EPA issues Section 18 label for Tough 5EC

Herbicide labeled for post-emergence weed control in peppermint and spearmint.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a Section 18 Emergency Exemption for using the herbicide Tough 5EC (pyridate) for the use in double-cut peppermint and spearmint in Michigan. The label is in effect May 18 to Aug. 31, 2018. The primary need for this Tough Section 18 is to control Photosystem II (PSII) resistant pigweeds and amaranths. Sinbar is the primary PSII herbicide used in mint. Resistance to Sinbar developed after many years of its use as the primary pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicide in mint production.

The Section 18 label allows using Tough in Clinton, Ingham, Ionia, Newaygo, Saginaw and Shiawassee counties in Michigan. Users of Tough must be members of the Mint Industry Research Council (MIRC) and must provide written indemnification to Belchim Crop Protection from all claims of crop injury and non-performance. A maximum of 1,250 acres of mint may be treated with Tough. There is a 49-day pre-harvest interval. Copies of the label will be available from MIRC.

The label allows application of 24 fluid ounces (0.94 pound active ingredient) of Tough in 20-40 gallons of water per acre. For maximum effectiveness, pigweeds should be 3 inches or less in height at Tough application. Any unused product at the end of the season must be returned to the dealers.

Tough 5EC is marketed by Belchim Crop Protection Corp. It formerly was marketed in the USA by other companies, but was removed from the market about 20 years ago. Belchim has indicated they plan to label Tough on several crops that previously were on the Tough and Lentagran labels. 

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