The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of an URMULE registrationforQuadris Top fungicidefor control of anthracnose and powdery mildew on crop subgroup 13-07G low-growing berries (strawberries, lowbush blueberries, lingonberries, bilberries, etc.) in Canada. Quadris Top fungicidewas already labeled for use on a number of crops in Canada for control of several diseases.  

This minor use project was submitted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Pest Management Centre (AAFC-PMC) as a result of minor use priorities established by growers and extension personnel. 

The following is provided as an abbreviated, general outline only. Users should be making disease management decisions within a robust integrated disease management program and should consult the complete label before usingQuadris Top fungicide.

Difenoconazole is toxic to aquatic organisms, fish and mammals. Azoxystrobin is toxic to freshwater and estuarine/marine fish and aquatic invertebrates. Azoxystrobin can be persistent for several months or longer. Azoxystrobin has degradation products which have properties similar to chemicals which are known to leach through soil to ground water under certain conditions as a result of agricultural use. Use of this chemical in areas where soils are permeable, particularly where the water table is shallow may result in ground water contamination. Do not contaminate aquatic habitats when spraying or when cleaning and rinsing spray equipment or containers. 

Difenoconazole is persistent and may carry over. It is recommended that any products containing difenoconazole not be used in areas treated with this product during the previous season. Follow all other precautions and directions for use on the Quadris Top fungicidelabel carefully.

For a copy of the new minor use label contact your local crop specialist, regional supply outlet or visit the PMRA label site.

Source:  Jim Chaput, OMAFRA, minor use coordinator, Guelph, Ontario.