By Cassidy Somers, Crops Extension Specialist Summer Student, and Quinton Cubbon Crop Extension Specialist, Regional Services, North Battleford
July 2024
Pesticides are some of the most used items on a farm as specific products control insects, disease and weeds. However, how do they get to the market? Once a pesticide is developed, it goes through vigorous testing by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). They are a branch of Health Canada who are responsible for regulating pesticides under the authority of the federal Pest Control Act. As part of the registration process, PMRA will use science-based risk assessments on a product before it becomes available for use. There are tests to determine potential exposure or consumption that could occur orally, dermally or through inhalation (through ingestion, skin contact or breathing). PMRA also looks at and assesses the impacts on the environment and includes the risks of toxicity to animals and plants, including aquatic life. The new pesticide will be assessed by how much value it will add economically and socially by examining the agricultural benefits, health risks and safety.
A useful tool that offers valuable information on herbicides, insecticides and fungicides is the 2024 Guide to Crop Protection, which is updated annually. Printed copies can be found at Ministry of Agriculture regional offices. The Guide to Crop Protection provides information on safety, weed control, disease control, fungicide product information, seed treatments and insect control. Although it is a useful guide and updated annually, the PMRA’s continually updated pesticide label search provides the most current information on product label information. The label search can be used by searching for product name, CAS numbers, active ingredient(s), registrant name, registration number, expiry year, registration status and marketing type. Historic registrations (for products that are no longer registered) are also included. Be sure that the product you are using is registered for your crop and use the most up-to-date label to be aware of the guidelines. The label is the law.
Following label guidelines for climate conditions and plant staging will improve effectiveness of the product and save time and money. The cool, wet and humid conditions this spring could potentially cause pesticides to be less effective since plant and target organism metabolism is slowed in cooler weather. Applying some products in these conditions can cause stress to the plant which can result in flashing (yellowing of the leaves). Following pesticide directions for each product and crop type will also help maintain residue levels under the maximum residue limit. Maximum residue limits (MRLs) are legal limits of pesticide residue that are allowed on crops or food products. MRLs are set well below the amount of pesticide that could pose a concern or cause health risks during consumption. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) monitors MRLs in food production for Canada. Compliance rates of 100 per cent of products sampled for the Children Food Project and 99.3 per cent of CFIA’s Pesticides and Metals in Selected Foods were determined in a recent survey. The results indicate that the vast majority of food meets the Canadian pesticide standards. It is important to not exceed limits by following proper directions to protect our trade reputation, maintain export markets and supply people with healthy food while minimizing waste.
Keep it Clean is another resource for information regarding pesticide products, application, best management practices, crop restrictions, tools and more through articles and webinars.
For additional information, reach out to your local crop extension specialist or the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.