With spraying operations expected to ramp up in the coming weeks, producers are being reminded to consider their neighbours to avoid possible drift problems.
PIRSA executive director Nathan Rhodes said significant falls across many parts of SA in recent weeks will lead to increased weed control activity.
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"Producers, particularly those in northern and eastern agricultural and viticultural areas will place a priority on spraying operations in broad acre cropping and vineyards in an effort to control any emerging weeds and minimise potential fungal disease," Mr Rhodes said.
"With the amount of spraying likely to take place, diligence will be required when planning and applying sprays to ensure no spray drift occurs.
"This includes ensuring that spray applications are performed strictly according to label requirements."
Mr Rhodes stressed that weather conditions were taken into account when spraying.
Off-target damage has been an increasing issue in viticultural and horticultural areas, with damage to vines during periods of summer weed control of particular concern.
- NICK HILLIER
"Spraying should not occur under inversion weather conditions which generally exist from evening and overnight through until early morning," he said.
In the coming months, Mr Rhodes said PIRSA would be closely monitoring spray operator activities including through chemical user audits, investigation of reported spray drift incidents and taking regulatory action when non-compliance is identified.
"Anyone found to have deliberately or negligently caused damage to other properties by not following the regulatory requirements for agricultural chemical use can receive a maximum penalty of $35,000 per offence," he said.
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"Such penalties reflect the seriousness of not following mandatory label instructions."
GPSA research, development and engineering committee chair Nick Hillier reminded producers to abide by the industry-endorsed Code of Practice for Summer Weed Control, and to report any spraying practices that could cause spray drift to the agricultural and veterinary chemicals hotline on 1300 799 684.
"Over the past few seasons GPSA has had an ongoing campaign encouraging growers to 'Hit Your Target'," he said.
"Off-target damage has been an increasing issue in viticultural and horticultural areas, with damage to vines during periods of summer weed control of particular concern.
"Growers have rallied to adhere to the Harvest Code of Practice and to not reap grain when the Grassland Fire Danger Index is above 35. GPSA is seeking a similar response from 'Hit Your Target' in which communities of growers work together to minimise the risk of spray drift."
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