Regulatory Directive: Chemigation

October 28, 1993
ISBN: N/A
Cat. No.: N/A
(DIR93-13)

The purpose of this document is to inform registrants and other interested parties about the registration requirements for chemigation and also to establish standard use directions.

For the purposes of this document, chemigation is defined as the application of pesticides through irrigation systems, e.g., sprinkler, flood, furrow and drip (trickle).

This Regulatory Directive replaces Trade Memorandum T-90-01 dated March 20, 1990.

Pesticide application by chemigation, if not performed properly, may alter efficacy and residue levels. It may also affect human or environmental exposure. To ensure proper application, maintain effectiveness, and minimize health and environmental risks, the Pest Control Products Act requires registration and proper labelling for all products involved in chemigation.

Chemigation was first registered early in 1976 for herbicide application on potatoes and sugar beets. Very few registration submissions have been received since then. Canadian Association of Pesticide Control Officials (CAPCO) members have expressed interest in chemigation, especially for horticultural crops. They have suggested that information on registration requirements and labelling standards be communicated to the registrants and potential users.

Labelling Requirements

In the interests of safety and effectiveness, it is important that pesticides be used strictly according to label directions.

Section 45(1) of the PCP Regulations prohibits the use of a control product in a manner inconsistent with the directions or limitations as shown on the label.

Directions for the use of chemigation must contain the following information:

  1. Description of the chemigation system to be used together with the statement "Do not apply this product through any other type of irrigation system."
  2. An indication that the chemigation system has devices to prevent water source contamination from back flow. The irrigation pump and the injection pump must have an interlocking electrical system.
  3. Instructions to ensure the consistent and uniform application of the pesticide. This measure would ensure the desired product performance as well as adequate protection to human health and the environment.
  4. The statements for sprinkler application: "Do not apply when wind speed causes non-uniform distribution and/or favors drift beyond the area intended for treatment."
  5. The statement for sprinkler application: "Do not apply by chemigation if the area to be treated is within 100 metres of a residential area or park."

Data Requirements

Data requirements in support of registration vary with the nature of the products and the type of chemigation system. Generally, the following studies may be required. The data submission should be prepared as per Regulatory Directive Dir93-03, Organization of Data for End-Use Products: Part 5, Food, Feed, and Tobacco Residue Studies, Part 6, Environmental Chemistry and Fate; and Part 8, Efficacy (pest control and phytotoxicity).

Registrants should submit applications for chemigation registration by following the standard procedures (see Regulatory Directive Dir93-03 and the Registration Handbook). If the proposed chemigation conforms to the definition of minor use (see Regulatory Directive Dir93-23), it may be submitted for registration through the User Requested Minor Use Label Expansion program.

If you have any questions regarding this document, please contact:

Pest Management Regulatory Agency
Health Canada
2250 Riverside Drive
A.L. 6606D1
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9
Information Service: 1-800-267-6315 (In Canada only)

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