2,4-D Label Changes

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During 2017/18 a significant number of non-target crops were damaged by 2,4-D spray drift. In response to these significant spray drift events, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has released updated label restrictions for 2,4-D products which came into effect on 4 October 2018. The changes to the label are aimed at reducing the incidence of spray drift and consequent off-target damage. The new label supersedes previous labels and the new restrictions must be applied to all 2,4-D products, even those with old labels.

The new label includes the following restrictions:

  • Observe all product specific buffer zones

  • Windspeed must be between 3 and 15 km/hr

  • Do not spray during temperature inversion conditions

  • Do not spray stressed crops

  • Use only nozzles producing droplets no smaller than Very Coarse

  • Do not spray if rain is likely within 6 hours

  • Complete written records of spraying details and weather conditions within 24 hours

The new label also includes an advisory statement for 1 October to 15 April that includes:

  • Use nozzles that produce extremely course to ultra course droplets

  • Use higher water rates

  • Decrease boom height to the lowest effective level

In order to comply with these label changes, some growers will need to update their spray nozzles or adjust their speed and pressure, to enable them to produce a Very Course droplet.

A useful factsheet on maintaining efficacy with larger droplets can be found on the GRDC website. https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2018/10/maintaining-efficacy-with-larger-droplets

Farm Management, CroppingLiz KelleherRural Management Strategies