copy of the emergency use label, Ontario growers may contact Dennis Van Dyk, vegetable crops specialist, OMAFRA, Guelph (519) 766-5337, Kristen Obeid, horticulture weed management specialist, OMAFRA, Harrow (519) 965-0107, or Josh Mosiondz, provincial minor use coordinator, OMAFRA, Guelph (226) 971-3407. Non-Ontario growers from participating provinces may contact their local provincial minor use coordinator or provincial crop specialist(s).  Alternatively, you may contact your regional supply outlet, Belchim Crop Protection Canada Representatives, or visit the PMRA label site

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

Source:  Josh Mosiondz, OMAFRA minor use coordinator April 29, 2022