The Grain Industry Association of Western Australia (GIWA) Oat Council confirms that it has secured a permit for the use of Treflan 480 Herbicide, plus other registered products containing 480g/L trifluralin as their only active constituent, as a pre-emergent herbicide on oats for the suppression of certain annual grasses and broadleaf weeds. This permit will be live on the APVMA website by 14th April and extends from 4th April 2017 to 31st March 2022.
The GIWA Oat Council confirms that it will continue progressing the possibility of major use registration for trifluralin during this five-year time frame, and thanks industry, DAFWA and GRDC for their support to date through collaborative integrated weed management research programs. According to GIWA Oat Council member and ConsultAg agronomist Garren Knell: “This is really good news that trifluralin is now registered on oats. Some growers have been experimenting with this product for a number of years. But for first-time growers, it’s really important to understand that treflan (trifluralin) can damage oats if it’s not used correctly. It’s critical to know where your seed is placed relative to where the trifluralin is placed. High seeding rates mean you need a low operating speed to minimise your soil throw, and remember to sow slightly deeper, approximately 30mm.
This will vary depending on your seeding system, so growers need to seek specific advice for their situation, especially if you are first time users of trifluralin.” GIWA Oat Council Chairman Will Carrington-Jones reiterated the need to follow permit restraints, usage instructions and withholding periods for trifluralin: “Western Australia now produces one of the world’s finest food-grade oat crops, to specification for customers from China, India and other parts of Asia. It’s critical we maintain our reputation for safe, quality food production through responsible chemical usage practices.
Make sure you check the label restrictions, understand the usage instructions and observe the 75 day withholding period for trifluralin for grazing oats or cutting oats for stock feed.”
The GIWA Oat Council, DAFWA Oat Agronomy Program and ConsultAg will release a technote on trifluralin usage after Easter.