Phostrol^TM Fungicide label expanded via Minor Use Program to help manage Phytophthora on ginseng

By: Jim Chaput, Minor Use Coordinator, OMAFRA, Guelph

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of an URMULE registration for Phostrol^TM Fungicide for suppression of Phytophthora foliar and root rot on ginseng in Canada. Phostrol^TM Fungicide was already labeled for management of diseases on some vegetables, ornamentals, berries, grapes, pome fruit and turf in Canada.

This minor use project was submitted in 2013 as a result of minor use priorities established by growers and extension personnel in Canada.  Management of Phytophthora on ginseng with effective, reduced risk products is a priority of producers and buyers alike.

The minor use label expansion for Phostrol^TM Fungicide is a helpful step towards developing an improved pest management toolkit for ginseng in Canada. The following is provided as an abbreviated, general outline only. Users should consult the complete label before using Phostrol^TM Fungicide.

Phostrol^TM Fungicide can be used for suppression of Phytophthora foliar and root rot at a rate of 5.6 L per hectare.  Begin applications when conditions become conducive to disease development and continue on a 7 day interval if disease conditions persist. Phostrol^TM Fungicide can be applied to a maximum of 9 times and used up to the day of harvest.

Phostrol^TM Fungicide should be used in an integrated pest management program and in rotation with other management strategies to adequately manage resistance. Do not contaminate aquatic habitats when cleaning or rinsing spray equipment or containers.

Follow all other precautions and directions for use on the Phostrol^TM Fungicide label carefully.

We also wish to acknowledge the personnel of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency for evaluating and approving this important pest management tool and the personnel of Engage Agro Corporation for supporting the label expansion in Canada.

For a copy of the new minor use label contact Sean Westerveld, OMAFRA, Simcoe (519) 426-4323, the Ontario Ginseng Growers Association (519) 426-7046 or visit the PMRA label site http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pest/registrant-titulaire/tools-outils/label-etiq-eng.php