The residual and contact-acting herbicide, flumioxazin, available as SumiMax, Digital and Guillotine, has several new and significant off label approvals for use in carrots, parsnips and bulb onions - a welcome addition to the limited list of weed control options that growers of these crops are able to use and just in time for the usage season.
The SOLA’s in carrots, parsnips and bulb onions were applied for by the Horticultural Development Council (HDC), who conducted the efficacy and selectivity work. Sumitomo Chemical Company Ltd and Interfarm have provided the necessary residue data to support this submission.
The SOLA for carrots and parsnips is mainly for the control of volunteer potatoes and will be a welcome option as there are no other post-emergence options in these crops. SumiMax, Digital and Guillotine can be applied at up to 100 ml/ha post-emergence between BBCH 12-19 or from two true leaves up to nine true leaves. Growers need to take care about crop selectivity as there is a risk of crop spotting/damage. Harvest Interval in carrots, parsnips and bulb onions is 28 days.
The SOLA for bulb onions is post-emergence of the crop from BBCH 13 to BBCH 45, or from the third leaf to 50% of bulb diameter reached before bolting or 10% leaves bent over. The dose rate of SumiMax, Digital and Guillotine is up to 100 ml/ha. Selectivity relies on suitable crop leaf wax. Harvest Interval in bulb onions is 42 days.
Flumioxazin is formulated as a white, non-staining, easy-to-use suspension concentrate containing 300 gms ai/litre and is packed in a 500 ml pack. It can be used for the control of a wide range of broad-leaved weeds, including charlock, chickweed, cleavers, common poppy, field pansy, fumitory, groundsel, speedwells, mayweed, red deadnettle and Shepherd’s purse, and some grass-weeds. Polygonums may be a weakness.
It should not be used with any partner products or adjuvants when used in these crops, as this could increase the contact activity and may cause severe spotting on the crop. Adequate leaf wax is essential to ensure good crop safety. Due to the high level of activity in relation to the low use rate, always thoroughly wash out the sprayer after use. A proprietary tank cleaner is recommended.
Interfarm has limited background trials information on this crop as all the development work has been conducted by HDC. Dr. David Stormonth, Technical Manager, Interfarm UK Ltd. would be pleased to address any questions you may have.
As is the case for all SOLA’s granted by PSD, Sumitomo Chemical Company Ltd as manufacturer of SumiMax, Digital and Guillotine, and Interfarm as UK distributor, decline any liability in case of crop damage or efficacy enquiries.
