FARMERS are being warned that there is more to spray drift issues than the use of 2,4-D.
The popular herbicide has been in the news of late after the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) altered the label to try and minimise off-target damage.
2,4-D is a popular chemical for summer spraying, which has meant there haven issues with spray drift damage on nearby summer or permanent crops such as cotton or grapes.
However, Gordon Cumming, Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) northern systems and agronomy manager warned growers at the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) grains group conference in Geelong earlier this week that sprya drift damage didn't start and end with 2,4-D.
"You get people and they can think 'I don't use 2,4-D so spray drift isn't an issue for me," Mr Cumming said.
"That's not right, and there is more to the issue of spray drift than just off-target crop damage.
"Maximum residue limits are an important part in Australia doing business with overseas buyers and these limits can be exceeded by spray drift, even if the drift has not damaged the crop itself.
"If we see breaches of MRLs there are not only environmental damage and human health risk, but the threat of a negative review of the product, which could potentially lead to further use restrictions or even cancellation of registrations."
Jason Lutze, of the APVMA, said the 2,4-D changes, which came into effect last October, meant farmers had to use coarser nozzles to lower the risk of drift.
Mr Cumming said nozzle choice was critical for growers for all chemical applications.
"Getting your nozzles right is the greatest direct influence growers can have to ensure there are no adverse experiences, along with using chemicals for their registered use only and closely adhering to label directions."