Turf growers can expect to start seeing herbicide labels with the new mode of action classification system from early 2022.
That’s because the letter-based herbicide mode of action (MoA) classification system is being updated to a numerical system that captures new active constituents and ensures the Australian MoA classification system is now internationally aligned.
Apparently, the current system, based on letters of the alphabet, is nearing capacity and needs to be replaced by a system of numerical codes which have unlimited capacity.
The agriculture sector and growers will have a transition period during which herbicide labels will exist in the supply chain, some bearing the legacy alphabetical MoA classifications, and others transitioned to the global numerical system.
It is expected that the numerical classification system should be fully implemented by the end of 2024.
Charles Sturt University herbicide resistance testing service manager, John Broster has been quoted as say that: “The current system was already up to 25 groups and would soon run out of room unless we invent some more letters in the English language!”
John said under the new numerical system some of the former classifications would simply transfer across (such as the Group A’s becoming the Group 1’s) while others would involve more substantial changes (for instance the Group C’s would be split into two or more groups to more accurately represent how they work).
“It will be a worldwide system change so that wherever you are in the World the herbicide groups will be the same,” he said.
CropLife Australia chief executive officer, Matthew Cossey, said the changes were all about ensuring world’s best practice pesticide use into the future and allowing Australian farmers and advisers access to the most up-to-date information relating to managing herbicide resistance.
“Farming is becoming increasingly global. More than ever farmers, agronomists and academics around the world are accessing and sharing information to assist them to grow crops, while managing sustainability issues such as herbicide resistant weeds,” Mathew said.
“It’s important then that the Herbicide Mode of Action classification system in Australia is aligned with the global one.
CropLife’s Expert Committee on Herbicide Resistance is working with academics, researchers and advisers as well as the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to make sure growers and agronomists are ready for the changes.
For more information the Global HRAC Herbicide MoA Classification App can be downloaded via Google Play or the Apple App Store.