Keep Malathion Out of Canola Bins
Tip #4: Store Your Crop Properly
Storing canola in a bin treated with malathion can put its marketability at risk. Malathion residue can linger in bins for months and transfer to canola seed even when the product was applied well before storage. Canola found with malathion residue is unacceptable to export customers and can damage Canada’s reputation as a trusted supplier of high‑quality canola.
To protect market access, growers should plan storage carefully and never use malathion in bins intended for canola storage.
Why malathion poses a market risk
Malathion is an insecticide that may be used in certain cereal storage situations, but it must not be used to prepare canola for storage or in bins that will hold canola. Malathion residue can linger in bins for months after treatment and can be transferred from the bin to canola seed, putting marketability at risk.
Canola containing malathion residues:
- Is unacceptable to export customers
- Can damage Canada’s reputation as a trusted supplier
Preventing contamination starts with understanding where and when malathion can be used safely.
Proper use of malathion in grain bins
Malathion may be used to treat cereals and other non‑oilseed grains in bins with insect infestations when the product label allows.
If malathion is used:
- Record the date of treatment
- Do not store canola in that bin during the same growing season
- Clearly identify treated bins to avoid accidental use
Planning bin use ahead of harvest helps reduce the risk of cross‑contamination.
Best practices to prevent malathion contamination in canola
The Canola Council of Canada and Keep it Clean recommend the following storage practices to protect canola quality and market access:
- Clean bins thoroughly before storing canola
- Use only approved bin treatments such as diatomaceous earth prior to canola storage
- Condition canola to safe moisture and temperature levels for long‑term storage
- Keep bins cool, dry and well‑ventilated and inspect them regularly
- Ensure bins are free of treated seed and animal protein such as blood meal and bone meal
Practicing safe storage and keeping malathion out of canola bins helps protect your investment and keeps markets open for all.
Storing your crop properly is just one of the 5 Tips to keep your canola ready for market.
FAQs
Can malathion be sprayed in empty grain bins?
Malathion may be used in empty bins when the label allows, and when those bins will store cereals or other non‑oilseed grains. It must not be used in bins that will be used to store canola during the same growing season.
Can malathion contaminate stored grain?
Yes. Malathion residues can persist on bin surfaces for months and can transfer into stored grain. Oilseeds such as canola are especially vulnerable to absorbing residues.
What precautions should I take?
You should plan bin usage before harvest, record all bin treatments, avoid using malathion in canola bins, clean bins thoroughly and clearly identify bins that have been treated with malathion.
We’re all in
this together.
Do your part to protect the quality and reputation of Canadian crops and help keep markets open for all.
Follow the Keep it Clean 5 Tips to ensure your canola, cereals and pulses are ready for market.