Pre-harvest glyphosate staging tips help produce market-ready crops 

As harvest approaches, Keep it Clean is reminding Canadian canola, cereal and pulse growers to follow proper staging practices for pre-harvest glyphosate application to help protect crop marketability and preserve access to domestic and export markets. Applying pre-harvest glyphosate for weed control too early can result in unacceptable product residues in harvested grain. 

Keep it Clean’s Pre-Harvest Glyphosate Staging Guide provides visual examples to help growers identify when grain moisture content in canola, cereals and pulses is less than 30 per cent – the only stage at which pre-harvest glyphosate may be applied. Where allowed, glyphosate is registered for pre-harvest weed control and is not to be used as a desiccant. Pre-harvest glyphosate may only be applied when grain moisture content is less than 30 per cent in the least mature part of the field, including any areas of regrowth that may produce seed. 

“Glyphosate is an important tool in the grower’s toolbox for crop management, and when it comes to pre-harvest glyphosate, timing is everything. By waiting until grain moisture in the least mature part of the field is below 30 per cent, growers can ensure their crop meets market standards and help keep markets open for all,” says Krista Zuzak, Director, Crop Protection and Production at Cereals Canada.  

To avoid unacceptable residue levels, growers should always follow the product label for application rate, timing and pre-harvest interval (PHI). Harvesting earlier than recommended can increase the risk of unacceptable glyphosate residues in harvested grain. 

When using glyphosate for pre-harvest weed control in a tank mix with other products, such as saflufenacil, products must still be applied when grain moisture content is less than 30 per cent in the least mature part of the field. Growers must also follow the PHI of the most restrictive product label. 

On-farm practices make a difference in protecting Canada’s reputation as a trusted supplier of high-quality canola, cereals and pulses. Growers, agronomists and retailers are encouraged to use the Keep it Clean Pre-Harvest Glyphosate Staging Guide and confirm any market-specific requirements with their grain buyer before applying pre-harvest glyphosate.