Farmers and sprayer operators need to ensure that applications of propyzamide and carbetamide are applied by the latest application dates (31 Jan and 28 Feb respectively) advises the VI.
 
The comparatively dry and mild winter has meant that many farmers have delayed applying the oilseed rape herbicides propyzamide and carbetamide.  Both active ingredients have latest application dates so time is running out. The last date on which propyzamide can be applied is 31st January; the latest date for carbetamide is the 28th February.  The “Metazachlor Matters” stewardship campaign (BASF and Adama) recommends that metazachlor and/or quinmerac should not be applied to winter oilseed rape on drained land after mid-October.
 
“Following these cut-off dates is really important as they are not only, in the case of carbetamide and propyzamide, legal requirements but will also help protect water and ensure following crop safety,” advises the VI’s Patrick Goldsworthy.
 
“Whenever these products are applied, it is really important that farmers and operators remember to ensure that drains are not running, no heavy rain is forecast in the following 48 hours, and that applications are not made to frozen ground.”