Closer® Insecticide Label Expanded via Minor Use Program to Help Manage Aphids and Leafhoppers on Field Basil

By Josh Mosiondz, Minor Use Coordinator, OMAFRA

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) recently announced the approval of a minor use label expansion registration for Closer® Insecticide for control of aphids and suppression of leafhoppers on field basil. Closer® Insecticide was already labeled for management of insects on a wide range of crops in Canada. This minor use proposal was submitted by the Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Pest Management Centre (AAFC-PMC) as a result of minor use priorities established by growers and extension personnel. 

The following is provided as an abbreviated, general outline only. Users should be making insect management decisions within a robust integrated insect management program and should consult the complete label before using Closer® Insecticide.

For control of aphids apply Closer Insecticide at 150-300 mL/ha. For suppression of leafhoppers apply Closer at 100-150 mL/ha. For both pests, apply when populations reach threshold levels. Use the maximum rate for high insect pressure and for longer residual control.  Use in sufficient water to ensure thorough coverage, minimum 200 litres of water per hectare.  Reapply in 10-14 days if populations warrant.  Do not make more than 2 applications to field basil per growing season. Observe a pre-harvest interval (PHI) of 3 days.

Toxic to certain beneficial insects. Minimize spray drift to reduce harmful effects on beneficial insects in habitats next to the application site such as hedgerows and woodland.  Toxic to bees. Bees can be exposed to direct treatment, drift, or residues on flowering crops or weeds. DO NOT apply this product to flowering crops if bees are visiting the treatment area. Minimize spray drift to reduce harmful effects on bees in habitats close to the application site. Bees can be exposed to product residues in flowers, leaves, pollen and/or nectar resulting from foliar applications. Consult the crop use directions for instructions related to timing of applications

The use of this chemical may result in contamination of groundwater particularly in areas where soils are permeable (e.g. sandy soil) and/or the depth to the water table is shallow.  To reduce runoff from treated areas into aquatic habitats avoid application to areas with a moderate to steep slope, compacted soil, or clay.  Avoid application when heavy rain is forecast.  Contamination of aquatic areas as a result of runoff may be reduced by including a vegetative strip between the treated area and the edge of the water body.

Follow all other precautions, restrictions, and directions for use on the Closer® Insecticide label carefully.

For a copy of the new minor use label contact Sean Westerveld, Ginseng and Herbs Specialist, OMAFRA, Simcoe at sean.westerveld@ontario.ca, your regional supply outlet, or visit the PMRA label site http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pest/registrant-titulaire/tools-outils/label-etiq-eng.php

Note:  This article is not intended to be an endorsement or recommendation for this particular product, but rather a notice of registration activity

About Sean Westerveld

Ginseng and Medicinal Herbs Specialist, OMAFRA
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