An Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use (Eamu) allows the use of a pesticide on a crop that isn’t approved on its label and they provide vital weed, pest and disease control tools in minor crops.

Where manufacturers or approval holders can’t economically justify, or don’t have the safety data to have a minor crop added to an existing approval, the industry can apply for an Eamu.

It is vital users understand the risks involved – all liability when applying a product with an “off-label” approval falls with the user if the crop is damaged.

Before using an Eamu, growers must have a hard copy, which can be downloaded from Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.

The conditions of use on the Eamu must be studied and followed, as they may have different dose rates and timings from those on the main product label. The Eamu will refer to the main conditions of use on the label, including resistance warnings.

Farmers Weekly asks some agronomists about the importance of Eamus in some common spring crops.

Spring barley

Arable Alliance agronomist Philip Vickers says Eamus are vital to keeping spring barley weed free, with products used almost exclusively off-label approvals.

“Without them we’d be in trouble.”

He uses Avadex plus Liberator in blackgrass situations, but if poppies and other broad-leaved weeds are the focus, pendimethalin and picolinafen-based products reduce reliance on ALS chemistry.

Spring wheat

Hutchinson’s technical manager Dick Neale says there are some useful additions to spring wheat weed control on Eamus, but warns to check the details before use.

Recent changes in crop definitions mean any cereal drilled before 1 February is classed as a winter crop, regardless of whether it is a winter or spring variety.

Conversely, any cereal drilled on or after 1 February is a spring crop for pesticide application purposes.

“You should always check the approval to ensure that it’s legal. Also, check growth stage, drill date and application restrictions too.”

Spring beans

PGRO principal technical officer Jim Scrimshaw says the Eamus available for spring bean growers offer useful herbicide options.

Defy offers extra grassweed activity compared with other partner products, while Dual Gold has activity on blackgrass and boosts broad-leaved weed control.

“They all have their place, but none are answers on their own. You have to ensure good husbandry, such as maximising stale seed-beds before drilling.”

Spring linseed

Premium crops linseed specialist Sam Deane says without Eamus, weed control would be tricky – blackgrass in particular.

Key off-label approvals include maize herbicide Callisto, along with Avadex and post-emergence herbicide Centurion Max.

Mr Deane says Callisto forms the foundation, alongside Avadex at pre-emergence, while Centurion Max and fully approved products are used post-emergence.