Oilseed rape growers have been dealt a blow, following clarification from the CRD (Chemicals Regulation Division) that ADAMA’s carbetamide-based grass weed herbicide, Crawler, will not be available for use beyond November 2022.

Crawler (600g/kg carbetamide) has been a popular herbicide for the control of black-grass, other grass and broad-leaved weeds in oilseed rape for a number of years.

However, recent advice given by the CRD is that the current revocation won’t be extended beyond November 30, 2021, with growers subsequently unable to use the product beyond November 30, 2022.

Despite the three-year active substance extension issued by the CRD for carbetamide, ADAMA understands that product extension will not automatically follow for Crawler.

“Unfortunately, due to the timing of the original revocation decision, we have recently been informed that the CRD’s product authorisation extension will not be made available for Crawler,” explained Stephen Beal, ADAMA’s product manager for Herbicides and PGRs.

Despite this setback, ADAMA UK continues to invest to expand its portfolio of OSR herbicides, and to support growers through the continued supply of an excellent range of products.”

In March, news emerged that the emergency use of neonic seed treatment in sugar beet will not be triggered this year.

With February temperatures fluctuating from very cold to unseasonably warm conditions, especially during the last three weeks of the month, this has meant the independent ‘virus yellows’ forecast has been uncertain with regards to the 9% trigger threshold.