Growers are being warned of a label change to the widely used oilseed rape herbicide Galera, affecting cropping rotations as well as making it a spring-only product.

Alternative crops will now require a three-year gap before they can be grown after the new-label Galera (clopyralid + picloram) has been applied.

See also: Oilseed rape yields threatened by beetle damage

These include any crops other than wheat, barley, oats, maize and oilseed rape, which only require a four-month gap.

This could affect a number of growers as they look to satisfy the new three-crop rule and greening legislation by opting for a range of different crops.

John Sellers of Galera manufacturer Dow AgroScience says growers will need to plan ahead in order to comply with new legislation.

In addition to the rotation restrictions, he says ploughing or thorough cultivation should be undertaken prior to planting leguminous crops such as field beans or peas.

While the product formulation remains unchanged, no applications will now be allowed in autumn under the new label. 

It can be applied from 1 March to just before the flowerbuds are visible above the crop canopy and offers control on cleavers, mayweeds, sow thistles and thistles.

Old-label Galera that can be used in the autumn and the spring will stop being sold by distributors at the end of January and needs to be used by final approval date 30 September 2015.

Mr Sellers reminds any growers wishing to use the product before 1 March will need to purchase old label Galera before the end of the month.

The changes come as a result of the re-registration of products containing picloram with new guidelines triggering new requirements.

Dow AgroSciences is working to have most of the rotational crop restriction lifted in the future. The new Mapp number is 16413 (old Mapp 11961).