PitchPlant Protection Product ComparisonPlant Protection Product ComparisonReport inaccuraciesReport inaccuracies

A foliar applied herbicide for the control of annual and perennial grasses and broadleaved weeds before sowing or planting all crops. For use pre-harvest in cereals and certain other crops, destruction of grassland, and in stubbles, orchards, green cover on land not being used for production, forestry and non-crop areas.

 

Contains Nufarm’s patented Advanced Salt Technology.

Broad label including the key post sowing pre-em uses.

Excellent tank-mix compatibility.

Concentrated 540 g formul

Pack size: 15 litres.

Bulk bins: 1000 litres

Storage: PROTECT FROM FROST

 

When using with rotary atomiser knapsack sprayers the minimum water volume must be 40 l/ha.

When applying through rotary atomizers the spray droplet spectrum must be of a minimum Volume Median Diameter (VMD) of 200 microns.

When using with hydraulic knapsack sprayers the maximum concentration must not exceed 22.5 g glyphosate/litre of water (equivalent to a maximum individual dose of 417 ml PITCH per 10 litres of water per hectare).

The empty container must be returned to the supplier.

The empty container must not be re-used for any other purpose.

Weedwipers may be used in any crop where the wiper does not touch the growing crop.

For stump application, the maximum concentration must not exceed 133 ml per litre of water

Maximum concentrations used must not exceed the following: Weedwiper mini 1:3.0 dilution with water

Other wipers 1:1.5 dilution with wate

 

IMPORTANT: This information is approved as part of the Product Label. All instructions within this section must be read carefully in order to obtain safe and successful use of this product.

 

EXTREME CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO AVOID SPRAY DRIFT AS THIS CAN SEVERLY DAMAGE OR DESTROY NEIGHBOURING CROPS AND PLANTS.

DO NOT MIX, STORE OR APPLY PITCH IN GALVANISED OR UNLINED STEEL CONTAINERS OR SPRAY TANKS.

DO NOT leave spray mixtures in tank for long periods and make sure tanks are WELL VENTED.

 

A period of at least six hours and preferably 24 hours rainfree must follow spraying.

DO NOT spray onto weeds which are naturally senescent, or where growth is impaired by drought, high temperatures, a covering of dust, flooding or frost at, or immediately after application, otherwise poor control may result.

DO NOT spray in windy conditions as drift onto desired crops or vegetation could severely damage or destroy them.

As PITCH takes a few days to fully translocate throughout a weed, applications of lime, fertiliser, farmyard manure and pesticides should be made five days or more AFTER application of this product. After application, large concentrations of decaying foliage, stolons, roots or rhizomes should be dispersed or buried by thorough cultivation before crop drilling.

 

PITCH is a foliar acting herbicide which controls annual and perennial grasses and most broadleaved weeds when used as directed. It is translocated from treated vegetative growth to underground roots, rhizomes or stolons.

It is important that all weeds are at the correct growth stage when treated, otherwise some re-growth may occur and this will need re-treatment.

Annual grasses and broadleaved weeds should have at least 5 cm of leaf, or two expanded true leaves, respectively.

PERENNIAL GRASS WEEDS MUST HAVE A FULL EMERGENCE OF HEALTHY, GREEN LEAF WHICH IS GROWING ACTIVELY AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION. COMMON COUCH REACHES THE SUSCEPTIBLE STAGE OF GROWTH WHEN TILLERING AND NEW RHIZOME GROWTH COMMENCE WHICH USUALLY OCCURS WHEN PLANTS HAVE FOUR TO FIVE LEAVES EACH WITH 10–15 CM OF NEW GROWTH.

THE MAJORITY OF PERENNIAL BROADLEAVED WEEDS ARE MOST SUSCEPTIBLE IF TREATED WHEN THEY ARE GROWING ACTIVELY AND AT, OR NEAR, FLOWERING STAGE.

ANNUAL WEEDS SHOULD BE GROWING ACTIVELY, WITH GRASSES HAVING AT LEAST 5 CM OF LEAF AND BROADLEAVED WEEDS AT LEAST TWO EXPANDED TRUE LEAVES WHEN SPRAYED.

IN SET-ASIDE, annual grasses are best treated at full ear emergence, or before stem elongation. Application during stem extension phase of annual grasses e.g. Blackgrass and Brome species on set-aside between the end April and end May may result in poor control and require re-treatment.

BRACKEN should be treated after frond tips are unfurled, but pre-senescence.

This product will not give an acceptable level of control of Horsetails (Equisetum arvense) – repeat treatment will be necessary.

Weeds become less susceptible to PITCH when their growth is restricted by natural senescence or by drought, frost, high temperature, a covering of dust or flooding. Reduced control will result if such conditions occur at, or immediately after, spraying.

 

Upon soil adsorption the herbicidal properties of PITCH are lost permitting the drilling of crops 48 hours after application.

Occasionally, a slight check to crop growth may occur, particularly after direct drilling, when crop seeds germinate amongst a mass of decaying foliage, stolons, rhizomes or roots. Thorough cultivations are necessary to disperse or bury the decaying organic matter. Consolidate loose soils and ensure crops are adequately fertilized and appropriate measures are taken to prevent insect and fungus damage to the following crop, especially where following grassland.

Planting of trees and shrubs etc. may take place seven days after application. Grass seed may be sown from five days after treatment; see ‘Recommendation Tables’ for specific instructions on direct drilled crops.

 

There is low risk for the development of weed resistance to PITCH.

Growers are encouraged to implement a weed resistance strategy based on (a) Good Agricultural Practices and (b) Good Plant Protection Practices by:

Following label recommendations

The adoption of complimentary weed control practices

Minimising the risk of spreading weed infestations

The implementation of good spraying practice to maintain effective weed control

Using the correct nozzles to maximise coverage

Application only under appropriate weather conditions

Monitoring performance and reporting any unexpected results to Nufarm UK Limited.

Strains of some annual weeds (e.g. Blackgrass, Wild oats and Italian ryegrass) have developed resistance to herbicides which may lead to poor control. A strategy for preventing and managing such resistance should be adopted. This should include integrating herbicides with a programme of cultural control measures. Guidelines have been produced by the Weed Resistance Action Group and copies are available from the HGCA, CPA, your distributor, crop adviser or product manufacturer (Nufarm).

 

It is essential to thoroughly clean-out spray tanks, pumps and pipelines and nozzle or disc assemblies, with a recommended detergent cleaner, between applying this product and other pesticides to avoid contamination from pesticide residues. Traces of PITCH left in the equipment may seriously damage or destroy crops sprayed later.

 

Apply, when the moisture content of the youngest crop grains is below 30%, not less than seven days before harvest. Wheat crops, wheat volunteers and broadleaved weeds may require up to 14 days before harvest .

Use high clearance tractors with narrow wheels and crop dividers.

DO NOT TREAT CROPS GROWN FOR SEED.

Straw may be used for all purposes except as a horticultural mulch.

After harvest chop/incorporate, or remove straw as required.

Normal cultivations may be made after straw removal.

Effects on brewing and baking have not been tested. Consult grain merchant or processor before use.

NOTE: If dull weather persists after application, allow up to 14 days before harvest – particularly on broadleaved weeds. Annual nettle, Volunteer potato, Rosebay willowherb and Polygonum weeds will not be susceptible at harvest management rates.

 

Apply when crop seeds have less than 30% moisture content.

Apply to standing crops at these intervals before harvest:

oilseed rape 14–21 days

mustards 8–10 days

Use high clearance narrow wheeled tractors using wide booms and crop dividers.

DO NOT TREAT CROPS GROWN FOR SEED.

For effective combining:

DO NOT treat crops with significant levels of secondary regrowth.

DO NOT treat late maturing areas of crops caused by pigeon damage, poor drainage, etc.

Crops suffering from stress, disease, extreme heat or drought may not mature evenly following treatment.

After harvest, chop/incorporate, or remove straw as required.

Normal cultivations may follow after straw removal.

 

Apply when crop seeds have less than 30% moisture content.

Apply seven days or more before harvest.

This treatment cannot be used as a crop desiccant.

Use high clearance tractors with narrow wheels and crop dividers.

DO NOT TREAT CROPS GROWN FOR SEED.

 

Apply when crop seeds have less than 30% moisture content. At this stage seed is normally light brown and the capsules are brown; the stems and leaves may be green to yellow/green.

Accurate measurements of moisture content must be made.

Apply 14 days or more before harvest.

A delay of up to 28 days after spraying may be necessary prior to combine harvesting.

Where application takes place late in the autumn, it must be checked that weeds are still susceptible. See earlier section on weed control.

DO NOT TREAT CROPS GROWN FOR SEED.

 

Do not cultivate BEFORE spraying.

Allow a minimum of five days to elapse between spraying and cultivations or drilling.

Allow volunteer potatoes to make ample top growth before spraying.

A minimum period of 21 days weed growth in the spring should occur before spraying.

Allow seven days before planting trees.

Cultivations may be made 24 hours after spraying.

Direct drilling may take place two days after spraying.

 

All top fruit crops may be planted from seven days after spraying.

Trees must have been established for two years before spraying.

Spray AFTER autumn leaf-fall and BEFORE:

Apples, pears – green cluster stage

Stone fruit – white bud stage

Avoid contact with tree branches and trunks above 30 cm from the ground.

Treat suckers in late spring only.

 

Weeds should have grown actively for at least 21 days before spring applications.

Avoid application during stem elongation as reduced control and re-spray is likely.

Best control of annual grasses is achieved between full ear emergence and senescence.

Perennial weeds – apply not less than five days before drilling or cultivating.

Annual weeds – apply not less than 24 hours before cultivation.

Ensure that all management rules are followed prior to use on land taken out of production as part of a grant aided scheme.

Do not top or cultivate before spraying.

Do not direct drill after set-aside.

 

All machines should be capable of applying accurately 80–250 l/ha, as a MEDIUM or COARSE quality spray (BCPC definition) within a pressure range of 1.5–2.5 bars using 80 or 110 degree nozzles. For application pre-harvest of crops it is essential to use a sprayer whose boom may be raised to the correct height.

For general use 200–250 l/ha is the preferred volume range. For specific uses, volumes may be reduced to 80–120 l/ha by selecting low volume hydraulic nozzles, and adjusting pressure of application and tractor forward speed.

Pressures must be related to tractor forward speed, desired water volume and nozzle type. A range of 1.5–2.5 bars must be used to ensure optimum results with minimum risk of drift.

Speed of travel must be related to nozzle output characteristics. The typical range is from 4–9 kph. The slower speeds should be selected for applications pre-harvest of crops and where soil conditions could cause excessive boom bounce and yaw at faster speeds.

80 or 110 degree nozzles able to apply the required volume at pressures between 1.5–2.5 bars at between 4–9 kph are recommended.

Half fill the spray tank with water and start agitation. Add recommended quantity of PITCH herbicide, top-up tank with water to required level. To avoid foaming do not use top tank agitation. Use of a defoamer may be necessary.

Before using a sprayer and, especially, after nozzles have been changed, it is essential to calibrate the sprayer by checking the output of at least one nozzle for each separate boom section of the sprayer.

Check the following before starting to spray:

The nozzles are aligned evenly at the correct angle to the direction of travel.

The boom is level over its width.

The boom height permits the correct pattern of spray overlap on the target weeds.

Product sold in bulk (1000 litre) containers must only be transferred from the top of the container using the correct dry-break coupling system. The container must only be opened as instructed. The concentrate must be sufficiently agitated and recirculated to ensure homogeneity before use.

 

The following rotary atomiser applicators may be used to apply this product:

Cleanacres Dual-Option Sprayer

CDA Boom and CDA Lightweight

Horstine Farmery Microdrop

Lely Hydraspin

Tecnoma Girojet

Stir the correct amount of PITCH to control the target species into the sprayer bottle filled with clean water. Top up with water, close the top and shake gently to ensure good mixing. Do not tank-mix.

 

Set the spray droplet Volume Median Diameter to within the range 200–300µm for each machine – this corresponds to a MEDIUM or COARSE quality spray (BCPC definition) and the volume of application to 40 l/ha.

 

Apply at 4–9 kph having calibrated the sprayer accurately. Ensure that sprayer bouts are matched by using markers.

 

These may be used in orchards and non-crop areas. Normal water volume is 200–300 l/ha but by fitting low volume nozzles it can be reduced to 100–150 l/ha. All applications to be as a MEDIUM or COARSE quality spray (BCPC definition).

When used at a walking speed of one metre/second to apply a swath of one metre width, most knapsack sprayers fitted with a Lurmark AN 2.0 or similar nozzle deliver approximately 200 l/ha spray volume (or 10 l per 500 m2 ). To apply 2.67 l/ha of PITCH, therefore, use 26 ml of product for each two litres of spray liquid required. Similarly, knapsack sprayers fitted with low volume nozzles such as Lurmark AN 1.0 typically deliver approximately 100 l/ha spray volume. To apply 2.67 l/ha PITCH in this case, use 52 ml of product for each two litres of spray liquid required.

 

This technique may be used in top fruit orchards and in non-crop areas only. Use a concentration of one part of PITCH herbicide plus three parts water and add a water-based dye if required.

 

For use in arable crops and grassland areas. Ensure there is at least 5 cm between the top of the tallest desired vegetation and the impregnated wiper. Weeds should be a minimum of 10 cm taller than the desired vegetation for safe application. Two passes in opposite directions will be needed where weeds are dense and successive applications will be required to control weeds that were below the original wiping level. Treat before weed seeds have matured to reduce to a minimum seed return to the soil, Bolting beet should be treated by a series of three applications during early July to early August with two weeks between treatments.

WEEDS MUST BE GROWING ACTIVELY TO BE SUSCEPTIBLE.

DO NOT USE WIPER TECHNIQUES IN SOFT FRUIT CROPS.

 

Keep stock out of treated areas for seven days to allow the herbicide to become fully effective. TREATED POISONOUS PLANT SPECIES MUST BE REMOVED BEFORE REGRAZING OR CONSERVING.

 

Please contact your Nufarm distributor for a full list of compatible mixtures. Do not tank-mix this product with other pesticides or fertilisers, EXCEPT when directed by Nufarm, as a reduced level of weed control may result.

 

This section is not part of the Product Label under the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 (or Plant Protection Products Regulations 1995) and provides additional advice on the product.

 

PITCH herbicide is an advanced formulation containing the isopropylamine and potassium salts of glyphosate. PITCH is taken up by foliage and translocated to underground roots, rhizomes and stolons, providing control of both annual and perennial grasses and broadleaved weeds. PITCH is rapidly adsorbed onto particulate matter in soils and water and is quickly degraded by the micro-organisms present in soil and aquatic bottom sediments. Until degraded, the active ingredient in PITCH, glyphosate, is practically immobile in soils and is, therefore, unlikely to contaminate groundwater.

To maximise the safety of PITCH to the operator, consumer and environment, the label recommendations and the DEFRA/HSE/DETR publication ‘Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Pesticides on Farms and Holdings’ (Green Code) should be adhered to.

 

Symptoms of treatment are generally first seen 7–10 days, or longer (if growth is slow), after spraying. These take the form of leaf reddening followed by yellowing and are usually quicker to appear on grasses than on broadleaved weeds. Reaction of nettles is slow.

 

Ensure that the sprayer is in good working order by paying particular attention to the condition of the pump, hoses, nozzles or disc assemblies and pressure gauge. Replace damaged, worn or malfunctioning parts. If extra filtration or pressure damp valves have been fitted for low volume work at 80–120 l/ha make certain this equipment is clean and functioning correctly. Carry out maintenance according to the instructions of the sprayer manufacturer. This is of utmost importance when using low volume nozzles.

 

It is essential to thoroughly clean-out sprayer tanks, pumps and pipelines and nozzle or disc assemblies, with a recommended detergent cleaner, between applying this product and other pesticides to avoid contamination from pesticide residues. For example, after spraying this product pre-harvest in cereals the equipment MUST be cleaned completely before it is used to apply a potato blight fungicide, particularly in seed crops.

 

Follow the guidance on the disposal of surplus spray solution, tank washings, concentrate and containers as given in the DEFRA/HSC/NAW publication ‘Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products’ of January 2006.