Pyridate herbicide was once a cornerstone of broadleaf weed control in mint before its market withdrawal. Recently the use of pyridate (Tough® 5EC) has been limited to emergency exemption use, also known as a Section 18 label, which must be approved each year. Pyridate is a photosystem II inhibitor used for postemergence weed control of select broadleaf weeds including pigweeds.
If you choose to use pyridate in your overall mint weed management program, please review both the Section 3 label on the herbicide container and the Section 18 use directions.
Some of the key points are below:
-The applicator must have both the container label and the Indiana Section 18 directions on hand at the time of application.
-Applications are limited to Jasper, Kosciusko, LaGrange, LaPorte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski, Starke, and St. Joseph counties.
-A maximum of 11,200 acres may be treated state-wide.
-Only one application of 24 fluid oz/acre may be made per season.
-Target weeds smaller than 3” tall and/or the 4-leaf stage, and ensure good coverage.
-The effective dates for the Section 18 label are from May 21, 2020 through August 31, 2020.
-Do not apply within 49 days of harvest.
