OFF LABEL approval for the use of one protectant fungicide on a range of horticultural crops has been announced by Interfarm (UK).

Dithane (mancozeb) can now be used on asparagus, beetroot, celery, celeriac, chicory, courgettes, marrow and pumpkins to protect against a range of downy mildews, rusts and leaf spots, the firm said.

The product already has label recommendations for use in wheat, oilseed rape and potatoes and SOLA’s (Specific Off-Label Approval) on onions, garlic, daffodils and pharmaceutical poppies in the UK, said technical manager, David Stormonth.

“As a multi-site fungicide, it offers an effective anti-resistance component to any spray programme which is very important in the horticultural and arable sectors.”

The dose rate for use in asparagus, beeteroot, celery, celeriac, chicory, courgettes, marrow and pumpkins is 2kg/ha, which is also the maximum total dose.

The product has no LERAP restrictions and the latest time of application varies for each crop, the firm said.