The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently approved an Emergency Use Registration (EUR) for Switch 62.5 WG fungicide for suppression of Alternaria leaf blight (Alternaria brassicicola) on Brussels Sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower in numerous provinces in Canada. This EUR for this product in listed Brassica crops can be used only in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador from July 8th, 2022, until July 7th, 2023.

Switch 62.5 WG fungicide is labeled for management of diseases on a wide range of crops in Canada. The use on Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower has already been submitted for review as a full label expansion via a provincial User Requested Minor Use Label Expansion (URMULE) with the hope for full registration by the 2023 field season. This EUR request was initiated by participating provinces in response to the reduced number of chlorothalonil applications permitted on the crops following RVD2018-11 and a lack of sufficient registered protective products to allow for proper rotation and season long disease protection. This EUR was led by Ontario in conjunction with the Fresh Vegetable Growers of Ontario (FVGO) and other participating province’s provincial Ministries of Agriculture and their local growers’ associations.

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 emergency use label before using Switch 62.5 WG fungicide.

For these uses, Syngenta Canada Inc. has not fully assessed performance (efficacy) and/or crop tolerance (phytotoxicity) under all environmental conditions or for all crop varieties when used in accordance with the label. The user should test the product on a small area first, under local conditions and using standard practices, to confirm the product is suitable for widespread application.

For a copy of the emergency use label, Ontario growers may contact Josh Mosiondz, provincial minor use coordinator, OMAFRA, Guelph (226) 971-3407, Katie Goldenhar, pathologist – horticulture, OMAFRA, Guelph (519) 835-5792, or Travis Cranmer, vegetable crops specialist, OMAFRA, Guelph (519) 835-3382. 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, Syngenta Canada Inc. representatives, or visit the PMRA label site

Source:  Josh Mosiondz, OMAFRA minor use coordinator, July 12, 2022 news release