Canadian producers can help protect the marketability of their canola and pulse crops by sticking to the pre-harvest interval (PHI) for every crop protection product that they apply.
Often referred to as the “spray to swath” interval, the PHI refers to the number of days that must pass between spraying pesticides or desiccants and swathing/straight-cutting. Cutting the crop too soon after spraying can leave unacceptable product residues on the harvested grain.
The PHI can vary greatly between products – from one day to over 60 days – so it is important that producers know and adhere to the prescribed interval for every product that is applied to a crop. This will ensure the product’s active ingredient has had enough time to break down in the plant and not leave unacceptable residues behind, putting the crop’s marketability at risk.
In addition to the information found on the product label, canola and pulse growers can use the Keep it Clean Spray to Swath Interval Calculator to plan their pre-harvest spraying.
The handy calculator, found at http://spraytoswath.ca, can be used in two ways:
- To calculate PHI: Enter the crop type and the product that has (or will be) applied. The calculator will indicate how many days that must pass between application and cutting the crop.
- To find a product to suit a specific timeline: Enter the crop type and pesticide category, then select a deadline (in days). The calculator provides product options, if any, that fit within that window.
The easy-to-use, interactive calculator is mobile-friendly and filled with great information to help canola
and pulse producers protect their investments and the marketability of their crop.
Source : Canola Council of Canada