| Insecticide: Malathion |
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Description &
History |
Malathion is an insecticide registered in Canada for foliar use and for
empty bin treatment for stored product insects. It can still be used on
the canola plant for in-season insect control according to label directions.
However, do not use it to treat canola for storage or the empty bins
where canola will be stored. This can result in residues in the canola.
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| Market Issues |
Japan is the number one customer of Canadian canola seed with
imports valued at over $450 million each year. The Japanese industry is
very concerned over pesticide residues, especially those that are applied to
stored canola or to empty bins. In addition, the Japanese government is
introducing new food safety legislation that will prohibit entry of any commodities
if pesticide residues are found above the allowable limit. If malathion is detected
above the allowable limit in Japan the shipment will be rejected resulting in
millions of dollars of losses and increased testing of all shipments to Japan.
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| Recommendation to Growers |
To prevent malathion residue on canola seed:
Do not use malathion on canola before storing or in the empty bins where canola will be stored. If the bin was treated previously, do not store canola in bins within six months of treatment.
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| Alternatives Management for stored product insects |
Most insects in stored canola will not feed on sound, healthy seed.
Moisture-loving fungus feeders such as foreign grain beetles, psocids
and mites may be found in canola if it is in poor condition. Primary
stored product insects can be found if there is cereal grain mixed in
with stored canola.
Growers should make sure the bin is free of chaff, seeds, and foreign
material. Combine settings should be set to harvest sound seed. Bins
must be well sealed to prevent moisture infiltration and totally insecticide-free.
It is important to keep canola cool and dry in the bin.
For long-term storage, temperatures should be kept at less than 15 °C
and grain moisture levels below 8 %.
A registered diatomaceous earth product can be used to treat empty bins
prior to storing canola, but should not be used directly on canola as the
product will not be effective.
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