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 Milstop^® Foliar Fungicide for suppression of powdery mildew caused by Sphaerotheca spp., Erysiphe spp., Podosphaera spp. on field and greenhouse grown herbs (CG-25) and field grown spices (CG-26). 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 Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs 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 disease management decisions within a robust integrated disease management program and should consult the complete label before using Milstop^® Foliar Fungicide.

GREENHOUSE APPLICATION: Apply at a rate of 0.28 to 0.56 kilograms per 1000 sq. m. or 1/10 hectare. Use a sufficient volume of spray solution to obtain complete coverage of foliage and stems. Uniform and complete coverage of the foliage is essential for the most effective results. Spray volume per unit of treated area can vary depending upon plant type and stage of development. Number of applications will depend upon disease pressure. Do not exceed a use rate of 0.56 kilograms of MilStop Foliar Fungicide per 1000 sq. m. or 1/10 hectare, per application. DO NOT STORE UNUSED SPRAY SOLUTION.  DISPOSE OF UNUSED SOLUTION ON SITE.

FIELD/OUTDOOR APPLICATION: Apply at a rate of 2.8 to 5.6 kilograms of MilStop Foliar Fungicide per hectare.. Use a minimum water volume of 500 L/ha to obtain complete coverage of foliage, stems and fruit. Uniform and complete coverage of the foliage, stems and fruit are essential for the most effective results. Spray volume per hectare can vary depending upon plant type and stage of development. Concentration of spray solution and frequency of application will depend upon disease pressure. Do not exceed a use rate of 5.6 kilograms of MilStop Foliar Fungicide per hectare per application. DO NOT STORE UNUSED SPRAY SOLUTION. DISPOSE OF UNUSED SOLUTION ON SITE.

Herbs and spice varieties may vary in their tolerance to pest control products, including Milstop Foliar Fungicide.  Since not all herbs and spice varieties have been tested for tolerance to Milstop Foliar Fungicide, first use of Milstop Foliar Fungicide should be limited to a small area of each variety to confirm tolerance prior to adoption as a general field practice.  Additionally, consult your seed supplier for information on the tolerance of specific varieties of herbs and spice varieties to Milstop Foliar Fungicide.

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 Milstop^® Foliar Fungicide 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