Features Production Research
New chemicals, mixes, herbicides in new Blue Book

April 10, 2009, Edmonton, Alb. – Crop Protection 2009 – also known as the Blue Book – contains a
considerable amount of updated information, including information on
new chemicals, new mixes and novel herbicides.

April 10, 2009, Edmonton, Alb. – Crop Protection 2009 – also known as the Blue Book – contains a considerable amount of updated information, including information on new chemicals, new mixes and novel herbicides.

The Blue Book is a dependable resource that can help producers make decisions concerning herbicides, pesticides and fungicides controls.

“We are starting to see a trend where some of the older herbicides, insecticides and fungicides are coming off their copyright, so we’re seeing a lot more ‘me too’ products,” says Harry Brook, editor of the publication and crop specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Stettler. “While this means that there is a wider choice for producers, it also means that there’s more confusion with the number of different names for virtually the same thing.”

This year, some very interesting new chemical tools became available for insect control, and there are some new fungicidal chemicals, also. The Blue Book contains information on these new chemicals that will keep producers up to date and help them make the best control decisions.

“The Blue Book is an essential decision making tool,” says Brook, “Twenty years ago, there were 10 to 15 herbicides and a couple of insecticides. Now, there is such a proliferation of products on the market, all of which do different things, that producers really do need to have good information close at hand when making chemical use decisions.”

The Blue Book includes:

• information on how to use, mix and apply chemicals;
• new pesticide registrations, formulation changes, minor-use registrations;
• a complete guide to safety, including protective clothing and first aid; plus
• ideas, tips and directions for sprayer tank clean-out and storage precautions.

The Blue Book is reviewed, updated and produced each year to give Alberta farmers the most current information on chemical treatment needs.

Crop Protection 2009 is now available from Alberta Agriculture's Publication Office, 7000 – 113 Street, Edmonton, AB T6H 5T6, by calling toll-free 1-800-292-5697. The guide can also be ordered on-line at www.agriculture.alberta.ca/publications. The cost of the Blue Book this year is $12, plus GST, plus shipping and handling.